We are seriously lacking in children's activities in Gaston, Cleveland, Lincoln, and surrounding counties- you asked and we made it happen! Introducing our Tiny Tots program geared towards children ages 3 to 6. This program aims to provide a positive, hands on introduction to ponies and smaller horses in a fun, low pressure, and age appropriate environment.
Halcyon Pastures has children sized Western and English saddles available to use for the program. All equines are carefully selected for their calm and quiet dispositions in order to build a love of the animal in their early years that will last a lifetime. As Tiny Tots grow and develop into committed equestrians, they are invited to join our weekly Lesson Program.
Halcyon Pastures has children sized Western and English saddles available to use for the program. All equines are carefully selected for their calm and quiet dispositions in order to build a love of the animal in their early years that will last a lifetime. As Tiny Tots grow and develop into committed equestrians, they are invited to join our weekly Lesson Program.
What to Wear
- All students must wear long pants, closed toed shoes (no Crocs please), and tops that cover their shoulders.
- Please dress Tots according to the weather. In colder months, students may wear gloves. Dressing them in zip-off layers is best so layers may be easily put on or removed so the student stays comfortable.
- We will be providing and fitting ASTM/SEI equestrian specific helmets (disinfected after each use) to your Tot that must be worn for the full 30 minute session.
Example Session Outline
∼Minute 1-10
Students will be fitted for helmet and introduced to the pony waiting on crossties in the barn. They will be taught how to safely pet a pony and use a brush to engage in basic grooming. We will tack up the pony up together to prepare for riding.
∼Minute 10-20
They will have a 10 minute pony ride at the walk in our enclosed indoor arena. If they are intimidated by riding, we can spend time interacting with the pony on the ground by working on skills such as learning how to lead the pony.
∼Minute 20-30
We will untack the pony on crossties and once again engage in basic grooming. Student will then learn basic skills such as naming parts of the pony or how to feed the pony a treat out of a bucket. Most of our ponies even know tricks such as 'shake', 'bow', and nodding 'yes'!
∼Minute 1-10
Students will be fitted for helmet and introduced to the pony waiting on crossties in the barn. They will be taught how to safely pet a pony and use a brush to engage in basic grooming. We will tack up the pony up together to prepare for riding.
∼Minute 10-20
They will have a 10 minute pony ride at the walk in our enclosed indoor arena. If they are intimidated by riding, we can spend time interacting with the pony on the ground by working on skills such as learning how to lead the pony.
∼Minute 20-30
We will untack the pony on crossties and once again engage in basic grooming. Student will then learn basic skills such as naming parts of the pony or how to feed the pony a treat out of a bucket. Most of our ponies even know tricks such as 'shake', 'bow', and nodding 'yes'!
Tiny Tot Learning Goals
- How to safely spend time around ponies
- Learn basic grooming skills
- Mount and dismount a pony with assistance
- Intro to riding, basics of reins and stirrups
- Gain confidence in themselves through a new experience
- Build a love of the animal
- Feed treats using a bucket
- Learn simple parts of the horse such as eyes, ears, mane, tail, hooves, etc.
- Become familiar with tack used to ride
Scheduling
Beginning in January 2024, Tiny Tots will run in 8 week semesters on Monday evenings with (3) session times available from 4-4:30, 4:30-5:00, or 5:00-5:30 pm. The Tot's 30 minute session time will remain on the same day and time for the entire 8 week semester. Tentatively, the 2024 Tiny Tot semester dates are as follows:
• Winter- January 8th to February 26th
• Spring- March 18th to May 6th
• Summer- May 27th to July 8th
• Summer II- July 29th to September 16th
• Fall- September 30th to November 18th
Semester space is limited, session times are scheduled based on first registered, get first pick with each 8 week semester AT CAPACITY with (3) students.
Beginning in January 2024, Tiny Tots will run in 8 week semesters on Monday evenings with (3) session times available from 4-4:30, 4:30-5:00, or 5:00-5:30 pm. The Tot's 30 minute session time will remain on the same day and time for the entire 8 week semester. Tentatively, the 2024 Tiny Tot semester dates are as follows:
• Winter- January 8th to February 26th
• Spring- March 18th to May 6th
• Summer- May 27th to July 8th
• Summer II- July 29th to September 16th
• Fall- September 30th to November 18th
Semester space is limited, session times are scheduled based on first registered, get first pick with each 8 week semester AT CAPACITY with (3) students.
Pricing
Tiny Tot Trial Session- $40 per trial session offered every Tuesday and Thursday with session times at 4-4:30, 4:30-5:00, or 5:00-5:30.
If your enjoyed their one time per student trial session, you are able to immediately register them for the next available 8 week semester.
Tiny Tot 8 week Semester- $360 for 8 sessions on Mondays from 4-4:30, 4:30-5:00, or 5:00-5:30 pm for 8 weeks in a row
Tiny Tot Trial Session- $40 per trial session offered every Tuesday and Thursday with session times at 4-4:30, 4:30-5:00, or 5:00-5:30.
If your enjoyed their one time per student trial session, you are able to immediately register them for the next available 8 week semester.
Tiny Tot 8 week Semester- $360 for 8 sessions on Mondays from 4-4:30, 4:30-5:00, or 5:00-5:30 pm for 8 weeks in a row
The First Session
Please arrive a few minutes prior to your Tot's session time and park anywhere near the green and white barn. Upon arrival, the parent/guardian must fill out a Tiny Tot Release Form and Training Agreement and/or a Waiver for their Tot while they are being fitted for a helmet.
The first few (or even three plus!) sessions can be overwhelming for Tots. Even a pony looks large when you're a Tiny Tot. It's kind of comparable to an adult meeting a Tyrannosaurus rex! If a Tot is unsure, we are happy to break sessions down into smaller steps which allows them to learn at their own pace within their comfort zone. That might even look like the Tot successfully petting the pony during their first session and that is 100% acceptable. As they attend more sessions, little by little we begin to build their confidence with equines.
Please visit the following links below for helpful tips on how to introduce your Tot to the equine world prior to their first session.
Please arrive a few minutes prior to your Tot's session time and park anywhere near the green and white barn. Upon arrival, the parent/guardian must fill out a Tiny Tot Release Form and Training Agreement and/or a Waiver for their Tot while they are being fitted for a helmet.
The first few (or even three plus!) sessions can be overwhelming for Tots. Even a pony looks large when you're a Tiny Tot. It's kind of comparable to an adult meeting a Tyrannosaurus rex! If a Tot is unsure, we are happy to break sessions down into smaller steps which allows them to learn at their own pace within their comfort zone. That might even look like the Tot successfully petting the pony during their first session and that is 100% acceptable. As they attend more sessions, little by little we begin to build their confidence with equines.
Please visit the following links below for helpful tips on how to introduce your Tot to the equine world prior to their first session.
Tiny Tot Program Policies
Upon expressing your interest in the program using the 'How to Get Started' section below you will be emailed our Tiny Tot Release Form and Training Agreement for your review. This Agreement must be signed along with a Waiver prior to their first session week one of the eight week semester. The first four of eight sessions must be paid in full prior to week one of the semester via credit card on file.
Our facility includes an indoor arena so sessions run rain or shine. Once a Tiny Tot is enrolled their semester is non-refundable and non-transferable. If you are having issues with scheduling availability, please contact us for options.
Upon expressing your interest in the program using the 'How to Get Started' section below you will be emailed our Tiny Tot Release Form and Training Agreement for your review. This Agreement must be signed along with a Waiver prior to their first session week one of the eight week semester. The first four of eight sessions must be paid in full prior to week one of the semester via credit card on file.
Our facility includes an indoor arena so sessions run rain or shine. Once a Tiny Tot is enrolled their semester is non-refundable and non-transferable. If you are having issues with scheduling availability, please contact us for options.
How to Get Started
- Please ensure you have fully read this webpage.
- Decide which option suits your Tot. If your Tot tends to be unsure about new experiences, it is recommended that parents/guardian's purchase the Trial session before committing the full 8 week semester.
- All trial sessions must be paid in full and weeks 1-4 of an 8 week semester must be paid prior to your Tot's first session.
For trial sessions, please contact us at (704) 830-6847 (text preferred) or by email at [email protected] with the following information.
Your Name: (First and Last)
Your Tot's Name: (First and Last)
Option Selected: Trial
Desired Form of Payment: (Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, or billed via email to be paid through your secure banking app)
To register for an 8 week semester, please contact us at (704) 830-6847 (text preferred) or by email at [email protected] with the following information.
Your Name: (First and Last)
Your Tot's Name: (First and Last)
Semester Selection: Winter
Email:
Best time to call to obtain Credit Card Information: - Once payment has been processed, we will text you the available trial sessions to schedule your Tot's session or to confirm your Tot's enrollment in an 8 week semester. For trial sessions, please reply as soon as possible with your desired date and time slot to secure your Tot's trial session.