TOT AND PRESCHOOL LESSONS

We offer Half Hour Private lessons or Group Pony Preschool Classes

Ages 2-5

Private Lessons for Ages 2-5: MiniPros lessons are about giving kids a positive horse experience and providing pony activity time. Some of our MiniPros students attend because their parents have larger horses and mom and dad want their little one to ride a pony they can be more independent with. Other MiniPros students come because they love animals and mom and dad like the wholesome atmosphere the barn provides. Parents love the serenity of the stable and the way horses facilitate mental, emotional, and physical growth for their child through balance exercises, 1-on-1 interaction with a teacher, and thought-provoking questions.

Preschooler Rates:

Price for Lessons: Once per week half-hour private riding lesson plus 1 unmounted horsemanship class per month $300/mo
Price for Preschool Pony Class: see below

What is Horsemanship Class?

Horsemanship class is about learning the skills that we don't have time to teach in a regular lesson. For example, grooming, saddling, horse care, tack cleaning, horse anatomy, horse colors, mucking pastures, etc. Horsemanship classes are great for allowing horse crazy youngsters to make a friends! While kids at this age need private lessons for safety, a group horsemanship class allows them to make friends who share their love of animals and passion for horses.

Questions? Text for More Info!

How Do We Teach Early Childhood Horse Lessons?

A message from our founder:

"I absolutely love teaching tots and preschoolers. Memories of teaching my own girls when they were ages 2–6 are some of the best memories of my life. Kids at that age learn so much while being on a horse. Little by little they begin to sit up straight, focus, and start proudly showing you all the things they know.

In lessons, we play games to help kiddos identify colors, animal names, body parts, opposites, and directions (like left, right, across, over, under, around, behind, beside, etc) . Kids get to practice following instructions and answering questions just like they would in school. In many exercises, we count the horse's steps, listen to music, follow a pattern, and talk about emotions, like being brave and kind to their horse.

We teach self-control and gratitude for the animal - appreciating the horse for being gentle and listening. Through lessons, kids gain so much coordination, core strength, and awareness— awareness both of themselves and of the horse or pony. It’s such an amazing age in a child’s life, and it’s a privilege to help so many kiddos grow up. I’m very happy to provide lessons to this age group to supplement their early childhood education."

— Kali Kiger, Founder

PRESCHOOL PONY CLASSES

Calling all kiddos ages 2, 3, 4, and 5! Preschool Pony Class is back! Fresh air, friends, and horses! An inexpensive, low-commitment way to find out if you child is passionate about horses!

Class Details:

Class meets once per week. Riders take turns riding a pony on a lungeline and play on gymnastics mats and vaulting barrels while waiting. We provide helmets (bike helmets are not allowed). Class is taught using a bareback pad with handles in order to reduce time changing stirrup length and so parents do not have to buy boots. To learn what we do in class, scroll down to read a message from our founder below.

Program Cost:

$150 per month for walk riders. $195 per month for trotting riders. Class is 60-90 minutes depending on number of kids (capped at 6).

Location:

22500 Alfalfa Market Rd, Bend

We have an indoor arena with good airflow so can ride in all weather over 20 degrees.

What to Bring:

We provide helmets but bring a horse helmet if you have one (no bike helmets). Pants and closed toed shoes are required. We recommend if children like class parents that parents buy a horse helmet after a couple lessons.

Group Details:

We need a minimum of 3 children of the same age range to form a group. Limited to 6 kids per cohort. Please note that unfortunately we are not trained or insured for therapeutic riding.

Friendships:

If students want to continue after the initial 4 weeks we will try to keep the same cohort going forward together so kids are able to establish lasting friendships.

P.E. Component:

- Vaulting on horseback

- Physical conditioning for better riding

- Stationary barrel drills

- Gymnastics drills on mats

1-2 Volunteers Needed and Much Appreciated!

Orientation:

A pre-recorded virtual class is provided with class in order to provide an orientation for parents and kids. We will also provide a handful of 'just for fun' materials for parents to continue their children's enjoyment of horses at home - simple videos, worksheets, and coloring pages for inspiration and education. These are included at no cost to enrich the lives of our wonderful students and families.

Text or call 541-508-6998 with any questions.