All bookings are ONLY for interested future weekly lessons students and current students taken weekly lessons — not for one-time rides or trail rides.

Bookings made otherwise will be cancelled.

Little Riders Pony Time near Columbia, SC

Gentle Pony Experiences for Ages 18 Months–5 Years

Little boy is loving his Tiny tot riding lesson

Where little riders safely meet, care for, and ride ponies.

Is your little one fascinated by horses and ponies but not quite ready for formal riding lessons?

Little Riders Pony Time at Pony Gang Riding Academy is a gentle, age-appropriate introduction to ponies for children ages 18 months through 5 years. Located in Hopkins, SC, near Columbia, our program gives young children the opportunity to become comfortable around a calm pony while building confidence, curiosity, coordination, and respect for animals.

Little Riders Pony Time is about much more than a pony ride. Children are encouraged to meet their pony, participate in simple grooming and pony-care activities, learn basic safety, and enjoy a closely supervised lead-line ride.

Tiny Tot girl is loving her lessons pony

More Than A Pony Ride

We believe a child's first experiences with ponies should be positive, relaxed, and fun.

Little Riders do not simply arrive, ride, and leave. Each Pony Time appointment allows children to interact with their pony before, during, and after the ride.

Activities are adjusted according to each child's age, comfort, cooperation, physical readiness, and interest. Some children may be ready to sit on the pony right away, while others may spend more time brushing, observing, or simply becoming comfortable.

There is no pressure to progress at a certain speed.

What Happens During Little Riders Pony Time?

Each appointment is reserved as a 30-minute Pony Time experience.

Meet, Groom & Prepare – Approximately 10 Minutes

Little Riders begin by meeting their pony and participating in simple, age-appropriate pony care.

Activities may include:

Brushing the pony
Practicing gentle touches
Learning where it is safe to stand
Helping with simple pony preparation
Following basic safety directions

Pony Time – Approximately 15 Minutes

When the child is comfortable and conditions are appropriate, they may enjoy a closely supervised lead-line pony ride.

Pony Time may include:

Becoming comfortable sitting on a pony
Balance and body-awareness activities
Gentle movement exercises

The pony is led by Pony Gang staff. Little Riders are not expected to steer or control the pony independently.

Thank & Care for the Pony – Approximately 5 Minutes

Before leaving, children help finish their pony experience through simple aftercare.

They may help remove equipment, give the pony a final brush, return a grooming tool, offer a gentle pat, and say goodbye to their pony.

Girl is doing balance games during her lessons

boy is learning to sit and balance on his pony

Program at a Glance

Ages: 18 months–5 years
Length: 30 minutes
Schedule: Weekly or biweekly
Enrollment: Month-to-month
Tuition: $35 per scheduled appointment
Experience: Grooming • Pony Care • Supervised Lead-Line Riding
Location: Hopkins, SC, near Columbia
Experience Required: None

Ready for Your Little Rider's Pony Adventure?

Give your child the opportunity to meet, care for, and ride a pony while building confidence and creating special memories along the way.

Enroll in Little Riders Pony Time at Pony Gang Riding Academy near Columbia, SC.

Flexible Monthly Enrollment

Families may choose a weekly or biweekly Pony Time schedule based on availability. Enrollment continues month-to-month, with your child’s recurring weekday and time reserved for the month.