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.
Junior Riders – Balance & Basics Program (Ages 6–7)
Fun, confidence-building horseback riding lessons for kids in Columbia & Hopkins, SC
Give Your 6- or 7-Year-Old the Right Start in Riding
Looking for safe, beginner-friendly horseback riding lessons for your 6- or 7-year-old near Columbia, SC? Our Junior Riders – Balance & Basics Program is designed just for little equestrians who are ready to move beyond pony rides and start building real riding skills.
We focus on skill-building riding lessons at first to help young riders learn foundational skills in balance, coordination & confidence—without pressure or rush.
What Your Child Will Learn
Each Junior Riders session includes about 30 minutes in the saddle and an additional 30 minutes of hands-on horsemanship. This balance ensures your child not only learns to ride but also develops the confidence and responsibility that come from caring for their pony.
In the saddle (30 minutes):
- Balance in the saddle through fun games, challenges, and mounted activities designed for beginners
- Gentle communication & clear cues with the horse—building trust, responsiveness, and understanding
- Confidence & safety control — learning to steer, stop, and ride calmly without pressure
- Physical development through improved coordination, posture, and core strength in a supportive, age-appropriate way
On the ground (around 30 minutes):
- Fetching & leading their pony safely with guidance, learning respect and responsibility
- Grooming skills — brushing, cleaning hooves, and bonding with their horse before the ride
- Tacking up — step-by-step practice in saddling and bridling, preparing independently for their lesson
- Building a foundation of horsemanship and care, giving your child the skills to become a confident, independent young rider
This combined approach of riding and hands-on horse care makes our program stand out from simple pony rides. It ensures your child learns not only how to ride, but also how to understand, respect, and care for their horse—a complete experience that prepares them for future English or Western horseback riding lessons.
How We Do It Differently
We know children ages 6–7 are full of energy and curiosity, but they may not yet have the focus or attention span for highly structured, technical lessons—especially if they are coming straight from school to the barn. That’s why our Junior Riders – Balance & Basics Program is designed to meet them where they are.
Tailored lessons for every child: Each riding session is adapted to your rider’s needs and comfort level. Depending on their progress, lessons may include traditional arena work, an easy trail ride, or early trot practice on the lunge line. This variety keeps learning exciting while building a safe, age-appropriate riding foundation.
Hands-on horsemanship outside the saddle: Before riding, children practice fetching, leading, grooming, and tacking their pony. This not only prepares them for the lesson but also teaches independence, responsibility, and respect for their horse.
A supportive, positive environment: We create a safe, encouraging space where young riders stay engaged, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of horses.
This flexible, child-centered approach ensures kids don’t feel overwhelmed, while parents know their child is gaining both riding skills and horsemanship in a fun, age-appropriate way.
Why Parents Choose Our Junior Riders Program
- Safe & beginner focused — specifically designed for 6-7 year olds, with experienced instructors and well-trained horses/ponies
- Builds essential skills without overwhelm — we nurture, not push
- Encourages a lifelong love of horses and outdoor learning
- Prepares for English or Western horseback riding lessons without compromising fun
Program & Prices
Pony Gang Young Riders Lessons Program
Ready to Get Started?
Give your child a riding experience that’s fun, safe, and full of growth. The Junior Riders Program is the perfect bridge from pony rides to confident, balanced horseback riding.
Book your first lesson today, or contact us to learn more about our lesson schedule, instructors, and how we support young riders on their equestrian journey.
What to Expect in Your First Lesson
Your child’s first riding lesson will include:
1. A friendly meet & greet to discuss your child’s comfort, goals, and any past experience with horses
2. A tour of our facility, including our riding arena and ponies
3. A short, walk-only riding session on one of our lesson ponies—just enough for your child to get comfy in the saddle
4. After riding, a recap of what we observed and personalized guidance on which program level (Bronze, Silver, etc.) fits best
$ 55
Junior Rider Bronze
- Access to 4 mounted lesson a month
$ 220 / month
Junior Rider Silver
- Access to a total of 8 mounted lessons a months
- Unlocks access to discounted camp tuition
$ 420 / month
=Why Horseback Riding at this Age Matters
Riding at ages 6-7, when done properly, offers big benefits beyond just fun:
- Physical growth: Improved balance, posture, core strength, coordination
- Confidence building: Achieving riding milestones boosts self-esteem
- Emotional learning: Patience, responsibility & calmness in working with a gentle horse
- Social & cognitive development: Listening to instructors, following cues, decision-making in riding games
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