Junior Riders – Balance & Basics Program (Ages 6–7)
Looking for a fun, confidence-building horseback riding program for your 6–7-year-old in the Columbia, SC area?
Our Junior Riders – Balance & Basics Program is designed just for this special age group.
Unlike our more structured English and Western riding lessons, this program focuses on the joy of riding while introducing the essential foundations your child will need as they grow into a confident equestrian.
We keep lessons at a walk only in the beginning, so young riders can safely work on:
- Balance in the saddle through fun games and challenges
- Clear communication with their horse using gentle cues
- Confidence in controlling the horse without pressure or stress
A Different Approach for Young Riders
We understand that riders ages 6–7 are full of energy and curiosity but may not be ready for the demands of a strict, skill-packed lesson. That’s why our program combines playful riding activities, mounted balance games, and gentle steering practice to help them learn naturally.
Every 30-minute riding session is filled with variety, so your child stays engaged and excited — from “follow-the-leader” to cone weaving and beanbag balance challenges. And because grooming, leading, and tacking are done outside of the riding time, every minute in the saddle is focused on learning through fun.
Why Parents Love
the Junior Riders Program
- A safe, supportive environment for beginners
- Builds skills without overwhelming young riders
- Encourages a lifelong love of horses
- Prepares children for future English or Western horseback riding lessons
Give your 6–7-year-old a riding experience that blends fun, learning, and horse time.
Our Junior Riders – Balance & Basics Program is the perfect stepping stone from first pony rides to confident, independent riding lessons.
Your First Junior Riders Lesson
During your personal; first lesson with us, we will go over your young riders goals, tell you about our program and our facility - if you like we can tour the Equestrian area of the farm.
We will then have one of our lessons ponies prepared for a short lesson for your young rider.
On the end we will go over what we have learned about you and offer you what program would work best for you here at Pony Gang English riding Columbia.
$ 55
Program & Prices
Pony Gang Young Riders Lessons Program
Junior Rider Bronze
- Access to 4 mounted lesson a month
- Access to our Online Learning platform
$ 220 / month
Junior Rider Silver
Everything in Bronze Level PLUS
- Access to 4 additional lesson for a total of 8 lessons a month
- Unlocks opportunity to become part of our Show team
- Unlocks access to discounted camp tuition
$ 420 / month
Why is horseback riding great for children ages 6–7?
Our Junior Riders – Balance & Basics Program is designed to meet the unique needs of 6–7-year-olds — an age when kids are eager to learn but still benefit most from a playful, low-pressure approach. When taught in a safe, age-appropriate way, horseback riding can offer incredible physical, emotional, and social benefits for children in this stage of development.
Physical development: Riding helps improve balance, coordination, and core strength. Our walk-only focus allows riders to build a secure seat, strengthen posture, and develop muscle control in a relaxed way.
Confidence building: Starting to steer, stop, and communicate with their horse — even in small ways — gives riders a sense of achievement. Each new skill mastered builds their self-esteem and belief in their abilities.
Social skills: Junior Riders interact with instructors, barn helpers, and sometimes other children in their group, learning to listen, follow instructions, and communicate clearly.
Connection with animals and nature: Spending time outdoors with gentle, well-trained horses helps kids appreciate the natural world and develop empathy for animals.
Emotional benefits: Horses respond to calm, consistent cues, which teaches patience and emotional self-control. Many children also find the time spent with their horse to be relaxing and uplifting.
Cognitive development: Through fun riding games and activities, riders practice problem-solving, decision-making, and cause-and-effect thinking.
Our Junior Riders program bridges the gap between beginner pony rides and structured riding lessons. By focusing on balance, communication, and safety in a playful way, we give young riders the skills and confidence they need to thrive when they move on to more advanced horseback riding.
Get In Touch
WE ARE NOT OFFERING ONE TIME RIDES OR TRAIL RIDES!
Please don't contact us or book a assessment lesson if you are only looking for a fun family weekend activity or one time ride. Bookings under false pretense will be automatically cancelled and a refund for payments will be made.
Thank you!!
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