When it comes to pairing up a child with a horse, we take it very seriously. Factors like size and temperament are taken into consideration, and ability and confidence are also points of importance. Children must get to know the horse slowly at first, and gradually build up a relationship with the animal.

Did you know? Facts about ponies

• When compared pound for pound, ponies are actually stronger than a regular-sized horse, despite their smaller size.
• Ponies usually have a gentler disposition and a steadier spirit in general. However, like humans, each one has its own personality.
• People with disabilities are often recommended horse-riding as a form of therapy.
• Ponies are very intelligent, and, when spoken to, they often respond better to our tone of voice than to our words. They also have a remarkable memory – some say even better than an elephant’s.
• Ponies are physically different from horses in stature and structure. They have shorter heads, thicker necks and shorter legs. This makes them ideally suited to children whilst they are learning to ride.
• There are over 200 different breeds of pony in the world – the Shetland pony being the most well-known and, some say, the cheekiest!
• ‘You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink’. Spot on. Ponies only drink when they are thirsty.
• Contrary to what most people think, ponies are not baby horses but simply a smaller breed of horse.