Never underestimate how much kids love pampering their horse on the ground… buy some animal-safe paints and colorful ribbons and hold a pony-decorating party (maybe for Halloween or July 4th).
This is a self-promoting response, but you don’t necessarily need to purchase mine as there are others published. I just published a riding journal to keep a daily log of your riding adventures. The design, particularly the pages are catered to young riders. There’s space to log what you did that day with your pony, goals, and notes.
Etsy Shop:
https://rstyle.me/+sV_EXkWwUol99pPxscgKIA
(it’s also available on Amazon)
But, even if you don’t purchase mine I find it helpful, if not reminiscent when you’re older to go back and read what you did with your ponies.
The barn owner had set up a working equitation course to play with in the indoor arena. So my daughter was able to play with that which she really enjoyed. After that she rode on the pathway from the barn into one of the outdoor arenas to finish up and practice some “homework” her instructor gave her.
So far she’s having a blast.