I’m looking for safe kid friendly hunter/jumper barn for my 4year old daughter to start up down lessons. We have a pony so need to board as well. Not looking for fancy $$$$ show barn. Important to me that she learn all the important fundamentals. We’re a horsey family but my trainer doesn’t do littles. Thanks
Try googling or looking for local places that are starting to book up pony camps for summer. Those would be great options because lots of kids at the barns all day and you could always try to get pony there for April/May to give kid a bit of a pre-exposure and some catch-up rides to get her closer to kids that might be 6 or 7 that are beginners.
OP, while I have no help for the kid friendly boarding barn search - may I gently suggest that you might be able to teach your 4 yr. old daughter the " important fundamentals". You know her best, but in general four year olds love games and fantasy play. Good riding fundamentals can be slipped right in with the games and play.
At this point you want safety, good balance, confidence, basic design of position, understanding and respect for her pony. They love to weave and ride between cones, walk over poles, and play games. Pool rings and tennis balls in the toes of crew socks are great manipulatives for little hands. Drape a sock/ball over a jump or fence rail, ride to it, reach keeping balance and heels down and then ride to a bucket for the drop. Go on an epic fantasy journey around the ring, here is the bridge; we have to 2 point over it. Of course this is all assuming that current pony and daughter are a safe combo.
If you want a few lesson plans for your little home schooler, try looking at Horse Sense Learning levels. They have a Rainbow Level designed for 5-7 that may give you some ideas. This is such a good time to play and have fun with your daughter. Now if she is already zipping around and you are feeling that for your sanity a more structured program is needed - well my post is moot
My grandson likes to trot, play a game, then he’s " done now". Then its help with barn chores and bring back perfect poop balls to mom. Good luck and keep having fun.
Some trainers might want the child to be a little older because they do not want to have a liability if something happens.
I found this place http://www.ocalaeq.com/lesson-pricing--packages.html
Half way down the page there are Little Stirrups Lessons. You could see if they could give lessons on your horse.
7 & Under Beginners
$25/per half hour
A great way to start your young equestrian! Learn how to groom, ride, and care for a horse.
Like mentioned above at such a young age kids need to have fun, learn balance, and most importantly respect for the horse.
Winning Ways - Veronica Baver/Breanna Cohee (Williston/Ocala line off of 160th)
TKO Farms - Kelley Oliver (121 in Williston just outside of downtown)
Eden Farms - Megan Galloway (SW 42nd St Ocala; more or less behind Walmart)