What are our Tiny Tots Sessions?

If you have a small child who already loves animals, or one who watches ponies from the other side of a field with wide eyes, Tiny Tots is the gentlest way to encourage that curiosity.

Tiny Tots is our introduction to horses and riding for children aged 3 to 5, held every Friday afternoon at Bourne Vale Stables in Aldridge, near Birmingham. Sessions run for thirty minutes in a small group, with a calm pony and an experienced instructor. Children sit on the pony and have their first little ride during the session, when they feel ready. There is no rush and no performance.

Is Tiny Tots a riding lesson?

No. At least not in the traditional sense. More often than not, children at this age are not ready for a structured riding lesson, and we do not offer lessons to anyone under six for that reason. However, Tiny Tots has been designed to bridge that gap. It gives children the time to feel comfortable around the ponies first, so that when they sit on and ride, they do it feeling confident and safe.

Some children are happy to sit on within five minutes. Others want a bit longer to feel ready. Either way, the half hour belongs to them.

Is it safe?

Yes. The pony used for Tiny Tots is chosen for temperament, calm by nature and well used to small children. The instructor and helpers stay with your child throughout, the pony is led at all times, and a riding hat is provided for their time on the pony. The session is short and gentle, and your child is never pushed to do anything they are not ready for.

What happens in a Tiny Tots session?

The instructor will introduce your child to the pony, help them feel at ease being close, and guide what comes next based on how your child responds.

Riding hats are provided. We ask that your child wears shoes with a small heel and long trousers, not shorts. There is nothing else to bring. Parents are able to stay and watch for the whole thirty minutes.

Being in a small group is part of what makes Tiny Tots work. Children find their confidence quicker in the company of other children of a similar age, and there is something nice about doing something brave alongside a new friend.

Who is Tiny Tots for?

Tiny Tots is for children aged 3 to 5. We think it is the best way to introduce a small child to horses and to riding, without pressure and without the structure of a formal lesson. The goal is simple: by the time your child turns six and is ready to join our Pony Pathway 45-minute classes, they already feel happy and comfortable around the horses, and they know what to expect when they walk onto the yard.

More than that, we believe Tiny Tots sets children up for a lifelong love of horses. Introducing them at the right age and in the right way means they grow up at ease around these animals, rather than put off by them.

We are based in Aldridge, just outside Walsall, with easy access for families from Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and the surrounding town and villages in the West Midlands.

How do I book?

Tiny Tots runs on Fridays at 4:30pm. Sessions are thirty minutes long and cost £20 per child. Places in each group are limited, so booking in advance is essential. If you would like to book, or have any questions before you do, please get in touch through the website or give us a call. We look forward to meeting you and your child, and to helping pass our love of horses on to the next generation.