Pony Riding & Animal Husbandry
Spend an hour or a day getting to know the horses and ponies at the Island Riding Centre
Hands-on Pony Care
Participate in immersive animal husbandry sessions, learning to groom and tack up their ponies. This hands-on experience teaches youngsters about equine anatomy, life cycles, and the high standards of care required for domestic animals.
Not Just A Pony RideEducation Destination
Why not visit the famous Island Riding Centre, learn about animal husbandry and take a pony for a ride around an obstacle course?
Perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike, in this half-day session students will muck out, groom and feed the ponies and horses on the site, along with filling hay nets and learning about stable management. This will be rounded off with an exciting pony ride around an obstacle course in the arena, configured according to the experience level of the rider.
Or, come for the whole day and work towards an ABRS Rosette in pony health or points of a horse, as well as all of the above activities!
Confidence in the Saddle
Beginner-friendly riding lessons focus on balance and coordination. For many pupils, this is their first time on a horse, providing a significant boost to self-esteem and resilience as they master new physical skills in a safe environment.
Active Healthy Living
Riding is a fantastic way to promote physical fitness and outdoor activity. The session encourages core strength and spatial awareness, showing students how working with animals can be a key part of a healthy and disciplined lifestyle.
Understanding Behaviour
By interacting with the horses, students learn to read non-verbal cues and body language. This develops empathy and emotional intelligence, as they must communicate calmly and clearly to build a bond of trust with their four-legged partners.
A Residential Highlight
For a school group, a trip to the stables is often the most talked-about part of the week. It offers a perfect blend of high-energy fun and curriculum-linked discovery, set within the beautiful countryside of the Isle of Wight.