What is PAL Around Pony School?
PAL Around Pony School was created by Ride From the Start LLC in 2012. It was born out of a desire to better meet the needs of families looking to introduce their young children to horses in a safe and fun environment. We pride ourselves on offering a unique program, which mixes many of the elements of a typical preschool experience with an age-appropriate level of immersion in the world of horses. After many years of providing this high-quality children’s program to the families of Jefferson and Berkeley Counties, WV, we are excited to make PAL Around Pony School available to children across the country. Ride From the Start LLC is dedicated to introducing children across the country to the exciting world of ponies and horses through the implementation of the PAL Around Pony School curriculum by well-trained, friendly, and competent instructors.
PAL Around Pony School is offered in sessions consisting of four one-hour “parent and child” classes. Each class includes stories, songs, hands-on activities, a horse lesson, a craft/manipulative, and a short riding lesson. Children learn a wide range of information about ponies/horses, have fun, become more confident and comfortable around ponies, and gradually learn to control the pony at the walk. This is an ideal program for small children who are fearful around large animals but will also provide enough hands-on time to please children more eager to interact with the horses.
Some specific topics that may be covered include:
· What do horses eat?
· How do horses tell us how they are feeling?
· How do we take care of horses?
· What do horses like to do?
· How do we tell the horses what we want them to do?
· What makes horses happy and healthy?
· How do we keep horses clean and shiny?
· What kinds of equipment do we need to ride?
· What colors are the horses and how do we tell who’s who?
· How do we talk our parents into buying us a pony? Okay, not really : )
Sessions begin each month March-November. Session price varies by location.
Helmets will be provided, but parents may want to consider purchasing one for their child if they have concerns about sharing helmets. Helmets will be required when children are on the pony.
Parents should keep in mind that children will probably get dirty (maybe very dirty!) at Pony School and should remember this when dressing their child. Children will need to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.
Because of the types of activities involved, and the inherent risks of having small children around horses, an adult should be present at all times with each child.
For available locations and schedules, please check the PAPS Location and Instructor Page. The schedule for each facility is linked from that page.
Press for PAL Around Pony School
Check out the Inspired Riding podcast!
Beth Lauren Parrish, of Inspired Riding, says, "Another fun interview! I’m so excited that this program exists! Focusing on Empathy for young riders? Yes please! Thank you for being a wonderful guest, Shelley!" LISTEN HERE: A Bright Future for Young Riders! An Interview with PAL Around Pony School, Shelley Manley
Also, here's a recent article from the Jefferson County (WV) Development Association:
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Ride From the Start, where little riders take big first steps into the world of horses! Founded by Shelley, this one-of-a-kind program—PAL Around Pony School—introduces children ages 2.5 to 5 to horses through stories, songs, hands-on learning, and, of course, pony rides!
Curious about how Shelley turned her love for horses and child development into a growing national program? Read the full spotlight here: Tiny Riders, Big Dreams: The Story Behind Ride From the Start | Jefferson County Development Authority
AND, here's another article from way back in 2012 when we were just getting started:
