Young children are often fascinated by horses and eager to ride, but they learn differently from older children. Their size, strength, attention span, coordination and developmental readiness all affect how they can safely learn around horses.
At Trinity River Farm & Equestrian Center, our Preschool Horsemanship Program gives young children an age-appropriate way to begin learning real horsemanship while building confidence, independence and important developmental skills along the way.
Our program incorporates the Horse Sense Learning Levels Rainbow Level, an introductory horsemanship curriculum created especially for young riders who are not yet ready for the independence expected in traditional beginner riding lessons.
Rather than simply giving children an occasional pony ride, Rainbow Level allows young riders to begin learning actual riding, horse-care and safety skills—with the assistance and support appropriate for their age.
Preschool-age children can learn an amazing amount about horses when instruction is adapted to the way young children learn.
Through age-appropriate mounted and unmounted activities, children begin learning real horsemanship skills including horse safety and care, grooming, balance, steering and simple riding skills. Along the way, they build confidence, coordination, attention, independence and responsibility.
Young riders receive the level of assistance appropriate for their age and ability, allowing them to learn safely while gaining genuine experience with horses.
Parent or caregiver participation is required.
Whether your child is visiting the farm to try this out for the first time or returning for additional experiences, we offer several options to fit your family’s needs.
Our Preschool Experience Options
A personalized one-hour experience for one child and their parent or caregiver. Perfect for children who benefit from individualized attention.
Ages 4-6 1 Hour $60.00
Designed for two children to enjoy a shared horse farm experience with plenty of hands-on activities and individual attention.
Ages 4-6 1 Hour $50.00 per child
Click Here to Register
(Note: Each participant registers separately)
A fun, interactive experience for 4-6 children that encourages confidence, curiosity, friendship, and early horsemanship skills.
Ages 4-6 1 Hour $45.00 per child
Click Here to Register (Note: Each participant registers separately)
Please contact us before registering for a small group experience. We’ll work with you to find a day and time that works well for your group’s scheduling needs.
Save with our discounted four-session packages, available for Private, Semi-Private, and Small Group experiences.
Perfect for children who benefit from individualized attention and enjoy building confidence through regular visits.
4 One-Hour Sessions Ages 4-6 $225.00
Designed for two children who would enjoy learning together over four weekly sessions.
4 One-Hour Sessions Ages 4-6 $175.00
Note: Please contact us first to let us know you would like to schedule a semi-private.
(Note: Each participant registers separately)
An option for between 3-6 children who enjoy learning in a small group while building friendships and confidence.
4 One-Hour Sessions Ages 3-5 $175.00
Note: Please contact us first to let us know you would like to schedule a group.
Q – Is this a riding lesson?
A – Children learn real beginning riding and horsemanship skills, but the program is designed specifically for preschool-age children. Mounted activities are combined with horse care, safety and other age-appropriate learning experiences.
Q – What will my child be doing?
A – Activities may include grooming and caring for horses, learning horse safety, mounted activities, games and other hands-on farm experiences. Activities are adapted to each child’s age and ability.
Q – How are small groups organized?
A – Small groups are designed for 3–6 children and work especially well for friends, homeschool groups, playgroups, church groups and other organized groups. Please contact us before registering so we can arrange a date and time for your group.
Q – Does my child need horse experience?
A – No. Previous horse or farm experience is not required. The program is designed for beginners and adapted to each child’s age, abilities and comfort level.
Q – Will I stay with my child?
A – Yes. A parent or caregiver accompanies each child throughout the experience and participates as appropriate.