New Forest - best pony rides for total novice 8 year old?

[upthegardenpath]

Just that.

Going in May for 3 nights and have a horse mad 8 y.o. who would love to get on a pony, for the first time.
We saw some little kids and her age group kids, last time we were in that area, all in a row, walking their ponies over the moorlands.
Stupidly didn't ask which school they were attached to.
Really want it to be the best experience for her, as she's never done this before.

Thanks

[upthegardenpath]

bumping

[iMatter]

I would try Arniss at Godshill.

[upthegardenpath]

Thanks!
Has anyone tried Burley Manor Stables? Apparently it's very close to where we are staying...

[northernshepherdess]

You'll be best to ring round.
All schools have nice safe "plodders" but with the best will in the world, you won't stop a horse/pony dashing off if something spooks it so it's very difficult to find a school that does novice hacks unless you're willing and they request you or staff leading the horse.
But... don't give up.
Certainly search "novice hacks", try phoning the new forest visitor centre in Lyndhurst.

www.thenewforest.co.uk/activities/stables.aspx

[upthegardenpath]

Thanks northern will do that.

[northernshepherdess]

Np.
Don't forget to buy a willow wand in Burley village. There's also a marvellous wine shop where you can buy pretty much any wine you can think off.
Absolutely loads of geo - caching too.