Pony riding for 5 yr old beginner near Guildford?

[YumYumMummy]

Can anyone recommend where I can go near Guildford to introduce my 5 year old to pony riding? A real animal lover but has been nervous around horses. Did a 5 minute ride at a farm recently and has been asking for more ever since. A taster or trial session with a place geared up for kids would be ideal, with a view to regular lessons after that. Thanks!

Hi - met someone from the Shetland Pony Club (www.shetlandponyclub.co.uk) at Hatchlands fete last week. They seemed very nice.

I asked about lessons and think she said they start from age 4yrs. If your 5 yr old is nervous maybe good place to start with small ponies!

Not quite sure where they are based but I think she said not far from Guildford.

Thanks Ell - only just seen your message. I will check them out.

Hi - Can't recomend Shetland pony club enough, it's brilliant. They are based between Cobham and stoke d'abernon (think it's shetlandponyclub.co.uk for details). Have taken my 2 year old twice and she loved it. Very child friendly outfit, they make a big deal out of making sure the child feels comfortable with the ponies - grooming / feeding etc and then a gentle walk through a field. It's pricey from £20 per session, but well worth it i would say

Sheltland ponies I agree, also one of my DDs rode at white lane farm for a few years, its just outside guildford, dont know if they will do 5 year old though. Or even if it is still open tbh!! But very friendly woman ran it, good instructors my shy DD was happy to be left there and improved huge amounts very quickly.

White Lane is still open, I ride past it quite frequently, they do have some little ponies there but not sure what age kids they take. My friend used to be an instructor there and she thought the place was good.

Steadmans stables in Wood Street village a nice family run outfit

Shey Copse at Pyrford is the centre that the Council use for horse riding holiday courses so it must meet all the current regulations:

Here

It's just a shame that the information on their website is so old!

Mandy Have you been to Shey Copse?

Hf I've heard good things about it but not actually been.

Thanks PorkChopSter

It looks nice from what I've seen walking near by.

No, I haven't been there just noted the name from the Fun Attack booklet. I have been to Smarts Heath (Mayford) when I was a child but not sure if there's still a stables there.

Mandy - thanks.

Hi, my 9 year old rides at Holistic Horse and Pony Centre in Ockham, which is lovely. The instructor / owner Wendy is a brilliant teacher, and great at giving confidence to nervous riders.