Young Rider Development Programs

Lil Riders & Rising Riders (Ages 3-7)

Are your little ones interested in learning everything and anything about horses? Our early pathway programmes introduce young riders to the world of horses in a way that helps them feel safe, confident, and capable from the very beginning—while still having fun.

Lil Riders is the starting point of the equestrian journey. Riders who are ready for a more structured format may progress into Rising Riders, subject to coach approval, readiness, and cohort fit.

Make new friends

Gain Confidence

Practice new skills

Lil Riders

Ages 3–6 | 1.5 hours | $55 per session | Small-group experience

Lil Riders is a fun, safe, hands-on introduction to the world of horses and ponies. Rooted in Equestrian Canada’s Long-Term Equestrian Development Active Start model, each session builds physical literacy, emotional confidence, respect for the animal, and genuine barn confidence—while still leaving lots of room for fun.

Children learn through guided pony interaction, grooming, basic horse care, themed activities, and a pony ride as part of the overall experience.

Your child will gain:

•Safe interaction with horses and ponies

•Basic grooming and care skills

•Confidence moving through a barn environment

•Early balance and coordination development

•An understanding of horses’ needs and welfare

We keep groups small to protect safety, individual attention, and horse welfare. When a session is full, registration closes.

Registering is simple: Select an available date through Square. Once payment is complete, Belle Wood will email your waiver to finish the registration process.

Upcoming Dates

Spots are released in limited to 8 participants each month and fill quickly—especially in spring.

If you’re considering it, the best time to register is while availability remains.

A Note for Parents

Children who are introduced to horses slowly with their learning and growth stages in mind:

Develop confidence in the barn, on the horse and with themselves faster
Build stronger skills
Experience less fear and frustration learning new skills and trying new experiences

This stage shapes everything that follows!

Join the Belle Wood Grass Roots Series with your Lil & Rising Rider

Bloom & Grow Play Centre Lead-line Division

Sponsored by Bloom & Grow Play Center, our Leadline Division is designed to give our youngest riders a fun, positive introduction to the horse show experience.

Riders are led by a handler and can participate without needing to ride independently. The focus is on confidence, participation and having fun while learning what it feels like to enter the show ring in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

This division is a natural extension of Belle Wood’s Lil Riders and Rising Riders programs and reflects what our Grass Roots Schooling Show Series is all about — creating safe, age-appropriate opportunities for riders to learn, grow and celebrate their progress.

Our Next Show Dates are September 20th & October 4th

Take the next steps

Build on Experience

Practice new skills

Next Step | Rising Riders

For riders age 5+ who have completed at least two Lil Riders sessions and are ready for more structured riding, hands-on pony care, and a steady next step at the barn.

Rising Riders builds independence, understanding, and consistency through weekly riding and horsemanship. Placement is based on each rider’s readiness and the best cohort fit.

Rising Riders 1.0 | Semi-Private Foundation

A fixed cohort of two riders. One 1.5-hour appointment each week with close guidance in riding, pony care, grooming, tacking up, untacking, and foundational riding skills including balance, position, starting, stopping, and steering.

$425 + HST monthly

Rising Riders 2.0 | Small-Group Progression

A fixed cohort of three riders for riders who are ready to use the arena more independently while continuing to develop riding skill, horsemanship, and confidence. Progression into Rising Riders 2.0 is at coach discretion.

$395 + HST monthly

Rising Riders contact instruction

Rising Riders is not self-booking. Families must contact the office for placement.

To request placement, email info@bellewoodeq.com with the rider’s name, age, riding experience, and preferred availability. Belle Wood will confirm readiness, cohort fit, availability, and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can my child go straight into Rising Riders?”
Only after completing a minimum of 4 Lil’ Riders sessions and coach approval. This ensures safety and readiness for next steps and new skills.

“Does my child need prior experience?”
No! This pathway is designed specifically for children who have absolutely ZERO horse experience!

“Why not just start in the regular weekly lesson program?”
This foundation creates safer, more confident riders from the start and allows children to learn and grow in a relaxed environment geared specifically for them.

“Can we try one session first? I am not sure my child will enjoy being around horses?”
Yes! Many families begin with one session and have the option to move into a package after.

"What happens after I pay for Lil Riders?"

Your Square payment reserves your spot while space remains available. Belle Wood will then send the required waiver by email. Registration is complete once the waiver is returned.

"How do we register for Rising Riders?"

Please email info@bellewoodeq.com with your rider’s name, age, riding experience, and preferred availability. The office will confirm readiness and the best cohort before enrolment.

"After four sessions, the difference in Katie is incredible. The coaches are patient, knowledgeable, and truly understand how to teach young kids properly. You can see how much thought has gone into the structure of the program—nothing feels rushed. The repetition builds real confidence, and the kids stay completely engaged the entire time. What stands out most is how seriously Belle Wood takes safety while still creating a positive, encouraging environment. It feels like they’re building something long-term, not just filling a time slot." - Ashley & Katie