Young Rider Development Programs
Lil Riders & Rising Riders (Ages 3-7)
Are your little ones interested in learning everything and anything about horses? The early years in riding matter more than most people realize! Our goals are to introduce new riders to the world of horses in a way that makes them they feel safe, confident, and capable from the very beginning while having fun!
Our Lil Riders program is the starting point to your equestrian journey! After mastering Lil Rider, riders are then graduated to our Rising Rider program and eventually to our weekly lesson program.
Typical beginner lesson programs focus on getting kids on horses quickly and obtaining new milestones on the horse in a fast-paced environment. At Belle Wood, we wanted to create an introduction to riding that starts from gaining confidence from handling the horse on the ground and learning how to be around horses and ponies.
That difference shows up later—in confidence (both in and out of the saddle!), safety, and long-term progress.
Make new friends
Gain Confidence
Practice new skills
Lil Riders
Ages 3–6 | 1.5 Hours | $55/Session | Group Session | $195.00 ( 4 Pre-Paid Sessions )
Our Lil Riders program offers a fun, safe and hand-ons introduction to the world of horses!
This program is rooted in Equestrian Canada’s Long-Term Equestrian Development (LTED) “Active Start” model—focusing on physical literacy, emotional confidence, and respect for the animal. These sessions include educational aspects as well as fun crafts, games and hands-on activities for young minds!
What your child will gain:
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Safe interaction with horses and ponies
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Basic grooming and care skills
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Confidence moving within a barn environment
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Early balance and coordination development
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Understanding of horse care and needs
A pony ride is included as part of the overall experience!
We keep group sizes small to ensure:
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Safety standards
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Individual attention
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Horse welfare
Once sessions are full, registration closes. We do not overbook or expand beyond capacity.
Next Step | Rising Riders
Ages 4–7 | 1.5 Hour | $65 per session | Individual Session | $245 (4 Pre-Paid Sessions)
The next step in the pathway, Rising Riders is the secondary progression after Lil’ Riders.
Students enter this program after completing a minimum of 4 Lil’ Riders sessions, and once coaches determine they are ready to work through a more structured format.
Each session is designed to build independence, understanding, and consistency:
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Grooming, tacking up the horse and understanding equipment
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Guided riding instruction focused on balance, position and crucial skills (starting, stopping, steering).
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Untacking and after ride horse care
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Barn awareness and horsemanship education
This stage bridges the gap between introduction and full lesson programming—ensuring riders are confident, capable, and safe before progressing.
Upcoming Dates
Spots are released in limited numbers each month and fill quickly—especially in spring.
If you’re considering it, the best time to register is while availability remains.
Summer Lil Riders Dates
2:00-3:30pm
Saturday July, 4th- Oh Canada Pony Day
Saturday July, 11th- Country Kids Rodeo
Saturday August, 15th-Splash & Saddle Day
Saturday August, 22nd- Unicorn Academy
Saturday Septemeber 5th- Fall Into Horses
A Note for Parents
Children who are introduced to horses slowly with their learning and growth stages in mind:
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Develop confidence in the barn, on the horse and with themselves faster
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Build stronger skills
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Experience less fear and frustration learning new skills and trying new experiences
This stage shapes everything that follows!
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.
"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