Games we already know

Round the World - Left leg over the ponies neck so sitting sideways. Then right leg over bottom so sitting backward. left leg over again so sitting sideways (but on other side) Then right leg over neck so sitting properly again. (REquires safe pony that doesn't mind children swinging legs over neck and the occasional bump on rump especially if they do it quickly. Can do this as a race sending them back the way they came. Can also ask them stable management questions at each stop around the world (for example they have to name a type or colour of pony, name a part of saddle or bridle, or football teams work better for boys!)

Thread the Needle - They keep one foot in the stirrup. The other leg comes over the ponies neck and pokes into hole made by leather and leg.(The eye of the needle) They move/turn so they are facing the panel of the saddle,supported by stirrup and swing other leg back over so sitting correctly.

Scissors - Swing there leg over the back so both legs on one side and they are supported on their hands. Click their heels together 3 times and then swing their leg back.


The train is coming into the station - The rider or ride if more than one are the train. Instructors names a letter and that is where the train stops. Practises transisition from trot, through walk to halt. Once passengers loaded off they go again in walk and then trot. Cantering if it is an express train. Can have emergency red lights for points failure.


Traffic lights . Red means stop, Amber means walk, Green means trot.

The Jungle Game. We made this one up ourselves so please add any other you can think of.

Riders go round the school and helper / instructor calls out following. If a large group the last person to react is out. If just one or two we do it until we have had enough (Can be along time if young!)

Cheeky monkeys - riders have to grab their hats in case the monkeys steel them.
Snake in the trees - riders have to duck or they get bitten.
Crococdiles - pick up their feet or their boots get stolen.
Bears - Stand still or get eaten.
Lions / Tigers - we allocated a particular corner they had to go to to be safe. With older children could allocate a name to each corner but can be difficult to remember which is which for young children so stick to one or two dangerous animals.

Teaching Children to ride

Keeping boys interested in riding ponies while teaching them something at the same time is a real skill. I would love some new ideas of games and silly lessons to keep them amused and riding.