​​​"Building Confidence & Strength: Helping Kids Thrive Through Partnering With Ponies and Play."

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Hands-on learning in a safe, supportive environment. 

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Welcome to our lesson program! We are super excited to have you join us! Below you will be able to find all the information needed to get you started. Did you know we even offer lessons for kids as young as age 2! 

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​What's unique about our program: 

Our pony program is designed for kids and teens ages 2-16. All levels are welcome; you do not require any experience. We deeply value teaching children a solid horsemanship foundation throughout lots of hands-on groundwork exercises with and without the horses. Our lovely wooden and barrel horse, designed specifically for teaching a solid foundation, helps our students feel confident, balanced, and understand responsive communication before riding in the saddle. All students, regardless of their age and level, are guided at their level and get a chance to learn new skills each lesson. We utilize a lot of play therapy techniques, which will make your lessons diverse from your regular riding class. Using play allows any child, regardless of their age, to communicate with the ponies and us. We only offer private or semi-private lessons so we can ensure our client receive all the guidance they might need to chase their pony dreams. We give children all the tools they need to become successful horse handlers. 

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Why ponies: 

Ponies often have a bad reputation: "the sassy, mischievous pony". We are here to show the world that ponies have incredible talents, and when understood and cared for properly, they are every child's dream. Our ponies each have a unique story of their own that helps connect children. Together, they achieve goals you could not have even imagined. Due to their size, they help our students feel safe and become independent. Each pony has a minimum of 2 years of handling experience in our training program and gets worked with in between sessions to ensure they stay triple-kids safe. The ponies who are part of our programs have naturally shown interest in being part of a lesson program. We strive to ensure everyone always gets listened to and only used if they want to. All ponies are ridden bitless and are taught with gentleness and connection. Ex: Simple breathwork is used to stop them! Additionally, our ponies receive optimal nutrition to avoid all the pony health troubles, pasture management, every 6-8-week farrier care, and monthly body work or more when needed to feel at their best! Our team is very dedicated to ensuring the ponies receive the best care possible at all times! 

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We utilize a wooden horse and a barrel horse to help teach a solid foundation and work on lots of balance exercises and have a better seat in the saddle. 

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Why Horsemanship: 

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Engaging in horsemanship offers a multitude of benefits across all age groups, encompassing physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.

 

Physically, horseback riding enhances muscle strength, coordination, and cardiovascular health. The rhythmic movement of riding improves balance and posture, while the activity itself serves as a moderate-intensity exercise contributing to overall fitness.

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Emotionally, horsemanship fosters confidence and emotional regulation. Interacting with horses builds self-assurance as individuals learn to handle and communicate with these animals effectively. Additionally, the non-judgmental nature of horses provides a calming presence, aiding in the reduction of anxiety and stress.

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Cognitively, horsemanship enhances social skills and personal development. Engaging in horsemanship activities often involves teamwork and communication, which can improve social interactions and relationships. Furthermore, caring for a horse teaches responsibility and fosters empathy, as individuals learn to understand and meet the needs of their equine partners.

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Incorporating horsemanship into one's life offers a holistic approach to personal growth, blending physical activity with emotional and cognitive development, all within the context of a meaningful relationship with horses.

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About the facility: 

4180 Waverley Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, just 4km off the Perimeter Highway! Offering 2 big indoor arenas, one small insulated indoor arena, a variety of indoor classrooms, on-site trails, an outdoor playground, and much more! Washroom, waiting room, and lots of parking available. Clean, newly transformed facility! Programs run year-round. 

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Safety: 

Signed waivers: will be required before the start of each new program. Due every 12 months.

Helmet: is mandatory for all students - available at no extra cost for use during lessons. We replace our helmets every 5 years or after an accident. 

Safety vest: optional - available at no extra cost for use during lessons.​

Shoes with 1/2 heel: not available to borrow 

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Looking for riding pants: "Rebel Riders by Sweet" on Facebook sells lightweight, breathable, super comfortable riding pants. Lots of fun designs and colours available, and you can customize them however you want! Lots of our students and endurance riders adore them! $70/pair. Send them the code "FLORIANE" to receive $20 off! 

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​Pricing: 

Private Lesson: $85/hour

Semi-Private Lesson: $75/hour/P.P. (2 kids)

Pre-pay 10-lessons: $800​

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BOOKING:​

Floriane and her team are super excited to meet you and your children. Services available in English and French.

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Please contact us directly to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. If you would like to sign up your kid(s) for any of the programs below, send us an email, and we can get them set up. theheartofhorsemanship@gmail.com