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    • Home
    • Lessons & Programs
      • Little Riders Program
      • Western Horsemanship
      • Groundwork - Partnerships
    • Competitive Teams
      • Enders Farm YEDA Team
      • University of Michigan
      • Eastern Michigan
    • Leadership Development
      • Executive Leadership
      • Team Dynamics
      • Women in Leadership
    • Contact
  • Home
  • Lessons & Programs
    • Little Riders Program
    • Western Horsemanship
    • Groundwork - Partnerships
  • Competitive Teams
    • Enders Farm YEDA Team
    • University of Michigan
    • Eastern Michigan
  • Leadership Development
    • Executive Leadership
    • Team Dynamics
    • Women in Leadership
  • Contact

A Foundational Horsemanship Program for Children Ages 3-6

At Enders Farm, our Little Riders Program is designed specifically for our youngest riders, ages 3–6. We believe children build confidence and understanding best through shared experiences, thoughtful guidance, and meaningful connection with the horse.


 Our goal is to create a calm, positive, confidence-building introduction to horses and horsemanship for both children and their supporting adult. 


This program provides a structured, supportive introduction to horsemanship and riding without the pressure of long-term commitments or competition. Children are introduced not only to riding, but also to communication, groundwork, confidence-building, and respect for the horse as a partner.


Whether you are exploring horses for the first time or searching for the right foundational program for your child, this is a welcoming place to begin.


Each child participates alongside a parent, grandparent, or designated support person (age 16+) during lessons, creating a safe, encouraging, and shared learning environment.


👉 No experience required, just a willingness to learn and connect with the horse.

Request Availability

Lesson Structure & Commitment

  • 1 lesson per week for 6 weeks 
  • Small groups (maximum 4 riders) 
  • Consistent day and time each week 
  • No make-up lessons 
  • Lessons are designed to build confidence, balance, coordination, communication, and comfort around the horse through age-appropriate horsemanship activities. 

👉 This is not a drop-off program, a parent, grandparent, or designated support person participates alongside each child during lessons.

What to Wear

  • Long pants 
  • Closed-toe shoes or boots that can get dirty
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Riding helmets are available; however, bringing a properly fitted approved helmet is encouraged

👉 Please avoid sandals, loose clothing, or dangling accessories.

Safety & Approach

  • Calm, experienced lesson horses 
  • Close instructor supervision 
  • Structured lessons focused on safety, confidence, groundwork, and horsemanship 

👉 We follow a child-centered approach. Children are encouraged, supported, and allowed to progress at their own pace. Some days may focus more on connection and confidence-building than riding, and that is completely okay.

After the Program

Children may continue into:

  • Regular riding lessons 
  • More independent riding opportunities
  • Groundwork and horsemanship development
  • Future youth riding programs at Enders Farm

Please Note

This program is designed specifically for beginner riders ages 3–6 and focuses on creating a strong, lasting foundation through confidence-building, communication, and thoughtful horsemanship.


Our approach is influenced by early childhood riding and horsemanship models developed in Germany, emphasizing partnership, patience, and long-term rider development.

First Pony Experience

Curious if your child is ready to discover the joy of horses?


Our First Pony Experience is a relaxed, one-on-one introduction designed especially for children ages 3-6. 


30-Minute Private Lesson

No experience required, Ages 3-6


  • Meet and groom a pony 
  • Learn basic horse safety 
  • Parent participates alongside their child 
  • Short riding experience 
  • Plenty of time for questions 


Many children arrive a little nervous, and that's perfectly okay. Our goal is simply to help every child leave smiling and excited to come back. 


Book your $45 first pony experience




2026 Mini Program Sessions

Session 1

Session 1

Session 1

July 20 - August 28, 2026

Select Session

Session 2

Session 1

Session 1

August 31 - October 9, 2026

Select Session

Session 3

Session 1

Session 3

October 12 - November 20, 2026

Select Session

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