Exercises for little ones

[Countrygirl40]

Hi all - can anyone recommend any exercises for my 4yo daughter to do on her pony to improve confidence and seat? She’s coming on well but we are yet to start lessons (school access is being sorted) but in the meantime any exercises or advice for her would be great!

 

[The Xmas Furry]

At a halt, do the song 'heads shoulders knees and toes' along with both hands touching the right bits, its great for balance, rhythm and coordination.
Once shes happy, then repeat at walk and later when she (you!) gets brave, perhaps trot.

Arms reaching for the sky and then out to the side like an aeroplane, circle arms backward then forwards.
All the above help with core strength and balance, as well as making the child more comfortable in the saddle/on board.

Steering: bending in and out of cones or even just from one point in the yard to another.

Plenty of 'games' you can do too by using a ball or bean bag etc.

 

[Snowfilly]

‘Simon says’ with touching various horse and human body parts, then add things like folding arms, circling arms.

Egg and spoon aka flat wooden spatula and bean bag balancing.

If the pony stands still well, basic introduction to around the world with you holding her hips / waist if needed.

Steering by going around the yard to various things - big tree, patch of weeds, gate post all work if you haven’t got letters.

Get a few road cones and practice bending in and out of them.

And don’t underestimate the joy of just having her on the pony ambling along with you and singing songs / chatting about what she can see / playing I spy so she isn’t entirely focussed on the riding and relaxes into it.

 

[Countrygirl40]

Thank you!