What ages can attend Tiny Trotters?

This session is designed specifically for children aged four to five years old.

Do parents stay with children during the lesson?

A parent or guardian must remain onsite for the duration of the session, though instructors lead the activities.

How many children are in each class?

Classes are limited to a maximum of four riders to ensure individual attention.

Are helmets provided?

Helmets may be available from Donegal Equestrian Centre; confirm at booking or bring a certified child helmet that fits.

What if my child has special medical or behavioural needs?

Declare any special requirements when booking so staff can assign a suitable pony, equipment and support; acceptance is subject to available resources.

Where do we meet for the session?

Arrive ten minutes before your session at Donegal Equestrian Centre; specific meeting point details appear on the booking confirmation.

Tiny Trotters: Pony Lessons for 4 to 5 Year Olds in Bundoran, County Donegal

On a bright morning in Bundoran, County Donegal, Ireland, Tiny Trotters at Donegal Equestrian Centre turns nervous wiggles into grins. Designed for four to five year olds, this one-hour session blends pony safety, hands-on grooming and a gentle riding lesson into a compact, confidence-building experience. The meeting point is Donegal Equestrian Centre; guests are asked to arrive ten minutes early so instructors can pair children with an appropriate pony and check tack before mounting. The session is staged around calm, child-friendly ponies and an instructor-to-child ratio that never exceeds four riders. That small-group format is the program's backbone: it gives staff time to demonstrate how to groom a mane, adjust a lead, and explain simple commands in plain language. Each child spends time brushing, learning how to approach a pony safely and then riding at a walk with direct instructor supervision. The lesson finishes with a short walk out alongside a handler so kids practice balance and feel the pony's rhythm away from the arena. Tiny Trotters stands out in Bundoran because it pairs close attention to safety with the coastal town's active outdoor culture. After lessons families can step out to sandy beaches or watch surfers on the Atlantic swell, making the experience an easy half-day for visitors who want a child-friendly outdoor activity between beach time and dinner. Donegal Equestrian Centre's emphasis on small groups and trained staff makes this program especially well-suited for nervous first-timers and for children who benefit from one-on-one coaching. Parents should note a guardian must stay onsite for the duration, and any special medical or behavioral needs should be disclosed during booking so staff can assign the right pony and equipment. The centre's ponies are chosen for patience and steadiness rather than show-ring flash, and instructors teach simple riding mechanics—balance, rein hold, and posture—rather than complex maneuvers. Practical details: the lesson length is one hour, maximum four riders per session, and minimum age is four with a top age of five. Comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes and a light layer for changing Irish weather are sensible. Helmets may be provided—confirm at booking—or bring a certified child helmet that fits. Tiny Trotters is a practical, playful introduction to equine care and riding, and for families visiting Bundoran it offers a compact, memorable way to introduce young children to outdoor skills, animal handling, and the quiet thrill of a first pony walk. Instructors encourage gentle praise and positive reinforcement, and staff are happy to advise on next steps if a child wants regular lessons. Book early during peak summer weeks to secure a slot. Donegal Equestrian Centre contact details are provided at booking; check the booking page for availability and bring a camera.

Tiny Trotters: Pony Lessons for 4 to 5 Year Olds in Bundoran, County Donegal

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