Pony Time at Meadowood Stables

• By supernovamommy
• 3 September, 2012
• 4 Comments

Pony Time at Meadowood Stables

My family and I were invited, along with fellow blogger Andrea to attend a Pony Time Class at Meadowood Stables in Lorton.  Ponytime Classes are designed for young children (ages 3 and above) to give an introduction to horse/pony lifestyle, care, food, anatomy, and more.

Stable manager Allison Mills says, “While not a horseback riding class, your student will learn about the basic needs of a pony, get to pet and work with a pony, enjoy time in a barn in the beautiful park like setting of Meadowood stables and conclude the class with a pony ride.”

I live about 20 minutes away from Meadowood Stables, and driving out there was amazing and beautiful.  I felt like I was in a different world, but in actuality, I was still in Fairfax County.  Upon arrival, Allison greeted us, told me a brief history of the property, and started interacting with my children.  They really took to her and were so excited to visit with the ponies.  We went inside to a large room in the barn and started working with a white pony named “Cupcake.”

First, we learned about the pony’s food, shelter, body parts, accessories, and equipment.  Then the children got to feed and groom the pony and take the pony for a walk around the barn.  Allison Mills tailored the class and questions to each individual student, asking my three year old “easy” questions and challenging my five year old.  They children soaked up all the information, and I even learned along with them too.  As with all the Pony Time classes, the session ended with a pony ride on Cupcake.  It wasn’t a quick ride around the barn either.  The children each got extremely long turns riding Cupcake along the outside of the beautiful grounds at Meadowood.  It was an amazing experience, and we can’t wait to return soon!

Feeding Cupcake the pony

Straight from the Horse’s Mouth: Learning about horse dental care

Taking the pony for a walk

Grooming Cupcake

All classes end in a pony ride

In addition to the Pony Time classes, Meadowood Stables also offers Pony Time University classes, which is an ongoing series of classes (four classes total) that explores the pony world more in depth.  During one class, the students will even learn to give a pony a bath! As with the other classes, all classes end with a pony ride.  Classes can be customized to meet Girl/Cub Scout badge requirements, home school programs, preschools, or playgroup experiences.

Pony Time classes last for one hour and cost only $20 per student, $5 off for each additional family member attending.

Pony Time University (four classes) also last one hour and cost $60 for 4 classes.

All classes are held at:

Meadowood Stables
10406 Gunston Road
Lorton, VA
More details at http://www.stablesatmeadowood.com