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Pony Stars

How to get involved

Your child can join in the fun with Pony Stars and begin their adventure and register your interest in signing up at Lee Valley Riding Centre.

Your child will make new friends and join in with group activities. Have the reassurance that as a BHS Approved Riding Centre, Lee Valley Riding Centre meets thr high standards of horse welfare and coaching.

Contact us at Lee Valley Riding Centre and register your interest.

Progression Pathway

Shetland Striders

Shetland Striders are courageous and bold; just like Shetland ponies themselves. They will try anything and enjoy getting hands-on and can turn their hand (or hoof) to almost anything. They will work towards badges that will develop their passion for caring for all animals, wildlife, people and the environment. Shetland Striders will develop core skills like handling ponies and riding through regular lessons which build confidence and commitment.
Shetland Striders will work through topics within six themes which can be completed in any order to suit their individual preferences:

Golden Groom

  • Breeds
  • Colours and Markings
  • Handling Ponies
  • Pony or Horse

Junior Jockey

  • My Riding Kit
  • Getting On
  • Dismount
  • Riding Skills 1

Stable Star

  • Kindness
  • Yard Smart
  • Stay Safe
  • What to Wear

Pet Protector

  • Animal Lover
  • Pet Care
  • Animal Welfare
  • If My Pony Could Talk

Equine Explorer

  • Countryside
  • Farm Animals
  • Be Nice, Say Hi
  • Explore

Helping Hero

  • Grow Your Own
  • Clean Up
  • First Aid 1
  • Feed the Birds

Dartmoor Dazzlers

Dartmoor Dazzlers are kind, reliable and gentle and will enjoy having fun with their friends and socialising as they begin to be more adventurous. They are inquisitive and will enjoy taking on new challenges and learning more about the world around them.

They will try new things as they learn about how to look after ponies and have a deeper understanding of animal welfare and responsibility. Their riding will progress in leaps and bounds as they begin to discover how much more fun there is to be had with their riding as they explore the outdoors. Dartmoor Dazzlers will also be considerate to those around them and how they can play their part in promoting kindness and respect at the yard and everywhere else.

Dartmoor Dazzlers will work through topics within six themes which can be completed in any order to suit their individual preferences:

Golden Groom

  • Grooming
  • Anatomy 1
  • Leading Ponies
  • Feeding Ponies

Junior Jockey

  • Riding Skills 2
  • Riding Right
  • Arena Awareness
  • Saddle and Boots

Stable Star

  • On the Yard
  • Be Secure
  • Spring Clean
  • Work Smart

Pet Protector

  • Pony Behaviour
  • Five Freedoms
  • Animal Champions
  • Pony Passport

Equine Explorer

  • Trees and Plants
  • Navigation 1
  • Be Safe, Be Seen
  • Hacking

Helping Hero

  • Being Green
  • Equestrian Access Groups
  • Horse Incidents
  • Conservation

Welshie Wizzers

Welshie Wizzers are spirited and tough cookies. They have a playful character and will enjoy the variety of different topics and activities and will excel as they challenge themselves and develop new skills. Welshie Wizzers are trustworthy and are often looked upon as dependable members of the community.


They will understand the responsibility in caring for horses and ponies all year round – ensuring happy, healthy ponies. They will also begin to explore issues they really care about and know how to use their voice and actions to make a real difference. They will also share their skills with
others as they look at leadership and campaigning. Their riding skills will continue to develop and they will begin to consider the health and wellbeing benefits that come with a love for ponies.


Welshie Wizzers will work through topics within six themes which can be completed in any order to suit their individual preferences:

Golden Groom

  • Rugs
  • Mane and Tail
  • Hoofcare
  • Farriery

Junior Jockey

  • Riding Skills 3
  • Warm up, Cool down
  • Live Well
  • Bridle and Bits
  • Pony Fitness

Stable Star

  • Fire Safety
  • Leadership
  • Record Maintenance
  • Customer Service

Pet Protector

  • Pony Health
  • Happy Ponies
  • Winter Care
  • Summer Care

Equine Explorer

  • Road Awareness
  • Exploring Off Road
  • Navigation 2
  • Beach Riding

Helping Hero

  • Recycling
  • Campaigning
  • Climate Campaigner
  • Make a Difference

Connemara Champs

Connemara Champs are the consistent and trustworthy members of the group. They are confident to have a go at activities and give it their all. They are kind to everyone they meet and are excellent role models admired by all.


They will be able to take an active role in looking after ponies and understanding what makes them tick. They will be more independent with their ability to ride, handle and work around ponies. They will have developed a range of riding skills through fun activities and be considerate to their pony’s comfort by learning about tack fit and care. Connemara Champs will learn how to prepare for riding in different environments and look after their pony when out and about. They will be able to help around the yard and look out for those that may need help and support.

Connemara Champs will work through topics within six themes which can be completed in any order to suit their individual preferences:

Golden Groom

  • Rules of Feeding
  • Bandaging
  • Plaiting
  • Bathing
  • Anatomy 2

Junior Jockey

  • Riding Skills 4
  • Tack Care
  • Handy Pony
  • Tack Fit
  • Ready to Ride

Stable Star

  • Stables
  • Paddocks
  • Fence Building
  • Biosecurity

Pet Protector

  • Poisonous Plants
  • Disease Prevention
  • Worm Control
  • Condition Scoring
  • First Aid for Ponies

Equine Explorer

  • Highway Code
  • Travelling
  • Be Prepared
  • Gates

Helping Hero

  • Events
  • Healthy Mind
  • Yard Helper
  • First Aid 2
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Working in partnership with Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.
The park offers hundreds of great days out, discover more about Lee Valley Regional Park.

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Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398.

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