Children enjoy coming to Pinetrees.
They soon make friends not only with the ponies but with other children and look forward to returning. Our teaching methods are safe progressive and fun. Participating in a competition and winning a rosette can be a big boost to confidence.
Riding out with direct access into the forest gives children contact with nature – aromatic herbs, cork trees, the flowers and azure-wing magpies are just some of the local delights...
All the riding gear is supplied: jods, boots, hat and chaps so riders will look the part, be more comfortable and ride more safely
Pinetrees clients buying the 10 hour holiday cards have special conditions at the local tack shop Ekiloulé for when they do decide to buy their own equipment.
Rider Definitions
What is your riding level?
BeginnerFrom first time riders until rising trot has been established and riding off the lead in the school. Able to run up stirrup irons |
NoviceDeveloping the trot, learning diagonals, learning to canter. Trotting poles. Ready to ride out, when approved, on one hour treks. Able to un-tack under supervision and put on a headcoller |
Advanced NoviceRiding with more polish and style, developing canter, the use of half halt and rein effects. Developing a Classical seat for lateral work. Preparation for jumping, learning half seat and to jump small jumps (optional). Able to ride out on hacks. Able to alter stirrups and tighten girth unaided. Capable of mounting without supervision Able to groom and tack up correctly. Career students |
PONY CLUB
Pony Clubs are extremely popular and fun, lasting for 3,5 hours(time off for parents!)
The minimum age is 8 and able to trot without a lead rein
One hour of riding, plus learning about ponies, their care, and a quiz.
ONE TO ONE LESSONS
Some children respond better in an individual 30 minute session with one of our Pinetrees Assistants.
This may include as a final part a ride in the forest!
INTRODUCTORY RIDE FOR SMALL CHILDREN
A short ride on a lead rein for children from 4 years old is ideal to gain their initial balance and confidence. Recognizing the letters and pictures around the arena and knowing left and right are all important things to establish at this stage.
GROUP LESSONS – 1 Hour
Group lessons of one hour are held in the three different levels (see Rider Levels). Minimum two , maximum 6 riders. Lessons can be taught in various languages.
TREKS & HACKS
As safety is of prime importance children must be seen in a lesson to be assessed capable to ride out on Treks and Hacks (2nd and 3rd level ride outs). See Rider Levels. The Pinetrees Experience is often a better option for children.
NATURE WALKS
Enjoy a 30-minute ride in the forest, on the lead rein if required. Ideal for children from 4 years old, who have already ridden before and established their basic position and balance on the flat ground of the arena. (parents may ride too!).
GROUP LESSONS – 30 MINUTES
For younger children, or Level 1, when 30 minutes is quite long enough for their concentration and physical abilities. On the lead rein if required, the session often finishes with a little walk in the forest.
LUNGE LESSONS
Private lessons of 30 - minutes on the lunge are the most valuable of lessons for riders of all levels, whether with a saddle or with the blanket and roller technique. €50 if with an assistant teacher
Contact us
Write us here for general enquiries.
For Riding please use the Booking Form
You also can phone us: +351 289 394 369
You are welcome at Pinetrees Riding Centre
any day of the week
Casa dos Pinheiros, Corgo da Zorra
8135-160, Almancil, Portugal