Beyond the Saddle: 5 Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Child’s Bond with Their Pony After a Lesson

Riding lessons can be incredibly rewarding for both kids and ponies, but the learning doesn’t stop when the lesson ends. In fact, the most valuable moments often happen after dismounting. Post-lesson reflection is key to helping children understand their ponies better, build empathy, and develop a deeper, lasting connection.

Here are 5 simple practices you can do with your child after each riding session to foster that bond—and improve horse welfare:

1. Pause & Observe

Before rushing off, take a moment to pause and observe the pony. Ask your child questions like:

“How does your pony seem right now? Relaxed? Tired? Interested?”

“What do you notice about their body language?”

This helps children learn to tune in to the horse’s emotional state, teaching them that horses have feelings too—and their bodies speak volumes.

2. Hands-On Connection

Spend a few quiet minutes grooming or massaging the pony. Encourage your child to:

Feel the pony’s muscles and notice any tension or relaxation.

Ask questions like: “Does the pony lean into your touch or move away?”

This builds trust and reinforces the importance of non-verbal communication between humans and horses.

3. Reflecting

Instead of asking the standard, “How was your lesson?” encourage a reflective conversation by asking your child:

“What was the most interesting thing your pony did today?”

“What do you think your pony liked best about the session?”

“What’s something new you learned about your pony today?”

This sparks deeper thinking and helps kids articulate their experiences with empathy.

4. Let the Pony Choose

After a lesson, give the pony some space to express their needs. Offer choices:

“Would your pony like to graze, roll, or have a scratch?”

Letting the pony make a decision helps children see their pony as a partner, rather than a tool for riding, and encourages respect for the pony’s autonomy.

5. Imagine Life as a Pony

This might be the most fun! Ask your child to think about their pony’s experience from the pony’s point of view:

“If your pony could tell us one thing about today, what would it be?”

“How did they feel about their work today?”

This invites kids to develop empathy and see the world through their pony’s eyes, which deepens their bond.

Bonus: A Fun Way to Reflect – My Pony’s Perspective

After each lesson, encourage your child to reflect in creative ways! They can:

Write down their thoughts or draw a picture.

Act out their pony’s emotions (excited, tired, satisfied, etc.).

Play out their ride with toys (What went well? What could be improved next time?)

This open-ended reflection helps them think critically while having fun—and builds their emotional connection with the pony.

Download Your Post-Lesson Reflection Sheet!

Want a printable sheet to make reflection easier? We’ve created a simple Post-Riding Lesson Reflection Sheet to guide your child in reflecting on their lesson in fun, creative ways. Download it below!