Question 1

Must a caregiver be present the whole time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Caregivers must stay with their child for the session. Bond with your child while you both enjoy farm animal encounters!

Question 2

Can I (the caregiver) ride a horse too?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Just not during Pony Pals Playgroup. The pony rides in this session are geared towards the children. We offer riding lessons for all ages, beginner through advanced, six days a week.

Question 3

What should we bring?

Accepted Answer

In order to participate, all attendants must have closed-toe shoes with a study sole (hiking boots are ideal). For safety reasons, we cannot allow anyone wearing Crocs, clogs, sandals, flats, or open backed shoes to participate. All riders must wear an ASTM/SEI certified helmet.

Question 4

Who runs the session?

Accepted Answer

Playgroups are run by MA-licensed riding instructors who are also experienced, licensed educators. All sessions are fun, inviting, inclusive and accessible!

Question 5

Can I bring multiple children?

Accepted Answer

For safety around the animals, every child must be accompanied by an adult caregiver in a 1:1 ratio, and every child must have a ticket.

Question 6

What if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

Slots are extremely limited and unfortunately cannot be transferred or refunded in the event of your last-minute absence. Please ensure you can attend your session before registering. Email us at EquestrianCenter@Eastersealsma.org with any questions.

Question 7

What if my child is scared of the animals?

Accepted Answer

Not to worry! We have experience offering scaffolded supports to children of all ages to help them gradually confront and overcome their initial hesitation around new - and large - farm animals. With time, we're confident they'll grow to love the animals here!

Question 8

Can we bring food for the animals?

Accepted Answer

No. We provide all treats for you to share with the animals during your Playgroup. Due to the special dietary needs of our herd, we cannot allow any outside treats for the animals.

Question 9

What if it's too hot/too cold?

Accepted Answer

We have a few temperature-controlled rooms in the barn during inclement weather, as well as an indoor riding arena. However, most of our time will be spent in non-heated space, so extra layers and handwarmers are encouraged for winter and spring sessions!

Question 10

Are there bathrooms? What about Wifi?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have two fully accessible heated bathrooms onsite as well as a changing area. We also have Wifi in our Observation Room, where you can check in while you wait for your Playgroup.

Question 11

Where do we park?

Accepted Answer

Upon entering The Bridge Center campus, please drive all the way down the road past the pond to the large red barn. Park in the green lot and enter through the Polishook Riding Arena doors. We'll meet you in the Observation Room! Bathrooms are directly across from the Observation Room.

Weekly Pony Playgroup - Mondays in October (Ages 2 - 4)