6+
Years Old
1 hr
Per Lesson
2x
Per Week
4 Riders
per Lesson
Pre-Competition is the second step in Neverland's overall curriculum, but is also often the first step for many young riders. It's designed to build foundational skills and develop age-appropriate horsemanship capabilities.
Whether your child is graduating from Pony Preschool, joining after a summer at camp, or starting fresh with no prior experience — this is where real riding skills begin to take shape.
On the Ground
Horsemanship
After many years training young riders, we've learned that time spent on the ground, working with and around ponies, is just as important as time in the saddle. By teaching athletes the core tenets of caring for a pony, they learn skills they can enjoy throughout their lives.
At this level, athletes begin to take responsibility for tacking up their pony before the lesson and putting their pony away when it's done:
Before the Lesson
- •Brushing and grooming their pony
- •Placing the saddle and saddle pad
- •Putting on the bridle
- •Leading, mounting, and dismounting safely
After the Lesson
- •Cooling down and caring for the pony after work
- •Turning the pony out to the paddock
- •Barn etiquette — keeping the aisle clean and tidy
- •Mucking stalls and helping with barn chores
In the Saddle
Riding Skills
Pre-Competition focuses on continuous improvement with the goal of eventually beginning to compete in show jumping — though for some, that may not be the ultimate goal. Regardless, this gives us a strong curriculum of skills to develop:
- •Cantering confidently in both directions
- •Jumping small courses and individual fences
- •Gymnastics exercises to develop balance and coordination
- •Riding without stirrups to build strength and seat
- •Trail rides through the farm property
Home Horse Shows
Twice per season, we host Home Horse Shows at the farm — a chance for Pre-Competition athletes to experience what a real show feels like in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Athletes dress up, ride a course, and earn ribbons.
For many of our athletes, this is the moment they realize they love competing — and for parents, it's a chance to see how far their child has come.
Summer Programming
What About the Summer?
During the summer months, we don't run a Pre-Competition session. Instead, we encourage all of our athletes to participate in our Summer Day Camps — and this is intentional.
Camp is more immersive than a regular lesson. Riders spend full days at the barn — riding, caring for ponies, exploring the trails, and building deeper relationships with their fellow athletes. It's where confidence around the barn really accelerates.
This immersion translates into very positive progression when returning to structured lessons in the Fall. It also offers daytime childcare, leaves weekends open, and lets families plan holidays flexibly.
Summer Camp Details
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the program start?
What is the schedule?
How much does it cost?
Fall session: $2,640
Includes:
- 2 one-hour lessons per week
- Maximum 4 riders per group
- Certified coach
- Pony and tack provided
- 2 Home Horse Shows per season
- Access to indoor and outdoor arenas
How do I register?
What if we miss a lesson?
Where are you located?
What equipment does my child need?
- Helmet: An ASTM/SEI certified equestrian helmet (we recommend Tipperary)
- Boots: A boot with a small heel (Blundstones work great)
- Pants: Proper riding pants are required for Pre-Competition
You can find helmets and boots at Greenhawk (Vaudreuil) or Crazy Carousel.
How can I get in touch?
We look forward to welcoming your family at Neverland Farm!
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