Whimsical Kids-Go-Round

One night, before bed, we were discussing about horseback and pony riding with the kids. We were planning a trip to Horsecity, in order to enable the kids cut their eyeteeth on equine riding.
How does your little ones describe when you ask: How does a pony looks like?
The answer of the sensible boy was: "Ponies are baby horses, so they are small in size!"
While the first impression of the baby sister was this:

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/mylittlepony/

So immediately she exclaims: "I want to ride the purple one!"
And I told her there isn't purple pony in the stable. And there she goes again: " Then the pink one!" ,before I can start my explanation. Hahaha how adorable! Her expression is as enchanting as the Little Ponies with eyes widen big.

Fun Pony Facts

1. Ponies are not baby horses, in fact they are smaller horses but different breed of horses.
2. Their somatotype is proportionally different from horses. Ponies have shorter legs and head, and thicker neck.   
3. Ponies have thicker mane and tail than horses.
4. Baby ponies are called foals.

Initially I was worried that it would be a vain trip to Horsecity fretting that the kids will be taken aback when they see the real ponies. To my surprise, the kids welcomed the ponies with open arms! As soon as we arrived, two of them ran off to get a closer look at the gorgeous breed of ponies.

We were greeted by three gorgeous Shetland ponies on our arrival, one in chestnut-brown and two in pearly-white. There isn't purple, pink or whatsoever colors as the cartoonist characters. Brown, Grey and White or cream are the common colors that we found on ponies. There are two ponies in the stable waiting to be fed and a well-fed pony (I supposed it was...) is strolling in the trail under rain trees.

The boy can't wait to feed the hungry ponies while the girl can't wait to be strolled. As soon as I am done purchasing tickets, they are already on "standby mode".

              

Gor Gor is waiting impatiently by the stable and murmur to the ponies that he will soon be filling their hunger. For a penny of two, we get a packet of carrot cubes for feeding. Mei Mei was staggered and gapemouthed when I told them the correct way of feeding. Instead of tossing the carrots in the stable, we have to feed treats on your flat palm with fingers outstretched. So she flinched.

The little brother is enjoying his zoo-keeper-alike task. The kind-hearted boy is always a animal lovers. He has a pleasant reminiscence feeding giraffe during our last visit to Singapore Zoo. Frankly speaking, me myself was disgusted by its black-long tongue. But he enjoyed it very much and demands to go back again as and as he recalled the memory.

                 

After feeding, they were off to queue up for pony rides. Proper headgear and footwear are important to ensure a safe ride. Dress your child in long pant to protect legs from chafing against the saddle.

And closed-toes shoes (preferably with small heel) to keep feet from slipping out of the stirrup. Available here in the stable, there are helmets provided for the little riders.

Child shall be strolled under rain trees with accompanying handler. So, fret not, the pony would not gallops away. (This is what the boy afraid of.) Each ride takes about 5 mins or 3 rounds the trail.

SGD 10 for a 5 min ride. It sounds hefty but when you see that smile carved on the tiny face, it is totally worthy. This is call "H.A.P.P.I.N.E.S.S".

She's indulge in her fantasyland with the white gorgeous, probably imagining herself as a princess galloping suavely. What a whimsical "Kaelyn-goes-round"!

              

We all knew that horseback riding increases self-confidence, balance, motor-coordination and mobility in kids. But, did you know that horses are doctors too? Have you heard of "Equestrian or Equine Therapy"?

What is Equestrian Therapy?

It is a form of therapy that uses horses to promote emotional growth. There are lots of similarities between DNA of horses and that of humans. Thus, horses behave similarly as human beings. It is always easy for human to bond and establish connection with horses. Horses were use in equine therapy because they are very responsive and able to give feedback to the rider's action or behavior.

"One study, published in the journal Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, found that “a 10-week therapeutic horseback riding intervention with children diagnosed with [autism spectrum disorder] can result in significant improvement.”

[Sources: https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2013/03/08/horseback-riding-autism-therapy]

Studies has shown that equine therapy is very useful for Autistic child. We know that it is difficult for Autistic child to social, communicate and make eye contact. They are unable to express themselves verbally sometimes. Hence, instead of verbal communication, they communicate physically with horses. They touch, pat, brush and hug them. By learning to care for the horses, an emotional bridge is constructed. This can lead to production of social and communication skills with other people in their life.

Horseback or pony riding puts children in touch with nature. We are grateful that the kids are outdoors enthusiast. It is healthy and beneficial getting outside. Did you know that outdoor activities can prevent or delay the development of Childhood Myopia?

Doctor hypothesize that this is due to outdoor is being much more brighter, triggering the release of a chemical known as retinal dopamine, which helps prevent myopia from developing.  

Now we are not fear to get tanned anymore! Oh but wait, whatever your outdoor activity is, remember to avoid the hottest period of the day, typically 11am to 4pm, if possible.

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Places for Pony Rides in Singapore:

Gallop Stable @ Horsecity/ Punggol Ranch/ Pasir Ris {Currently closed for upgrading works.}
[Horsecity: Saturdays and Sundays only. 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 6pm]
[Punggol Ranch: Saturdays, Sundays and PH. 10am - 12pm, 4pm - 6pm]
$10 per ride
More info

Bukit Timah Saddle Club
51, Fairways Drive (off Eng Neo Ave)
[Saturdays and Sundays only. 10am - 1pm]
$10 per ride
More info

Singapore Zoo
[Daily 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 5pm]
$6 per ride

More info