WINNIPEG HORSE FIELD GUIDE
Small‑arena horsemanship for the littlest riders: a four‑week Parent & Me course at Sagehill Stables
A concentrated, four‑lesson program that teaches grooming, tack‑up and basic mounted skills for children ages 4–8 alongside a parent or guardian — this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and how the sessions run.
Small‑arena horsemanship for the littlest riders: a four‑week Parent & Me course at Sagehill Stables.
At Sagehill Stables in Winnipeg, the Summer 2025 Parent & Me Program compresses the essentials of beginner horsemanship into four weekly, one‑hour lessons designed for children and a supervising adult. The sessions focus on hands‑on learning — grooming, tacking and low‑stress mounted work — all led by a riding instructor in a small, child‑friendly group setting.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Shared learning for parent and child
Each one‑hour lesson pairs a child with a parent or guardian under the guidance of an instructor so caregivers actively lead and reassure their child while learning horse care and basic riding together.
Practical grooming and tack‑up skills
The program places early emphasis on grooming and tacking so children become comfortable with handling horses before mounting — a deliberate step to build confidence around the animals.
Small groups and adaptable arenas
Group lessons are intentionally small (three to five students) and lessons move to a heated small arena on cold days or the full‑sized arena when weather allows, creating a welcoming environment for young learners.
What the day feels like
What the four‑week course feels like
Across four weekly one‑hour sessions a riding instructor leads parents and children through a steady progression: close contact with the horse through grooming and tack‑up, then guided mounted time where parents lead their children through simple patterns, obstacles and games to teach balance, basic control and calm around horses.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Children need closed‑toed shoes with a 1/2 heel (cowboy, equestrian or similar boots); a properly fitted equestrian riding helmet is required — helmets are available to borrow at the stable or can be fitted at Greenhawk Harness and Equestrian in Winnipeg. Parents must wear closed‑toed shoes.
Arrive prepared to participate: parents attend with their child and take an active role in leading the child during lessons. Dress for the arena environment and for quick temperature changes if sessions move between heated and full‑sized arenas.
Lessons are organized as small group sessions (three to five students) and run as four weekly, one‑hour sessions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the program?
Four weekly one‑hour sessions.
What ages is the program for?
For children ages 4 to 8 accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What does it cost?
Group lessons are $65.75 plus GST per lesson (total $276.15 for the four‑lesson package).
Are private lessons available?
Yes — private lunge‑line lessons are available for ages 4 to 8; they are $98 plus GST per lesson and you can inquire by emailing [email protected].
When are the available time slots for first‑time participants?
First‑time program slots include Saturday at 11:00 a.m., Sunday at 11:00 a.m., Monday at 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
Do you provide helmets?
Yes — the stable has helmets children can borrow; alternatively, families can be fitted at Greenhawk Harness and Equestrian in Winnipeg.
How many students are in each group lesson?
Group lessons run with three to five students.