Tiny Riders Storytime
Did you know that kids ages 2 to 4 can go to an inexpensive storytime after which they can also ride ponies in a ring? Find out more details below.
Where is Tiny Riders Storytime?
It is located at the Mercer County Stables. The stables are located at 431B Federal City Road Pennington, NJ 08534.
Who can attend the Tiny Riders Storytime?
This program is for children between the ages of two and four years old.
What is the cost?
The cost is $12 per child.
Our Experience
I heard about this event when my son was four years old. Prior to this I had not known that Mercer County had Stables as well. I thought it sounded like a great opportunity to have my son learn about horses and ponies. We registered through Community Pass and went to the event.
When we arrived there was a large parking area in front of the stables. We went on a day when it was raining cats and dogs but this did not effect our class. We trudged in with our rain boots. Inside there were some informational pamphlets about other programs. We went to the classroom area. Since it was a little early we were able to look around at some of the educational materials they had put out related to horses. After all the kids arrived they started a story time for the kids. The story read involved a horse as well.
Afterwards the kids were told some basics about the ponies. Then they were led through the stables to a table where they were sized with helmets. They already started to get excited by seeing some ponies and horses as we walked past them. After this we were led to the indoor equestrian ring. There were multiple people here. Each child was able to take two rounds around the ring with the help of a staff member. Parents walked alongside their children. For many kids this was their first lead pony ride.
After we had finished, some of us ate snacks on benches outside with our children. There was also a playground there that looked great for kids to play on for dryer days. We walked over to the fences to see many of the horses that were grazing there. Overall it was definitely a unique event that I would have tried again if my son had not turned five shortly afterwards. The stable does offer some other programs throughout the year for older kids as well. Although my son had some trepidation at first he was very proud afterwards that he had been able to ride on a pony.
These steps were definitely helpful!
When are the next dates this will be offered?
Currently registration is open for classes on March 7th, March 21st and April 4th. Registration for May 9th, May 30th and June 13th will open at 9:00 am on April 21st.
How long is the program?
This program is thirty to forty-five minutes long.
How can I register?
Make an account on https://register.communitypass.net/mercer. After you have made a login you can register for a class here. Click on Browse Activities next to the Mercer County Stables on the website. After you select which session you are interested in and your participant you can then see for which activities they are able to register. If you need additional information call 609-730-9059 ext. 404. To read descriptions of the programs available and to see when registration is open go here: Mercer County Stables Programs.
Are there programs offered for older kids?
Yes there are different programs offered throughout the year such as riding lessons, read to a horse programs, a summer camp and equine assisted psychotherapy. Registration is currently open for programs in March and April as well as for summer programs such as their Groom, Tack and Ride class.
Are there things to do nearby?
Mercer County Stables is very close to Rosedale Park. This has trails, a dog park and a nice playground for kids. It is also not far from downtown Lawrenceville. If you forgot to pack some food or a treat you may want to stop at the Gingered Peach.