Shetland pony rides: why your child will love them

A fun way to discover the Camargue as a family, pony trekking offers many benefits for children under eight. We explain why.

Visiting the Camargue with young children? There are plenty of family activities to discover, all around the hotel and in our beautiful region. However, they might be frustrated to see the horses without being able to ride. Suggest a Shetland pony ride! It's a fun way for them to discover the region's magnificent natural landscapes. And it's an activity that's full of benefits for little ones!

A Shetland pony ride to discover the Camargue

With over 150,000 hectares of diverse landscapes, from beaches to salt marshes and Roman remains, the Camargue is a real gem. It's a natural region that's home to many species of birds and animals, including the magnificent Camargue horse, a breed in its own right recognizable by its white-gray coat. 

Horseback riding is an excellent way to get in tune with our beautiful, typical region. The little ones can enjoy a ride on a Shetland pony, a small breed of pony native to the Shetland Islands in Scotland, within the safe confines of the hotel. These ponies are particularly suitable for children, thanks to their size and gentle temperament.

Pony rides: what's in it for the kids?

Pony-riding is an activity that children always enjoy... and so much the better, because it has many advantages. By riding a pony, children can develop a range of skills and learn without feeling like they're working.

Self-confidence

While riding a pony, children learn to steer the animal and make decisions. They learn to recognize their own abilities, and as time goes by, they can feel more and more at ease on the animal's back. They then gain self-confidence.

The balance

Pony-riding requires a certain amount of balance. To achieve this, children need to use small muscles that we don't necessarily use every day, such as those in the legs, back and abdomen. Taking them for a pony ride will enable them to experiment with new sensations and find new ways of keeping their balance.

Coordination

Pony-riding also helps children coordinate their movements. A new experience that, by the time the ride is over, they'll already have made good progress.

A sense of responsibility

A Shetland pony ride allows children to interact with the animal, care for it and learn to respect it. Mutual trust is established between the animal and the child. The child feels responsible for the animal throughout the ride.

Relaxation

As with all activities involving animals or the great outdoors, pony trekking is a great way to soothe and relax, and thus manage stress - the stress of travel and the unknown, for example.

Our 2 ponies: Zorro and Tagada

The Auberge Cavalière du Pont des Bannes, a four-star hotel in the heart of the Camargue, has had its own stables since 2019. Managed by Charlotte Maurey, a true equestrian and horse lover, the hotel's stables are home to two Shetland ponies, Zorro and Tagada.

We've already introduced you to Tagada: affectionately nicknamed Taggy, he's an adorable Shetland pony, one meter high at the withers, with a chestnut coat and washed manes. Before arriving at the inn, he was staying at a riding club near Alès with his friend Zorro. Since then, they've charmed children and their parents alike.

Taggy stands out for his friendly, gentle nature and ease of direction. With his obvious passion for food, this charming personality makes him one of the hostel's most cherished mascots, and it's not uncommon for young riders to allow him to graze during rides.

We offer Shetland ponies for hire for rides around our 4-hectare estate, in the heart of the Camargue Regional Nature Park. Let us guide you, to the delight of your children!

‍