• Home

  • Meet Stacey

    • Work with Me

  • Decor

  • Family

  • Food

  • Style

  • Travel

  • Shop My Feed

  • PRIVACY POLICY

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Posh in Progress

Cool Places I Found When I Looked for Pony Rides in Los Angeles

By Stacey Freeman Leave a Comment

pony rides in los angeles
Have you taken your kids in a pony ride yet? One of my fondest memories as a very little child was riding ponies at Bay Beach in Green Bay. I always loved riding the ponies and I realized recently that my kids have never ridden a horse or a pony. That’s why I decided to look for places for pony rides in Los Angeles and also pony rides in Long Beach.

Although we chose to visit a Long Beach location, the idea actually came to us after we visited Griffith Park. My kids went to Griffith Park to ride on the trains and while they were there, they spotted pony rides too. Although Griffith is definitely an option, there are so many other choices. There are a lot of options for horse and pony rides in Los Angeles and our surrounding areas, so I thought it would be helpful to put together a resource for parents in LA who want their kids to experience a pony ride.

What is a Pony?


Have you ever wondered what the difference between a horse and a pony is? I’ve always wondered and when i asked the girl handlers at the pony place they didn’t know. So if you’re curious, this is the difference. There are a few different factors that differentiate ponies from horses. But the biggest differentiator is height. 

All horses are known as equines and they are measured in units called hands. One hand is approximately 4 inches, which is the average width of a human’s hand. A pony must be under 14.2 hands (approximately 4 feet, 10 inches) whereas horses will be above 14.2 hands. Did you know that a horse and a pony could even come from the same parents? It really comes down to height.

Places for Pony Rides in Los Angeles 


As I mentioned above, Griffith Park is a place a lot of people go for pony rides. I haven’t personally been there, so I can’t speak to the experience. However, there is so many fun things to do at Griffith, including the train rides and the observatory, so it wouldn’t hurt to go and check it out.

Another option if you’re in the south bay is to check out Palos Verdes Stables. They offer riding lessons, both English and Western, different children’s programs in the summer, and other riding and boarding facilities all year. If you’re near Sun Valley, there is a place called Reptacular Ranch that offers ranch tours, a petting zoo, pony rides, and more. They also offer birthday party options. Farm Friends offers a mobile petting zoo and pony ride option, which is perfect for birthday parties or special events.

Places for Pony Rides in Long Beach

We visited the Lakewood Equestrian Center. I definitely would recommend this location because they offer both trail ride and short circle ride options. If you do want to try Lakewood Equestrian Center trail rides, just note that you do need a reservation in advance. Just like Griffith park, Lakewood also offers a petting zoo. When I was looking for more options in Long Beach, I found Rancho Rio Riding Club, which also is associated with the Lakewood Center location. I can see why Lakewood is a great option. It was so fun to be out on the trail and also to see all of the gorgeous horses at the facility. We saw an Arabian who they said was being saddle trained that week. It was really beautiful to see all the horses. 

What to Expect


Depending on where you go, the type of pony ride might be different. At some places, the ponies simply walk in a circle. For example, the place we visited, there was the option to do the standard pony ride, which included around 10 walks in a circle. The price point was quite low, only $7. This seems like a great option for very little kids. I think a toddler would be thrilled simply with this short ride. They still get to be on a pony and up close to the animal, which is a great introductory option.

The option we chose is definitely better for older kids. There was an 80-pound weight limit for the ponies, so make sure you check that before you visit. I know the ponies at Griffith go up to a 110-pound weight limit, for example. But the reason I loved the experience we chose is that my kids had about 15 minutes up close and personal with their ponies where they got to groom them and brush them. Then, then had about a 25-minute trail ride. The handlers led the horses the entire time, so my kids were always very safe. I loved the trail riding option because we were able to walk alongside the kids as they rode the horses. It was so fun to watch their excitement and get to experience the ride with them, in a way. 

What to Bring on Pony Rides for Kids

pony rides in los angeles Stacey freeman Posh in Progress
You don’t need any special equipment to ride ponies. At least at the location we attended, they did not require helmets because the handlers were with the horses the entire time. They held onto their reigns so my kids were never without constant adult supervision. Also, their saddles had seat belts so they were strapped in. I would suggest you consider having your child wear pants and sneakers (or cowboy boots) simply to keep the dust and dirt and horsehair away from their skin. My kids wore shorts and it was totally fine. I just made them bathe when we got home. The only thing I wish I had brought was water and sunscreen. It was quite warm on the trail as we were walking. 

If you’re looking for other stories about things to do in Los Angeles, click here. Or if you have a broader interest in California or travel stories, click those links! If you’ve found a place for pony rides in Los Angeles that you think I should add to this list, please leave me a comment!

 

Tagged With: California, LA, Long Beach, Los Angeles, pony rides, travel

About Stacey Freeman

I am a Style Maven, Mommy, Educator, and Traveler.

« Here’s How to Put to Together Extra Cute Casual Mom Outfits
How to Make These Adorable Nutter Butter Easter Bunnies »

What do you think? Cancel reply

Hi, I’m Stacey!

Popular Posts

  • Doralto the perfect margarita alternative

    The Doralto: The Little Known Alternative to the Margarita

  • Starbucks Egg Bites Recipe In the Oven featured by top LA lifestyle blogger, Posh in Progress

    How to Make Starbucks Copycat Egg Bites In the Oven

  • Summer Eggplant Tomato Pie recipe featured by top LA lifestyle blogger, Posh in Progress

    How to Make This Brilliant Summer Eggplant Tomato Pie

  • The Best Nutella Banana Bread Muffin Recipe featured by top LA lifestyle blogger, Posh in Progress

    The Best Nutella Banana Bread Muffin Recipe

  • How to Do a Shadow Root at Home, tips featured by top lA lifestyle blogger, Posh in Progress

    How to Do a Shadow Root at Home

Disclosure

This site uses selective affiliate links, which means a commission is earned if you make a purchase via the link. The price you pay will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers or affiliate partnerships. We appreciate, and thank you for, your support!

Pinterest

Join Stacey on Instagram

poshinprogress

Writer - Educator - Entrepreneur
Mom Life • Travel • Fashion • Recipes
My new children’s book ➡️https://amzn.to/3rjsXKE

Stacey Freeman, Ph.D.
Weekend summer casual on repeat. During the summ Weekend summer casual on repeat. 

During the summer, I live in t-shirt dresses. I try to find ones that have built in shape, like this one with a little shoelace tied waist. I also add shape and finish the look by adding jackets or light layers. 

You can shop some of my favorite t-shirt dresses here: https://liketk.it/3Izy2 or link in stories.

Follow my shop @poshinprogress on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKcurves #LTKunder100 #LTKunder50 @shop.ltk #curvyfashion #curvystyle #summerfashion #casualstyle
I was going to post about summer fashion. I was go I was going to post about summer fashion. I was going to talk about my kids’ beach camp next week. 

But this can’t go unsaid. I am so angry right now. I am terrified for my daughter and women in the U.S.

We just lost a fundamental human right. We just lost control of our bodies. 

This is not about saving the lives of unborn children. Because if it was, then all guns would be banned - because guns are the leading cause of childhood death in the U.S. 

This decision is about control. About controlling women. 

If you have the ability to choose whether to own a gun, why can’t I choose the healthcare decisions that are right for me? This is no longer a democracy. This decision has so much greater impact than people even realize. 

If you’re looking for resources, I’m linking a comprehensive one in my stories. This is not a place for debate, this is a place to protect women and our rights to control our bodies. We must stand together.

#womensrights #roevswade #roevwade
Are you a sunglasses person? Next to bags, it’s Are you a sunglasses person? Next to bags, it’s definitely my favorite accessory. 

New on poshinprogress.com, I’m sharing my favorite new modern cat eye sunglasses that are perfect for summer. Link in profile or stories! Or shop my favorite cat eye sunglasses here:  https://liketk.it/3IhsR

Follow my shop @poshinprogress on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKunder100 #LTKtravel #LTKcurves @shop.ltk #cateye #cateyesunglasses #sunglasses
Happy Father’s Day dad/papa! He’s not on socia Happy Father’s Day dad/papa! He’s not on social media but @debvicario2 will show him.

My favorite memories of my childhood are the simple ones - shooting hoops in the driveway, playing catch in the yard. And this one time I challenged you to a foot race; I can still remember your infectious laugh as you smoked me. And all those road trip to Florida - when Paula was the best sport. And that summer after college when I was your retirement buddy. Thank you for always making us laugh. We love you and can’t wait to see you in August. 

#family #fathersday #dad #fathersday
Dress for the mood you want ☀️. Did you know t Dress for the mood you want ☀️. Did you know the colors you wear definitely affect your mood?

I’m loving all the bold colors this summer, like this marigold dress. I also recently picked up some Kelly green and bold oranges for my tropical travels later this summer. 

Shop my favorite yellow dresses here: https://liketk.it/3EVx6 or link in stories!

#yellowdress #colorful #colors #curvyfashion #curvystyle
Happy Friday friends! What are you thankful for to Happy Friday friends! What are you thankful for today? 

I’m thankful for the start of summer break and a free day playing at the park with my kids. We are headed back to Alaska on Sunday, so I’m busy packing and prepping for that. 

I’m also thankful for all of my friends who have supported me in the release of my first children’s book a few weeks ago. Thank you to all of you who took the time to leave me a review on Amazon! It means a lot. If you haven’t gotten your copy yet, click the link in my profile or head to my book highlight to shop. It’s available on Target and Amazon’s websites. 

#newauthor #newbook #childrensbook
Load More... Follow Stacey on Instagram

© 2022 Posh in Progress. All rights are reserved.

Copyright © 2022 · Glam Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in