Nestled in the peaceful surrounds of Wanneroo, Happy Hooves Wanneroo is more than just a horse-riding school—it’s a place where little ones can build confidence, develop a love for animals and experience the joy of outdoor, hands-on play. Over the past three weeks, my son Kai and I have attended their Horsey Activity Club and it has quickly become one of our favourite weekly adventures.
From the moment we arrived, Sabine, the heart behind Happy Hooves Wanneroo, welcomed us with warmth and enthusiasm. Her love for animals radiates through every aspect of the sessions and her gentle, encouraging nature instantly put both the children and parents at ease.
Each session begins with helmet fitting (as safety always comes first) before moving on to brushing Poppy, a calm and gentle horse. Kai, who is naturally drawn to animals, was thrilled to learn how to follow the direction of her hair as he brushed. This simple but meaningful interaction set the tone for the session—one focused on building connections, developing confidence and learning through hands-on experiences.
What Happens at Horsey Activity Club?
Each session is thoughtfully structured, allowing children to experience riding, hands-on animal care and engaging activities. The group is split into two, with half riding while the other half takes part in activities before swapping over.
The Riding Experience
The highlight for many is, of course, horse riding. Kai’s first ride was on Max, a pony, that he was instantly drawn to. His face lit up as we made our way around the paddock and I was amazed at how long the ride was—far longer than the usual quick pony rides we’ve experienced elsewhere.
To keep little ones engaged, the rides often include interactive elements, such as selecting a coloured ring and cup, then riding to match them to the correct coloured pole. It’s a fantastic way to encourage colour recognition, fine motor skills and confidence in the saddle.
During one session, Kai even rode backwards in the saddle, something I hadn’t seen before but was fascinated to learn about. Sabine explained that this helps develop core strength, balance and postural control while also providing a calming sensory experience. Kai was completely at ease, enjoying the rhythmic motion of the horse beneath him.
For children who may be unsure about riding, there is absolutely no pressure. Sabine thoughtfully involves them in ways that help build their confidence around the horses and ponies, ensuring they feel safe, supported and happy. This was clear to see when one unsure little person was handing out postcards to all the little riders on horses and ponies to post in the Happy Hooves Wanneroo postbox. The session includes two riding opportunities, but children can choose to do one, both or none—it’s totally child-led.
Animal Care and Play-Based Learning
When not riding, the children immerse themselves in a variety of activities, all set up to encourage free exploration, creativity and sensory play. Some activities remain the same for familiarity, like access to the shed of toys and sandpit, while others change to add excitement and variety.
Activities include:
- Helping prepare the horses’ and ponies’ food
- Water play, with nets, boats and floating objects for little hands to explore
- Guinea pig cuddles, where children can sit quietly and gently stroke the animals
- Creative crafts, from pasting sheets about horse feed to making paper plate horses with glitter and googly eyes
- Toy stations, with horses, a kitchen, cash register, dinosaurs, cars, puzzles and even a reindeer hobby horse that became a favourite
- Mini wheelbarrows and rakes, where children teamed up to move dirt and hay and learn how to manoeuvre their loads
These activities are all child-led, allowing little ones to move freely between them, choosing what sparks their interest. There is no pressure to participate in any particular activity and if a child isn’t quite ready to ride, there is plenty for them to enjoy until they feel comfortable.
Building Bonds – With Horses and Friends
One of the unexpected joys of attending weekly has been seeing the relationships grow—not just between the children and the horses, but between the little riders themselves. Kai quickly formed a friendship with another child and each week they have worked together, whether filling their mini wheelbarrows or choosing craft materials. These natural social connections are just as valuable as the riding experience itself.
Why Happy Hooves Wanneroo Stands Out
What makes Happy Hooves Wanneroo so special is the genuine love and care that goes into every session. Their mission is clear: to create a safe, nurturing environment where children can connect with horses, develop confidence and experience the joy of outdoor play.
Horsey Activity Club (Ages 2- 5)
Little Riders Club (Ages 4-14) – A one-hour riding lesson plus 30 minutes of horse care activities
Introductory Class (Ages 4-10) – A 30-minute ride where trotting is introduced, followed by 30 minutes of horse care
Birthday Parties & Holiday Programs – A unique way to celebrate with pony rides and fun activities
Sessions can be booked weekly, fortnightly or casually—but spots fill quickly.
Parent Tips for the Best Experience
- Stay close to your child – As this is an animal-based program, parents are expected to supervise and assist their child throughout the session.
- Dress for the mess – You will get dirty, so leave the white socks at home. A change of clothes for little ones is a good idea, especially if they love water play.
- All children must wear long trousers and enclosed shoes. Helmets are provided. Parents also need to wear enclosed shoes to lead the horse.
- Be prepared for flies, particularly in warmer months, but trust me—this experience is well worth it.
- Pack a water bottle and snacks—there is lots of running, exploring and playing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an experience that blends riding, animal care, sensory play and outdoor adventure, Happy Hooves Wanneroo is a truly special place. The Horsey Activity Club has been a highlight of our week, giving Kai not only the joy of riding but also the freedom to explore, learn and form lasting connections.
For parents, it’s a chance to slow down, soak in the moment and see our children thrive in an environment that encourages confidence, responsibility and a love for animals.
Booking Information
Address: 44 Jambanis Rd, Wanneroo WA 6065
Horsey Activity Club: Mondays & Wednesdays at 9am (term time only)
New from Term 2, 2025: A Friday morning Horsey Activity Club session will be added
Bookings: [email protected] | Text: 0424 349 214
Find them on Facebook & Instagram for updates.
As the sign in the stables says—‘Life is good, but horses make it better’. That certainly rings true at Happy Hooves Wanneroo. We’ll definitely be back—Kai already walks in like he owns the place.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Adriana Turk is a Melbourne-born mum raising her adventurous two-year-old in Perth, her new home. A teacher with a passion for play-based learning, Adriana shares her journey through Perth Toddler Adventures, an Instagram account dedicated to budget-friendly outings, natural playgrounds, and hands-on activities for little ones. With a focus on creating magical everyday moments and connecting with Perth parents, Adriana blends her teaching expertise and love for adventure to inspire families to embrace learning through play and discovery.
