The Little House (Montessori)
Before visiting the horses and ponies, Mr Edward and Ms Debbie explained to the children the dos and don'ts of being around the animals. They should not stand or walk around the back of the horses as this may spook them and the horses may kick out in defence. The children should not make loud noises or jump around near the horses as this will frighten the horses. If the horses have their ears flapped back, it means that they are angry and the children should walk away. When feeding the horses, the children should open and flatten their palms and place the food item in the centre of their palms so that the horses would not bite their fingers. However to be safe, small buckets have been prepared for the children to use to feed the horses.
At the pony rides station, the children mounted the ponies from the left. This dates back to ancient times when horses were used as war mounts and soldiers and knights carry their swords and sabres on their left side. They had to mount the horses from the left as it was safer to swing their right legs over the horse.
Waiting excitedly for their turn to feed the horses.
