the fish in a lake. They will also learn how to look after a pony and all that goes with it. What other variations do you offer? We also run full and half-day holiday camps where children can try longer hacks, bare back riding as well as arts and crafts and country skills like planting and foraging. Birthday parties are also popular, during which the children spend an hour with a pony.
Realising my business dream Karan Dawson had a high-flying job in the city with all the benefits. But she was determined to move to the countryside when her daughter started school, and today runs the innovative Little Pony Club set in 17 idyllic acres at Waltham St Lawrence, between Reading and Maidenhead. What motivated you to start your business? We were looking for somewhere for our daughter to ride and discovered that there were no options that gave her the opportunity to interact and build relationships with the horses. I had set up an executive coaching business but also wanted to do something with the double benefit of getting children outdoors while also giving teenagers their first job. The Little Pony Club achieves both ambitions. How big has it grown? The Little Pony Club employs more than 40 people over a wide age range, including a
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number of teenagers. Our newcomers all have to undergo safeguarding checks because our priority is safety. They then shadow someone with more experience over a trial period. They will learn things like first aid as part of their training and also how to care for Shetland ponies. What is different about the Little Pony Club? The key thing is that we are not just a riding school. We also teach children about ponies and to enjoy being out in the countryside. We might, for example, take them on little hacks, pointing out birds and butterflies, and naming
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What have been the challenges? The first one for me was learning how to do practical things like creating a spreadsheet or presentation. I always previously had an amazing PA to do all those key jobs. What is your advice to others setting up in business? Don’t underestimate the importance of customer service – your success will depend upon it. It is also really important when it’s your own business to take the time to stand back and reassess what you are doing. What are the most satisfying aspects? Seeing children benefit from the opportunities we can offer them. It is true of all children but especially those who have disabilities. We had one five-year-old who couldn’t walk when he came here. Riding helped to give him core strength, and the difference in his physical ability and confidence is astounding.
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