All bookings are ONLY for interested future weekly lessons students and current students taken weekly lessons — not for one-time rides or trail rides.

Bookings made otherwise will be cancelled.

Welcome to Pony Gang Riding Academy — Columbia & Hopkins, SC

Saddle Up — Your Horseback Riding Adventure Starts Here

At Pony Gang Riding Academy, the excitement of horseback riding begins the moment you arrive. Whether you're new to the saddle or refining your skills, we have programs just for you: English riding, Western riding, and our Tiny Riders lessons for the youngest horse lovers. Our goal is simple — safe, fun, skill-building riding lessons for all ages in Columbia, SC.

Our Riding Lessons & Programs

Tiny Riders Lessons (Ages 2.5–5) in Columbia SC

Child in a riding helmet sitting on a white horse with a surcingle during a beginner horseback riding lesson at Pony Gang Riding Academy.

Weekly 30-minute lessons with gentle introductions: grooming, leading, and walk-in-saddle rides to build confidence, coordination, and comfort with horses.

Tiny Tot Adventure

Junior Riders – Balance & Basics (Ages 6–7) in Columbia, SC

Young boy learning to ride a pony in a Western saddle during children’s horseback riding lessons at Pony Gang Riding Academy.

Walk & trot work, building basic riding balance, clear horse communication, and confidence. Perfect transition from pony rides to more structured lessons.

Junior Rider Lessons

Western Horseback Riding Lessons in Columbia, SC

Student riding a paint horse in a Western saddle during kids’ horseback riding lessons at Pony Gang Riding Academy.

Western style training: ranch horse skills, Western Dressage, relaxed rides & arena work. Emphasis on balance, control, safety.

Western Riding Lesso

English Horseback Riding Lessons in Columbia, SC

Structured English riding: correct seat, use of aids, Dressage, Hunt Seat, basic jump introduction. Ideal for precision, posture, elegance.

English Riding Lesson

Click to learn more about our lessons program

Why Pony Gang Riding Academy

We are locally based in Columbia / Hopkins, SC, so you get quality riding lessons close to home.

Experienced, caring instructors who tailor lessons to each rider’s level — from preschoolers to adult beginners.

A full curriculum in both English & Western horseback riding lessons, so you can choose your style or try both.

Focus on foundational skills: balance, equitation, safety, horse care — not just how far you ride.

Group and private lessons available, all built to help you grow as a rider without needing your own horse.

Teen rider practicing English riding on a brown-and-white paint horse during a lesson at Pony Gang Riding Academy.

Skills You Build & Life Lessons from the Saddle

When you ride with us, you don’t just learn how to ride — you develop important life skills. Among these:

- Proper riding position & balanced seat (head to heel)

- Using leg, weight, and rein aids effectively

- Balance, coordination, and core strength

- Confidence in riding, and in learning from horses

- Responsibility through horse care & horsemanship

- Compassion, patience, sportsmanship, and problem solving

Ride With Us — Book Your First Lesson

If you're looking for riding lessons in Columbia, SC — whether English, Western, beginner, or for younger children — Pony Gang Riding Academy welcomes you. Join our barn family where every rider matters, learning is fun, and growth is real.

Book your first lesson today and start your equestrian journey with us.

What parents have to say about us

"Pony Gang was a great experience for my 12 year old! She learned how to care for horses, not just how to ride. Safety was always top priority and my daughter would gain confidence with each lesson. Grooming and spending time with Sparky (her heart horse) made her very happy. We had to leave Pony Gang due to a new duty station."

Ricki Rhodes

"Great place to learn how to ride and Learn everything you need to know about horses! Great trainers that care. My daughter loves this place. Highly recommend for all ages. They have a great homeschool program as well."

Elena M

What are the Health benefits of riding horses?

Develops core strength

Improves coordination

Encourages trust

Exercises the mind

Develops problem solving skills

Increases socialization

Creates times to relax

Improves mental state

Increases muscle tone and strength

Provides opportunities to compete

OUR TEAM

Our teaching team brings over 45 years of combined horse experience. From Germany to Hopkins, SC, we’ve built Pony Gang Riding Academy with one aim: to provide safe, high-quality instruction in a warm, supportive environment. Lessons are customized to your goals, and paired with horses or ponies matched to your ability so you can progress safely and confidently.