What Is the Equihandee Harness? A Safe Balance and Support Aid for Young Pony Riders
Introducing children to pony riding should be a positive, confidence-building experience. However, for many young riders, particularly
toddlers or children with developing balance, staying secure in the saddle can be difficult. This is where the Equihandee Harness offers a safe and practical solution.
The Equihandee is designed to support young riders on ponies without holding them, helping improve balance, confidence and safety while allowing natural movement.
What Is the Equihandee?
The Equihandee is a balance and support aid for young pony riders. It provides a stable point of support for children learning to ride, without restricting movement or interfering with their natural riding position.
Unlike holding a child by the leg or gripping their clothing, the Equihandee offers consistent, gentle support. This allows children to sit securely while learning how to balance correctly from the very beginning. The harness is fully adjustable and perfect for riders aged 2 years to 10 years, great for lead rein work, first pony rides and early riding sessions, making it ideal for parents, pony owners, riding schools and therapy settings.
Why Was the Equihandee Created?
Many adults supporting young riders face the same challenge:
How do you keep a child safe on a pony without holding them or affecting their balance?
Holding a child can:
- Pull them off centre
- Restrict natural movement
- Affect the pony’s way of going
- Prevent the child from learning correct posture
The Equihandee was created to provide support without control, allowing children to develop balance, coordination and confidence safely and naturally.
How the Equihandee Supports Young Riders’ Balance, Confidence, Safety & Encourages Natural Balance
The Equihandee supports the upper body while allowing the child’s core and seat to work naturally. This helps young riders develop balance, coordination and correct position from their very first rides.
Builds Confidence in Young Riders
Feeling secure helps children relax. When a rider feels safe, they are more likely to enjoy the experience, sit calmly and gain confidence with each ride.
Promotes Independence
Because the Equihandee removes the need to physically hold a child, young riders can experience a greater sense of independence. This supports emotional development and builds self-belief.
Improves Riding Safety
The Equihandee provides reassurance for parents and handlers while reducing the risk of sudden loss of balance. It supports the rider without restricting movement.
Benefits for Pony Welfare
Correct rider support benefits not only the child but also the pony. A balanced rider helps:
- Distribute weight more evenly
- Reduce gripping or sudden movements
- Encourage calmer, more relaxed pony behaviour
This creates a safer, more comfortable experience for everyone involved.
Benefits for Parents & Instructors
For parents and instructors, the Harness makes supporting young riders far more comfortable and practical. The rear handle allows you
to steady and support a child safely without bending, twisting or straining your body, so you can walk alongside the pony in a natural, upright position. This gives greater confidence and control while keeping adults comfortable and reducing the need for extra helpers.
Supporting Safe, Confident Riding from the Start
At Equihandee, the aim is simple: to help children enjoy pony riding safely while developing balance, confidence and independence. By offering support rather than restriction, the Equihandee allows young riders to progress at their own pace and build positive, lasting experiences with ponies.
To learn more about the Equihandee children’s riding support aid, or to see how it could support your young riders, explore our website or get in touch.
