Pony Pals Club
After School Care for Kids 8 to 14, Charlottesville, Va.
Excellence in After School Care
Double C Pony Pals Club is an after-school program at Double C Ranch LLC, a certified Pony Club Riding Center in Charlottesville, Va. Designed for kids ages 8 to 14, the program blends pony adoption, horse care, groundwork, and optional riding lessons with fun games, teamwork, and flexible activity choices—building confidence, responsibility, and a love for horses in a safe, supportive environment.
Program Details
Each day includes a balance of structured activities (like horse care and experiential learning experiences) and open-ended time for creativity and connection. Whether your child is new to horses or already horse-crazy, this program offers a warm, welcoming space to learn and grow at their own pace. Here are a few highlights of our program:
- Far more than basic care with many activities around the ranch to develop various skills and abilities for students
- Professionally trained staff (CPR and SafeSport), experienced in childcare with extensive background checks and equine safety (riding lessons are from staff with equestrian certifications).
- A break from screens and structured classrooms allowing students to thrive in an outdoor, experiential learning environment
- Families looking for confidence-building opportunities through activities that offer real responsibility and reward
- Developmental benefits that foster calm, purposeful routines that promote mindfulness, patience, and focus
- Socializing in smaller group settings where students can form supportive friendships
- Opportunities to naturally explore new interests like horsemanship, grooming, basic care, and animal behavior
Activities
We allow kids to choose their activities freely—some love horse care, others prefer games and social time. Every day is fun, active, and student-led under staff supervision. Children can choose from the following:
- Grooming, feeding, groundwork and barn chores
- Pony adoption and care
- Outdoor games like Jenga, Twister and relay races
- Indoor games, puzzles and board games in the loft
- Riding Bob the Wooden Horse
- Quiet time for homework, crafts, coloring and drawing
- Brief Riding Lessons
Pricing
Month-to-Month Subscription
- $560/month for 2 days/week
- $840/month for 3 days/week
- $1,000/month for 5 days/week
Bi-Annual Subscription
- $1,800 for 2 days/week (save $460)
- $2,800 for 3 days/week (save $560)
- $3500 for 5 days/week (save $500)
2-Week Trial
Schedule
- Monday through Friday
- Flexible enrollment: 2,3 to 5 days/week (parents choose fixed days at registration)
- Selected days remain consistent for the entire month to ensure structure and staffing consistency
- School bus drop-off may be available for attending Ivy Elementary School, Henley Middle School. Bus stops right at the entry to Double C Ranch on Garth Rd. Please contact your school’s transportation department to confirm eligibility and request Double C Ranch (2626 Yule Farm, Charlottesville, VA 22901) as an alternate drop-off location.
Dates & Times
August 18 - 29, 2025
3:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
2-Week Trial Cost
Trial Special:
2-days-per-week $250
3-days-per-week $350
5-days-per-week $500
Why Double C Ranch?
Hands-On with Horses
Kids learn empathy and responsibility through grooming, feeding, and caring for our horses.
Fresh Air & Freedom
Outdoor activities offer a screen-free environment.
Convenience
Procare software for secure parent and staff sign-in/out. School bus drop-off available for Henley Middle School and Ivy Elementary School and flexible schedule from 3:30-7PM.
Homework + Hay Bales
A quiet break for snacks and homework is built into the routine before fun on the ranch.
Do You Have Questions About Pony Pals Club?
Have a question about PonyPals Club? Just enter it in the form, below. One of our team members will get back to you ASAP.
"My daughter absolutely loves Christine who runs Double C Ranch LLC. The horses she has are all amazing and they are great with the kids. My daughter has extreme anxiety and this is helping her so much. She is in heaven when she is there. She is still learning and sometimes doesn't always remember something because it is so much to learn and remember but she knows all she has to do is ask and then Christine will help her and walk her through it. I couldn't be happier with my decision to let her take riding lessons and horsemanship here at this ranch and Christine and her horses." - Aja Mullinex
"Christine has such kindness to give to our kids. My daughter loves Christine. I recommend Double C Ranch %100." - Hernan Enciso
"Christine loves the kids and the horses. She helps them go at their own pace, while encouraging them to push themselves and learn new skills. We are lucky to have found her so close to Charlottesville." - Alyson Mellish
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens in bad weather?
A: We have indoor shelter and weather-safe activities planned — no screen time here!
Q: Is there a bathroom available?
A: Yes, we have a newly renovated bathroom available to use (see image).
Q:Does my child need prior experience with horses?
A: Not at all! We welcome all experience levels.
Q: What safety measures do you have in place?
A: Staff are trained (CPR and SafeSport), experienced in childcare with extensive background checks and equine safety (riding lessons are from staff with equestrian certifications).
Q: How do I sign up for the trial or full program?
A: You can sign up for the Trail here at this page, for the full program register online through our ProCare portal, after a trial. Select your trial, choose fixed days, and submit payment. There will be a discount if semester will be paid in full. You'll receive a welcome email with program details and instructions for using the Procare Parent App for check-in/out.
Q: Can I change my child’s days after signing up?
A: Selected days are locked in for the month to maintain structure (exceptions for emergencies). You may request changes for the following month during the renewal period. For help, contact us at support@ponypal.club.
Q: How does check-in and check-out work?
- Only authorized guardians can check out children
- Attendance is tracked digitally and synced
Q: Is the program safe for my child?
A: Yes – safety is our top priority. As a certified Pony Club Riding Center, we follow rigorous safety standards in all horse and barn activities.
All staff are:
- CPR certified
- SafeSport certified
- Background checked
- Have childcare experience
Staff also uses our Online Plattform to sign in and out, ensuring full accountability and visibility. Emergency contact info and allergy alerts are recorded during registration.
Q: What if my child has no horse experience?
A: No experience is required! Whether your child is new to horses or already riding, our instructors meet them at their level. Riding lessons are available but not required, and horse care activities are optional. Kids learn at their own pace in a relaxed, encouraging setting.
Q: What should my child bring?
A:
- Weather-appropriate clothing (long pants recommended)
- Closed-toe shoes (required in the barn)
- Water bottle
- Homework (if applicable)
- Healthy Snacks are provided, but you are always welcome to bring your own Snack (list allergies during registration)
Q: How does pony adoption work?
A: Each student may “adopt” a pony for the program duration. This includes optional care tasks like grooming, feeding, and bonding activities. It builds connection and responsibility—but participation is not mandatory.
Q: What if my child has special needs or allergies?
A: Please include all relevant medical and behavioral information when registering in ECPro. Our team is trained to accommodate individual needs, and we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive experience for every child. Contact us directly for specific concerns: support@ponypals.club
Q: Can parents observe or participate?
A: Parents are invited to attend special events and open house days, which will be announced through Facebook, our Webpage and email. For daily safety and consistency, regular barn access is limited.
Q: What happens if I miss the trial period signup?
A: If you miss the trial, don’t worry—we can set up a trial, space permitting. Just contact us at support@ponypals.club to check availability and start the registration process.
Q: How do I pay for the program?
A: Payments are made securely through our Procare portal when you register. We accept credit cards and digital payments. Procare may also send reminders and billing updates.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A:
- The 2-week trial is non-refundable once started
- Monthly plans require 30 days’ notice to cancel at the end of the billing cycle
- No refunds are issued for missed sessions
- Full terms are available during checkout at the ProCare software.
Additional Questions?
Contact us:
📧 Email: support@doublecranchllc.com
📞 Phone: 434-278-7051
📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook
Ready to give your child a fun, experiential learning experience at Double C Pony Pals Club?
Sign up now while spots are still available!