Children's Pony Camp at JA The Resort, Dubai - in pictures
The children's pony camp at JA Equestrian Centre, where swimming with horses is the highlight of the two-morning session. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
A child jumps off one of the horses into the calm sea
Michelle Coetzee, equestrian manager at JA Equestrian Centre, is originally from South Africa and has been working at the stables for more than two years
Painting the horses is another popular activity
The ponies are painted with non-toxic, pet-safe, washable finger paints
Children can ride in pairs during the swim, which is a 'novel experience', says Coetzee
Grooming time for the horses. The camp also teaches children stable management skills
The horses are well-kept and managed at the stables in JA The Resort, Dubai
The pony camp also features gymkhana, for which children can win rosettes
Parents watch as their children swim with the horses
Jumping off a painted horse in pairs, a highlight of the camp
Away from the stables, the camp's activities include mini-golf and the resort's Splash water park
Coetzee watches on as children enjoy swimming with the horses
A young girl swimming with a horse
The camp caters to children of all riding skills aged six to 12, as all rides are guided
