Already well established in other parts of the country, this is the first year "Kidz Kartz" has been run in Otago.
The group has met weekly since the start of the fourth school term for lessons, and this week had a special three-day course at Forbury Park Trotting Club.
Ms Green said health and safety now prevented children wandering up to stables where horses were readied for races, and courses were developed as a safe way to include them.
Eight of the 10 children are set to compete in the Waikouaiti harness racing meet on January 15.
Yesterday was the first time the children had driven on the track, as previously they had been on the horse parade or other areas at Forbury.
Ms Green said many were nervous at the prospect, but were "buzzing" afterwards.
Most of the children had little contact with horses before starting the course and came with "misconceptions" that horses were dangerous.
It was a good way for parents to get their children involved with horses for relatively little cost, she said.
The children had started with the most basic pony handling and familiarity, and it was "outstanding" how far the group had come and gratifying to see the children's level of confidence blossoming.
Boys particularly developed a noticeable "empathy" with the ponies, in contrast with the "tough" demeanour they brought to the course.
Children had to be aged at least 10 to compete at race meets, although younger children could take part in the course.
The harness racing fraternity also wanted to dispel the notion horse racing was all about gambling, Ms Green said.
Supporting thousands of jobs, there was something in the industry "for everyone".
Taylah Johnston (10), of Dunedin, was looking forward to competing at the Waikouaiti meet.
She said being on the track was very different from the other areas the children had used to train.
