Comments on: What age should children start riding horses?

By: britt234

britt234 — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:50:18 +0000

well i think 7 years old

By: SquashlingChaotic

SquashlingChaotic — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:55:27 +0000

Children can have ‘Pony Rides’ as soon as they show interest in horses. Just be sure to have someone hold the kid up, and use a quiet horse.

People vary as to when they say kids should start riding independently. I started at age 6, and the early elementary school years like that is a common choice.

Avoid using riding double if you can. If there is only one person a quiet horse that neck reins, you can support a child with one hand at a walk, but never go any faster double. If the kid doesn’t fit in front of you, don’t ride double.

By: can76chaser

can76chaser — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:32:05 +0000

My mother rode the whole time she was prgo with me. She started riding with me when I was 3mos, in a baby holder. I have been riding since. & I am 31 now. Go with what you are confortable with!!!

By: Sarah C- Equine Help 101

Sarah C- Equine Help 101 — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 07:21:37 +0000

Ive known some people that learned to ride before they could even walk haha– it all depends. I personally think that kids can ride anytime with the help of a parent nearby and at 4-5 I think they can be on a lunge line–I think thats a good age to take them to a kids training facility too…
At 6-7 they can probably be taken off the lunge line but it all depends on their progress. If you are comfortable with starting your daughter in riding you should go for it– it’s great when parents get their children involved in riding while they are young.

By: comanderconnor

comanderconnor — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 21:58:45 +0000

Around 5 is good

By: Anthony

Anthony — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 03:17:42 +0000

My son started at 4

By: monica g

monica g — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 05:18:36 +0000

Well if she is 2 she shouldnt ride horses yet. Start with ponies. Thats how i started out. Now I have about 10 ribbons for jumping. I started riding when i was 7. I think that is a good age.

By: wildhorses

wildhorses — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:02:13 +0000

My son started to ride when he was 2…my daughters trainer refused to start him intill he was 3 maybe 31/2…I found a very old POA that needed a good home and took her to the stables with our other horses …my son loved her and rode everyday while I led her around….one day I was standing talking with another trainer and had my back to my son …I could tell the trainer was watching my son very intently so I turned and looked ….my son was hopping in front of the horn, behind the cantle, standing on one leg of one sturup, (he was also in gymnastics at the time) he was just having a great time….anyway my daughters trainer became one of the spectaters of this clinic on vaulting ponyback …after he realized everyone was watching him he got even more into the show…he could stand on her butt, stand on the saddle and hang over the side…when all was said and done my trainer said…. YES!!!!… she would take him as a student even if to just teach him safety ….this child was born to ride…he has gone on to become on of the best trainers for ponies, he has rode rodeo, he excelles in jumping and hunt seat.. but his true love is vaulting….he will tell you ..”I have been bucked off 100 times ” that may just be true ….he has always been ready to get right back on and try to correct what he did wrong….one of the his favorite things to say after meeting the ground is ” man that hurt” then he gets right back up…he’s been taught to respect all horses and has a very calming effect on some of the worst horses…

but I do have to say:

1) he had one of the best POA’s ever to live as a first pony

2) one of the best child trainers you can find

3) some of the most patient boarders that always stepped back and watched while he was stunting

4) some of the best trainers taking him under their wing

5) and some of greatest horses and people to work with

so to answer your ??… it depends on the child and the starter horse …I could have so easily put him on an evil little pony that scared the heck out of him ….then he may never have wanted to ride again…some children are born with natural balance….gymnastics helps alot too….and I believe the child will let you know also…I could not have stopped my child from riding young he was holding his arms up starting at 1 year old …he wanted up on the horse and has never gotten down

(my child did spend 2 years on an evil pony when he turned 4 and that little pony taught him some of the best lessons ….to this day that pony is his favorite horse and his best friend)

By: Starlight 1

Starlight 1 — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:15:10 +0000

Most of the parents I know who have horse loving kids usually start them in lessons around age 9 or so. There are some exceptions to this, but this seems to be the right age for kids to start lessons. I started riding at that age, and I was just fine-no falls or injuries. The biggest problem with teaching really young kids ( I am a certified riding instructor myself, and have taught kids for years) is their lack of balance, coordination, and their short attention spans. If you add kids who have ADHD or a related disorder into this, it becomes even harder. Young kids are also easily intimidated by large horses- but ponies can be brats, and younger horses are usually too spooky and silly to be safe for a young child to ride. Kids as young as 3 DO ride- some of the larger horse shows, such as the Devon Horse Show, actually have leadline divisions that are reserved exclusively for them. It really depends on the child and on the parents, I think, when it comes to the age issue. It also depends to a degree on the horse, and on the child’s maturity level, as well as how comfortable you feel with this subject as a parent. Trust your instincts on this one- if you feel that your little girl is old enough to try riding, then go ahead with it. If not, wait a year or two. Good luck , and I hope this helps.

By: daisykj

daisykj — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:12:28 +0000

I can identify with you! Our daughter is 14 months and wants to ride already. She sits on the back of our old kid broke mare, and I just stand beside and hold her steady. The other horses she just gives hugs to. I think as long as you’re watching, holding, and caring for her, no age is too young.

If your old gelding is reliable, I would say she can start riding alone when she’s three, or able to hang on tight. There is always the possibility of an accident, but you can encounter accidents anywhere, doing anything. I think as long as you know your horse and your daughter, you will be able to tell when is the right time for her to start to ride, at least in the saddle by herself, with you leading the horse, and then later holding the reins, and learning to cue the horse. But only if your old gelding is totally reliable.

I was five also when I was finally allowed to help my dad and the older siblings with cattle work. I remember crying when my older sisters would ride away at a gallop, and I wanted to just trot. I learned quickly, though, and would do ANYTHING to get to go along with them!

It sounds like you will have so much fun teaching your daughter to ride…I think you’ll be able to tell when she’s ready. But my advice is to take it easy for another couple years, just letting her sit on them once in awhile, or ride with you. Then you’ll get to a point where you just can’t keep her away from them, and just give her a horse and let her go! Good luck, and have fun!