All 4-H'ers...6yr old wants to get into horses, how to do it????

[cjeanean]

My friend's 6 yr old daughter wants to get into 4-H, she's really into horses and I'm wondering how it works. Is she too young to do this??? They don't have any property, so we'd have to find someone who would let her raise a horse on their property. Is she old enough??? How much do u think it would cost to do this??? Thanks, everyone!!!

 

[DuckyBoys]

Just sign up for the project. If she's not in 4H yet - she needs to find a club.

Since she is 6 she might be a Cloverbud - not sure if they let them do the horse project yet. There is also a horse-less horse project too, but again - there is the age thing. Tell her mom and dad to buy her an old bomb-proof pony and learn by doing. (She doesn't really need 4H!.) You can get some old ponies for free sometimes and just board them in someone's pasture.

If she doesn't know where to sign up - go to your state university's extension website and they will tell you who is in your area.

All horse projects - except the horse-less horse project - cost money....horses are a deep pocket hobby.

 

[cjeanean]

How deep are we talking?

 

[Corey NC]

I would recomend getting her into a lesson program with a good instructer. I dissagree with just letting te kid have a pony without having anyone with horse experience in the picture. A six year old is much to young to have the full responsibility of a horse.

Also six year olds tend to change their minds pretty quickly so she ade decide in a few months she no longer likes riding horses.

Start off wth lessons first to make sue she is truely commited to rideing and caring for horses before you even consider buying a pony.

 

[MandyH]

I'm not a 4-h'er, but thank God we finally got rid of our horses not too long ago. They are a money pit. Hay, food, shoes, boarding, tack, etc, etc.. If you must have a horse, go with a mini. They don't get 36 inches tall, not much wear and tear on the pasture, they can make a pull cart to ride in.

 

[Frogdogtimestwo]

.

 

[cjeanean]

So does anyone know how much horseback riding lessons run??? I've never looked into this and it's a little late at night to call around, so I figure I'll ask the largest community of animal-savvy people in existance LOL!! Thanks everyone!!!

 

[Frogdogtimestwo]

Where you are at probably around $25.00-$50.00 an hour. It also will depend on what discipline she wants to learn. Ask about group lessons they are usually cheaper. Look up the 4-h website and it will give you club listings in your state/area and talk to leaders and they may recommend people, you might even be able to get one of the 4-Hers to give her lessons on their horse for pretty cheap.

 

[Haviris]

My advice would be to find a horse knowledgable friend (and really check them out, there are alot of self proclaimed experts out there that don't know jack), and with their help find the girl a been there done that bomb proof pony to learn on. Horses are not cheap, they do need to be kept up on worming, hoof trims, etc. On the bright side ponies are generally easy keepers!

Not owning any property would be a major disadvantage and I don't know that I can help with that, I've never boarded a horse or pony before. I personally wouldn't bother with a mini, they are cute, but I'd assume she's more interested in riding.

 

[Florida chick]

If she is serious into 4-H you can't "board" your horse. You must do all of the upkeep and care yourself. You need to find a knowledgable place for her to take lessons, learn grooming, cleaning, riding etc. I wouldn't even think of buying a horse for her until she has 2 yrs of lessons and a possible lease 1st. They are a lot of time and money. I always say the mom and dad MUST want a horse for it to work. The exspense is endless. BUT I love them.