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

[CarriBrown]

Whatever you do, DO NOT buy a horse. Don't even lease one at this point. That would be a huge mistake.
Horses appear to be 100% fun 100% of the time, but they aren't. They are a lot of work, and I mean it. I've owned horses every single day of my life and I could tell you the stories of sleeping in a stall with a sick horse, paying vet bills that rival a house payment, packing absesses and dealing with traumatic wounds, etc. I wouldn't ever give it up, but it's quite a shock to someone who thinks horsemanship is just going out and riding.
I really think Pony Club would be a great thing for your daughter. I was in Pony Club 100 years ago but there were kids like your daughter who didn't own horses, and the Club always made sure there was someone for them to ride. Not only do you learn to ride, but you learn how to be around horses (safety... very important when you're around a 1000lb+ animal), how to groom, how to tack up, how to maintain your tack, how to feed, how do deal with basic injuries and illnesses (and when to call a vet) etc. I learned the different parts of a horse, the different breeds, and most of all, I STILL ride with some of the girls I Pony Clubbed with.
I quit Pony Club after about 5 years and went to 4-H, and I liked 4-H, but my knowledge really came from Pony Club.

 

[CarriBrown]

Quote:
I just saw this... I recommend that as well. Some of the older kids in 4-H or Pony Club will take the younger kids under their wing, which is great. I'm also a firm believer in riding as many horses as you can, building up that experience, because you just don't learn as much riding the same horse year after year.

 

[BlackSilkey]

Heay you guys are lucky ponys for free still waiting to win the lottery and to board, feed, andvet bills, it costs about 300$ a month.

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Well, I hear ya -- when I was a teenager I too would have killed for a horse or pony of my own, even an unrideable 'pet'. We just could not in any way shape or form afford it.

But... you know what? If horses are more than a passing fancy, you are WAY better off not actually owning one (expenses aside). You will learn INFINITELY more about riding and handling horses from a variety of lesson horses, and once you get more skilled perhaps from catch-riding other peoples' horses too. This will come to a screeching halt if you actually got a horse of your own.

With a horse of your own, the best that happens is that you and the horse learn to adapt to each others' quirks... but that isn't really learning riding or horsemanship in any broader sense. Ride a diversity of other peoples' horses (lesson horses included) (assuming they are decent lesson horses with a good instructor) for ten years or more. THEN you will get your money's worth out of your own horse.

Seriously.


Pat, who used to teach riding and train horses, but whose skills have degenerated considerably since running out of time to deal with any horses but my own (and only 1 is rideable any more).

 

[CarriBrown]

I'm on the same page as Pat. The instructors were always trading horses around during lesson time so we would get to other horses. Some horses you like to ride better than others, but oh well. You get used to the different quirks and personalities. It also teaches you to never get too comfortable.
The first time I rode my gelding (I was thinking of buying him) was at a roping arena. He was already warmed up, so I got on him, went straight in the box, and roped on him. I did a few runs on him and loved him.
The guy I bought him from thought I was nuts, and the only thing my dad could say is, "Well, she does that." But you know what? I am so used to doing that because I've ridden so many different horses. You can get to know them just by watching them, without ever getting on. I'm not saying I'm the best rider in the world, but I'm as comfortable on a horse as I am on my own two feet, and I credit that to all the different experiences I had as a child.