Do you think a 4 year old can start horse riding lessons????

[FLchook]

Hi!
My neice, who has just turned 4, really wants to ride our horse on her own. I have someoen that can give lessons, but do you think its reasonable for a 4 year old to learn to ride a 15.2 hand horse? I will get a child size saddle of course.

So what do ya think?

Thanks.

 

[BarbK]

I honestly don't think that a four year old has the strenght and coordination to ride a horse by themselves. I would still use a leadline. I know what you are going through my daugther is four and asks to ride on her own.

Not to scare you but you should read this story. It will make you think. (however don't let it stop you from letting her ride)
www.barrelhorseworld.com/...rianna.asp

 

[Kanchii]

It all depends on the horse, really. It'd be better if you took her to a place that has small lesson ponies that are used to being ridden by young riders. But she'll have to learn how to post and steer and stop while on the leadline before being able to get off the leadline.

 

[DoctorGoose]

Yeah!! Leadline would be great! My previous horse trainer's kid was riding her pony when she was 2, lol!

 

[CarriBrown]

She's not too young, IMO. I was on horses before I could walk and I was showing at 5 years old. She's at that age where she will learn fast, she's flexable and is able to "bounce"!

But honestly, I think the younger the better. She's at a great age to be around a pony that is small enough for her to brush and build a relationship with. My parents had horses so I was always around them, but if her parents don't, taking lessons is a great way to see if she's really into it (without dumping all kinds of money into a pony, tack, etc).
But I agree that she should be doing lead line only right now, then walk/trot when she learns how to use her core strength and legs, and she should ALWAYS wear a helmet. No exceptions!

 

[nickki99]

Goodness no. My grandson started riding with my hubby on his 15.3 stallion when he was 3. Two months before he turned 4, we bought him a 4 yr.old donkey stud. My hubby lead him for about 6 months and turned him loose. At 5yrs. old, he was training donkeys and ponies. All for kids bigger and older than him. Last year he was starting an arabian filly ( he was 10 then) and the first trail ride, he was offered $2500 for her. He turned it down and the horse was gave to him. We are very proud of him. I agree to wear a helmet. Got to protect them.

 

[Wildsky]

I think it all depends on the horse and the child. .

 

[mdbucks]

Get one of those miniture horses that way the fall wont be so far. I agree with the helmet though I know of some on this board that may not be with us if it wasn't for a helmet. Maybe some should wear helmet at all times horse or not.

 

[Wildsky]

 

[FLchook]

LOL....I can see ya now. cup of cocoa in the hand and helmet on as you sit in front of the computer LOL. Im glad you guys brought up the helmet, it never even crossed my mind!!

Even if Addy doesnt take lessons, all the kids (my son and 3 nieces) shold wear a helmet when they ride on the horse!! Ill march em down to the tack shack tom and have them fitted.

Buddy and Sugar are awsome bombproof horses. They are old and slow LOL. 22 year old retired polo horses with the been there done that attitude. Never even flinched when the deer bolted out of bushes right under them. Patient ones too, that dont mind kids. When I put thier halter on for the first time, I put it on upside down. I could just hear Buddy thinking "what an idiot" but he stood, and patiently.

Thinking about it, I think ill have Lolly come over and give a lesson and judge from there. Gotta get a saddle first. Anyone know a website that sells decent used saddles?

Shannon