What age to start?

[Mishy1234]

DS (3) loves horses and has shown an interest in riding. What age is best to start? I've had a look and most stables don't start before 5.

Also, can anyone recommend a good place in or around Edinburgh?

[Callisto]

I think you will find that nobody wants to teach under 5's due to insurance and health and safety issues. DD has been riding since before she was born - though she had a break of about 8 months between me giving up riding due to the bump getting in the way of me mounting/dismounting, and her being able to hold her head up at 6 months...

Is it an option to buy a lead rein pony for your son?

[Mishy1234]

Thanks Callisto.

The problem is that I haven't kept horses for a good long while (about 15 years), so very out of touch with the practical aspects and not really up to speed on the best yards around our area. If I was involved on a day to day basis, I would definitely consider buying a pony, but it's just not practical atm.

I was a quite surprised about the age restriction, but it makes sense now you've explained the issues. I know lots of people who keep horses, but none of them have children and so don't have anything suitable for DS.

I do love the idea of little ones starting as early as possible though, especially when their parent(s) are involved with horses. I think I'll have to wait unfortunately, but I suppose it's only another couple of years.

[Pixel]

Don't give up until you've checked out your area as there are still riding schools that cater for under 5s. here's one for a start, it can't be the only one in the country.

[Pixel]

Ha ha, just realised that the one I've just linked to is about as far away from you as possible . Oh well, it was only to illustrate a point!

Perhaps it would be worth contacting your local pony club?

[Mishy1234]

We're off on holiday in a few weeks and I've found somewhere who will do a lead rein ride from 3.

www.biglandhall.com/

What do people think? Does it look ok?

Also, should I think about getting him a hat, so he's sure to be wearing the right size? Prob completely ott, but what's the deal with back protectors? Any point for small ones?

[Mishy1234]

Also, thanks for the pony club suggestion. I'll definitely look into it.

[Callisto]

It looks good and the Pony Club have accredited it so that is a good sign. I would pay them a visit - don't tell them you're coming - and see how they are and what the yard and horses are like. Have as much of a nose around as you can. IME yards that are well run don't mind prospective clients having a look round (within reason).

[wellywoo]

Bigland gets a good review here

[horseymum]

hi not sure whereabouts in Edinburgh you are but if you are prepared to travel my friend has a lovely wee riding school just south of West Linton. I think she does pony ride walks for younger ones once a month but sure what age from. She also does a great lease scheme for horses and ponies which is a good alternative to owning, if you get the bug. The hacks out round there are amazing. It is a lovely area so even if it is a bit of a drive there is a nice park, pub etc in the village! The place is called Karecole the link is here www.karecole.co.uk/
I have also ridden at Tower Farm ( along time ago) but seem to remember you often didn't get the same instructor so harder to make progress - that is the advantage with a small place. There is also a small place on the road to Penicuik just south of edinburgh that I used to ride at years ago but not sure if it still does lessons, or how good it is now.