Should I take on a friends child to ride my pony?

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

I have a small shetland who could do with some exercise.
I have recently had a messsage from a friend who was obviously fishing, to ask if I knew where her dd (5) could ride.
I just dont know what to do. I am very protective over my ponies, and very rarely let others besides dd ride them. But, on the other hand, I feel I should 'pay it forward' so to speak.
When I met my now best horsey friend, she had a pony we could ride, and the deal was, -come and play, learn and help, leave a fiver in the pot and comeback when you like. it was great. My DCs would have had no chance to ride otherwise, and it was the start of years of fun, ending with experience, learning and 3 fuzzyfelts of my own in the paddock.
There isnt much I havent done with a pony over the years, but this is new ground. Should I do it?

[thinker]

Yeah go on, think of the little girl. Do the same as your freind with the fiver n pot. Make sure insured though. Could be the start of a life long obsession with horses. Spread the joy

[oldernowiser]

Does she want you to teach/supervise her, and if so, have you got time? If not, is your friend horsey enough that you'd be happy to lend her your pony? If it's yes to either, I'd do it

[Alicetheinvisible]

Just be careful with insurance etc. May suggest that you both join the BHS and then you are both covered?

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

I have bhs membership anyway. And I wouldn't let them ride without their own insurance. I'm not sure what my reasons are, I'm just not sure. Does that make sense?

[Alicetheinvisible]

Yep. I think it is just that feeling of security isn't it?

I am trying to find someone who wants to hack my little mare out til i have this baby but there is no one.

[MitchyInge]

I would Alice if I thought I could be trusted and wasn't so podgy and far away

[SpiderObsession]

I would set the ground rules first so your friend knows she has to make a small contribution and/or muck out etc otherwise she could just turn up, ride pony, then beggar off. Leaving you feeling like she's taking the p*ss.

Oh, and that if you say the pony isn't well she can't ride.

[Alicetheinvisible]

Mitchy - you would love her! Someone recommended offering to someone to do PC on, but she doesn't travel in a trailer which kind of puts that idea out. If i had known i couldn't ride this pg i might have found someone in the winter to have her til Sept, but i was convinced i would be able to potter about.

[MitchyInge]

Oooooh wish could have her for gymkhana on 24th, bet we'd win!

[MitchyInge]

Does she travel in lorry?

[Alicetheinvisible]

Yes, she keeps herself fit bullying exercising the gelding in the field

The only time she has done a gymkhana is when i was about 14wks pg with DD. The first time she ever bucked (well, more head between the knees really) She is so laid back unless you are jumping (she would be just your sort )

[Alicetheinvisible]

Fine in lorry, can't say i blame her about trailer tbh, so wobbly!

[MitchyInge]

She sounds fab!

Pleeeease look at poor Joey on my FB wall

[MitchyInge]

Don't phone ILPH though!

Argh this is a total hijack, sorry sorry sorry

[Alicetheinvisible]

I have just seen it

He looks huge in that pic!

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

Mitchy, I now feel the need to dye a pony pink! My big Shetland is looking relieved that she is black, but the grey welsh thinks it might make her more attractive to the stallion next week!