to think that if you go to a farm park..

[gallifrey]

you can actually see and stroke some animals?

My dd loves horses and has been constantly saying she wants so see a horsey so this morning we went to a farm park and there were notices everywhere that said do not touch the animals, wash your hands etc...
The bit where the horses are was sectioned off with big chains and notices and we couldn't get anywhere near them at all.

She was so disappointed she cried all the way home and I eventually managed to find some in a field that we looked at from the car. Now she is asking about riding! She's not even 2 yet!!
Ironically I have had horses for 30 years and only gave up just before she was born.

They could hardly have under two's running around the field among the horses, could they? Even if the farm owners thought it was a good idea (it's not) their insurers would never allow it.

BinarySolo, most riding schools will not consider lessons until a child is at least 5 - the school my DD and I ride at prefer 6yo, as they don't feel their ponies are suitable for a small 5 yo. You'd have to ask but I think the insurance for under-5s is an issue.

the riding school I used to work at didn't start them until they were 6.

mmm like I expected them to run around in a field of horses! I think not....
all I wanted them to be able to do was stroke a horse over a stable door.