First riding lesson

[ineedapoo]

DD had first riding lesson today. She is 6. Booked a lead rein group lesson. They knew she hadn't ridden before and took her out on busy country lanes for 45 minutes. I was surprised

I think i'd try a dif RS. The place where i go wouldn't take competent adults out on a road, they always stick to 'off road' hacks as just safer all round. You never know what idiots are on the roads.

My riding school wouldn't let any child under 8 learn, they said that any less than that is no better than the pony rides you get on the beach...

Not saying I agree with them, but that's what they said.

I don't think it'd be right though to take a little one OUT on roads on the first ride though, better in a menage where at least it's quieter... what if the horse had spooked?? they do spook sometimes, for no reason, just cos they are bored..

A first lesson for a 6 year old on a road is really irresponsible. Our old RS put all first time riders on a lunge rein in an enclosed arena wether you are 6 or 60 and regardless of your experience. That way then can assess the way you sit and give you confidence in a new horse. They were really popular with young kids as they didn't rush you and kept different abilities seperate.
Of course horseriding isn't a danger free sport but a menage with no traffic is way safer then a country road.
When I learnt to ride 25 years ago it was 2 years before we were allowed on the roads

Hi im a horse riding instructor and this is definately not the norm. I would always teach the basics (stop,start,turnetc) in an enclosed arena before venturing outside. I would then only go on a quiet lane not busy road like you describe. Your not actually paying for them to learn much by taking them straight out - they are just sitting there! There are benefits of course to riding out on lanes but not before they have learnt the basics. Have you been back there?