Horseriding for 6 year old, any tips?

[honkytonk]

DD has just turned six and we have agreed she can try horseriding.

I have no experience of horseriding at all.

Any tips/advice would be useful?

Thanks

Marking my place as I agreed dd (7 in March) could go to Pony Camp at Easter. I am scared of horses! What should she wear, would be my first question....

My advice would be ask other mums of girls in your area if they can recommend a school, most girls do it at some point.

To begin with I would say find a riding school that has an indoor arena - nothing worse than being put off by riding in the rain and cold (nor you standing watching in the rain and cold!!).

To begin with I would recommend thick trousers (jeans), and wellington boots, or boots with a small heel, and a pair of gloves.

If they like it (and portofino you may wish to consider this if going of on a camp), I would recommend investing in body protector, and own helmet, a pair of riding gloves, jodphurs, and a pair of boots.

The clothes I would get off ebay, the saftey gear I would buy new.

Look out for a BHS approved stable, they have a website where you can search for a local one.

Stables normally loan hats which is a good idea until you're sure she likes it. Otherwise comfy clothes like leggings/trackies and footwear with a heel to stop feet slipping through the stirrups.

Oh and ypu may get more responses if ypu post in the tack room section.

but preferably NOT wellies with cleated soles. They can get stuck in the stirrups.

All that stuff! Blimey! She has never done it before. She THINKS she might like it. I was hoping to find out first......I think they provide the helmets. I was more worried about boots....

talk to your local riding schools - many don't take them that young for proper lessons, some don't actually take them at all. some like them to have private lessons first. some spend ages giving them lead rein lessons before they join off-lead group lessons. I've heard it said(no idea if it's true) that little ones don't have sufficient strength in their legs. some have rules about safety wear, some don't. most insist on boots with heels.

Thanks for your replies will try tack room!

I wouldn't start with Pony camp. I would get a couple of lessons at a local school (or if really desperate a "own a pony or a day" course). Just incase they find the reality too overwhelming and aren't ready/don't really enjoy it. I would also ask around for recommendations.
Ask the school about what to wear too, my DDs school has boots and hats to borrow for beginners, you need trousers but not Jeans (and definitely not a dress which one little girl turned up in once).

Check the riding school is BHS or ABRS approved. Once you have found a riding school go along and ask them. Mine allowed joggers but not jeans and any boot with a small heel. I did get DD some rubber riding boots before her lessons cheaply on Ebay. I would'nt ride in them myself but they do for her level of ability. Plus if she had not liked riding they would have done a turn as wellies.
Ebay and Equestrian Clearance are good places for picking up riding clothing cheaply. Anything like a hat or body protector should be fitted at a specialist shop though. Most schools provide a hat at first and the rest can be picked up once you know your child is enjoying riding.

I meant ask the riding school about what they recommend wearing in lessons.

I'd also check on things like maximum class size, do they have a structured training programme, when she gets a bit older will there be the opportunity for comps.
Then have a look at the stables - look at a couple at least. Are the ponies well cared for and clean? are there lots of young helpers about. That sort of thing.

You can buy decent jodphurs, hats, boots etc. at Decathlon (when you feel the need). Also keep an eye out in charity shops, we saw a very nice pair of jodphurs to fit a small 6yo in local charity shop, cost about 3 quid.

Top tip: talk/bribe her out of it whilst you still can!

But, assuming you can't: bear in mind that the BHS and ABRS affiliations are primarily concerned with equine welfare; if you want to know if the place is nice to children, you'll need to ask round other mummies.

She shouldn't wear jeans - or any other trouser with a firm inside seam, it can rub raw the inside of the knee. Soft leggings or not-very-baggy trackies should be OK at the tryout phase. You need a sturdy shoe/boot with a small but definite heel (so foot can't get pulled right through the stirrup).

Just to add a little gem that has helped me postpone riding lessons. "Little children should not do too much riding as it can put excessive strain on growing hip joints and spines."

This gem came from a riding instructor and was reinforced by a quack. I am not going to argue as it has saved me a fortune. DD may start riding regularly when she is 10!

Expect to be a lot poorer and to be on first name terms with the staff in A&E

LOL @ princessparty - from experience DD - Broken Collar Bone, Broken ribs. DS - Broken Ribs and ankle from playing polo. DC's pony - colic, laminitis etc etc

Loads of pounds spent with the vet and definitely on first name terms with Xray staff at local hospital!!

Thank God both DC are older and wiser now and don't ride anymore.

I stopped riding when a DF fractured her leg in 7 places when she fell hunting - I suddenly realised that I was too old for that sort of thing.

However - It's a lovely hobby for young DC. I'm sure your DD will love it and I concur with the advice above about a BHS approved stable. Do buy a body protector (often available second hand), but buy a new riding hat. Not sure about the comment about hips and spines, most of my friends DC have ridden since they were tiny and (now they are teenage and young adults) don't seem to have any problems with mobility.