What age can children start riding lessons?

[Mirage]

DD1 has just turned two & is horse mad.My neighbours have 3 horses & put her on one of their ponies last week & much to my surprise,DD1 loved it.I thought she'd be scared,but she had 4 rides & cried when we had to go home.She's been on the pony again today & whenever she see a horse,she says 'I ride it'.

I'd like her to have riding lessons when she is old enough,but don't know what age its best for her to start.My neighbours say not too early,because toddlers bones are still pliable & she could end up with damaged legs & pelvis.I grew up with horses & was sat on one before I could walk,so am a bit confused,about this.

Any suggestions?Thanks

Here!

She had some pictures later.

Oh yeahhhhhh.
And hello you Janh, long time no chat to, you ok lovely lady? TC xxx

Hello, TC

I am working evenings these days so not here so much but fine, thank you! I know you are too, and looking forward to December! (You are still working? When do you stop?)

dd has been on a horse (well he was 17hh LOL) since 11 mths - we have our own pony foal now and our friends have a decent lead rein pony too.
3 is usual for riding schools in our area, but do ask around your area, we live in a very rural area so are very lucky...

umm also I've been riding since I was born (mum had horse yada yada) and ahve suffered a few broken bones, concussion etc but no pelvic problems

I miss you actually janh. Yeah still working, finish 01 Dec, musy submit that letter.

My local riding school only does actual lessons from 5 years but before that they can go on a 'pony ride' on a shetland, just led up the lane for 1/2 an hour. They took my dd when she was about 2.

Personally I wouldn't worry too much about damaging children by putting them on a pony for the odd 1/2 an hour. After all, most of our top show jumpers etc have been riding all their lives and they seem to be doing ok. Look at Zara Phillips. I think it's a safe bet her mum started her young!

3 for 1/2hour 5+ (depending on child) for full hour.No lessons before 5 although we went last winter with dd1(5) dd1s friend (4.10) and dd2(3.3) but I took dd2 myself.
£10 hour £5 1/2 hour

My sister started riding at 3 and suffers bad pelvic and back problems (she's 21 now).

I started at 8 and don't have back or pelvic problems, but my first finger on each hand is moulded to rein holding position. i.e. they bend inwards and turn at the top from years of thumb pressure! I rode daily throughout later childhood and teens, sometimes for hours though.