Help! Son wants riding lessons

[ClaudiaD13]

My son really wants a horse! Obviously I'm not about to go out and get him one, but I am considering letting him have riding lessons. The problem is I know absolutely nothing about horses or ponies. I've tried googling local riding schools but I'm not really sure what I'm looking for. Does anyone have any advice?

My son is 10, and has ASD. Animals have been his 'thing' since he was born (he knows more about animals, fish, and birds than an average adult). He has anxiety and depression, it is a daily battle to get him to leave the house or show interest in any activity. In this respect I thought riding lessons might benefit him - if he has something he enjoys and looks forward maybe he will start to feel happier? My concerns are that he can be demand avoidant, so although I'm sure he will love being around a horse he may not like the 'lesson'. What do you think? Worth a try?

Sounds ideal!! Go for it!!

Horses are brilliant therapy. The care, as well as the riding

Most riding schools do short half hour hacks, where he can be on a lead rope for a walk down a lane or similar. He might enjoy that, at leadt initially if he doesnt like being told what to do. My dd2 wouldnt tolerate lessons for that readon. But she loved hacking. Now dd1 has a horse, so she gets to ride without being bossed about. She has MH issues and being at the stables, helping out in the fresh air is ace. Horses are ace, in fact

Sounds like a great idea.

When choosing a riding school, consider picking one that is BHS and/or ABRS approved as you can be confident the instructors are qualified and they have met all the proper H&S requirements. It might sound like a fundamental thing, but I came across some unbelievably dodgy 'schools' back in the day when I used to ride.

Once you've picked a school, have a quiet word with the instructor about your son's needs if you are really concerned he may not like a certain type of lesson. A good instructor will be more than happy to teach in a way that will suit your son.

Have you looked to see if there's any Riding for the Disabled centres near you? They cater for all manners of disability, not just physical ones, and will have the more experienced tutors and very patient ponies your son will need at first. When I used to volunteer there were children there with both learning and physical disabilities, they all got along great!

My 9 year old who has ASD (and anxiety and other mental health issues) loves riding (her thing is also animals!) - it is the one activity that she has stuck at. I sometimes wonder where we would be had she not started, as it is so good for her.

I would look for a stables which has a range of opportunities - 1-2-1 lessons, group lessons and a pony club. Many also do holiday activities, pony share etc.

My DD started with a 1-2-1 lesson and progressed to group lessons. She now has a group of firiends at the stables, helps muck out and groom etc. It has done so much for her confidence and her resilience.

I am not remotely pony-ish but after a couple of years I can go near them and even went on one for half an hour...

I am not sure where you are in the country but feel free to PM me if you want any further advice.

Most stables have "have a go" lessons that are not massively expensive and do not require any more than a commitment to one be lesson at a time.

Also a pony day (mainly held in school holidays) might be a good place to start.

Are you in London op? If you are I can recommend a place to ride.

Your son should just need some warm tracksuit bottoms, a long sleeved top and some chelsea boots or wellies to begin.

I can definitely recommend Lee Valley Riding
If you're in London, OP!

@Sandybabytoes that was going to be my recommendation too

I used to teach riding. It’s great for kids. My Aspie son took it up for a few weeks but went off it. He’s got form for crazes so I’m glad I didn’t stump up for a hat - just some second hand jods.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm in the North East. I'm hoping this could be something he sticks at. He is so depressed and has given up doing anything, so maybe this will bring some joy to his life.

Hey, I'm also north east - I do instruct part time myself - but if you want to pm me a rough location, so stockton, boro, York etc I may be able to point you in the right direction.

As an adult who has depression/anxiety issues I cannot stress enough how much being around horses, or animals generally, has helped

Horse therapy is great for people with disabilities, poor mental health(depression, anxiety, ect) and things such as ADHD, ASD, ect.

Riding schools for the disabled are great if you have any near, i used to volunteer at one(learned to ride professionally while i was at it!) but regular schools can working just as well its always worth calling up first and seeing.
Do make sure they are BHS and or ABRS approved and have all been trained in first aid.

Shame you don't live nearer here as i could recommend the one i am currently teaching at x