Is 5 too young to start riding lessons?

[figcake]

For a rather spirited DS? He is really keen and says he would rather do that than any other activity including days out with us. DH thinks that he is not well-suited to the activity at least atm, and improving his swimming skills would be much more beneficial (given his fascination with stripping off and wading straight into the sea every time we visit a beach). there is also the cost
Any experiences to share? Thanks

Ds was never on a lead rein. The policy at the stables we use is to start off beginners on the lunge and once they are able they join a group. First couple of weeks in group lessons they have a helper who walks round with them but not on a lead rein. Ds was cantering when he was 5 and that seemed to be the norm afaik. Having said that he is tall for his age and very very confident despite having a couple of falls (including a bad one).

generalhaig the clue's in my name

In Brasil we pay £20 each for an hour (only 3 in group) - but its great - no health and safety here (!!) and DS (4) was riding on a adult-sized horse across the paddock on his own second lesson (gulp). Both him and DD (3) loved it and talk about it more than anything else but its too expensive to go every week. I used to muck out and help at the stables for free rides. Had some amazing riding holidays - its brilliant fun - go for it!