What age to start?

[Mishy1234]

DS (3) loves horses and has shown an interest in riding. What age is best to start? I've had a look and most stables don't start before 5.

Also, can anyone recommend a good place in or around Edinburgh?

I think you will find that nobody wants to teach under 5's due to insurance and health and safety issues. DD has been riding since before she was born - though she had a break of about 8 months between me giving up riding due to the bump getting in the way of me mounting/dismounting, and her being able to hold her head up at 6 months...

Is it an option to buy a lead rein pony for your son?

Thanks Callisto.

The problem is that I haven't kept horses for a good long while (about 15 years), so very out of touch with the practical aspects and not really up to speed on the best yards around our area. If I was involved on a day to day basis, I would definitely consider buying a pony, but it's just not practical atm.

I was a quite surprised about the age restriction, but it makes sense now you've explained the issues. I know lots of people who keep horses, but none of them have children and so don't have anything suitable for DS.

I do love the idea of little ones starting as early as possible though, especially when their parent(s) are involved with horses. I think I'll have to wait unfortunately, but I suppose it's only another couple of years.

Don't give up until you've checked out your area as there are still riding schools that cater for under 5s. here's one for a start, it can't be the only one in the country.

Ha ha, just realised that the one I've just linked to is about as far away from you as possible . Oh well, it was only to illustrate a point!

Perhaps it would be worth contacting your local pony club?

We're off on holiday in a few weeks and I've found somewhere who will do a lead rein ride from 3.

www.biglandhall.com/

What do people think? Does it look ok?

Also, should I think about getting him a hat, so he's sure to be wearing the right size? Prob completely ott, but what's the deal with back protectors? Any point for small ones?

Also, thanks for the pony club suggestion. I'll definitely look into it.

It looks good and the Pony Club have accredited it so that is a good sign. I would pay them a visit - don't tell them you're coming - and see how they are and what the yard and horses are like. Have as much of a nose around as you can. IME yards that are well run don't mind prospective clients having a look round (within reason).

Bigland gets a good review here

hi not sure whereabouts in Edinburgh you are but if you are prepared to travel my friend has a lovely wee riding school just south of West Linton. I think she does pony ride walks for younger ones once a month but sure what age from. She also does a great lease scheme for horses and ponies which is a good alternative to owning, if you get the bug. The hacks out round there are amazing. It is a lovely area so even if it is a bit of a drive there is a nice park, pub etc in the village! The place is called Karecole the link is here www.karecole.co.uk/
I have also ridden at Tower Farm ( along time ago) but seem to remember you often didn't get the same instructor so harder to make progress - that is the advantage with a small place. There is also a small place on the road to Penicuik just south of edinburgh that I used to ride at years ago but not sure if it still does lessons, or how good it is now.