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Discuss horse riding and ownership on our Horse forum.

Original poster

How young can I start my DD?

26 replies

JParkson · 11/04/2012 16:39

I know of a lovely riding stables about 10 miles from me, and they have very good ponies there - I took DS there a few times when pg with DD.

DD is now 18 months, and I'd like to think about starting her riding. I don't have a pony/horse of my own to start her on, so I haven't got a clue when would be a good time!

Also, on a side note, funds are tight - how likely would it be that the stable might let me help out a few hours a week in exchange for a lesson every now and again for her?

OP posts:
SparkyMcSparrow · 11/04/2012 16:45

I don't know if a riding stables would take one that young. I maybe wrong!

The youngest I have ever heard of starting proper lessons is 3. But more often than not its 5 or above.

I have a pony and plonked ds on him a number of times, he never really wanted to do anything more than walk down the road (with me holding on) for 2 minuites at 18mnths if that and I don't think his legs would have been anywhere near strong enough to ride properly.

Could you not wait a few more years if money is tight, considering she would probably be happier rolling around in the barn rather than being with the ponies!

Original poster
JParkson · 11/04/2012 16:56

It's just that I was flicking through a horse auction site and they mentioned a pony they'd sold a few months ago, and pictured it being shown in hand by a 2yo! I couldn't believe it!

But the taking on age is a very valid point, and waiting will probably be the course I'll take to be honest. (no harm in asking though!)

Thanks for the feedback sparky

OP posts:
SparkyMcSparrow · 11/04/2012 17:11

I think if kids have horsey parents its hard not to learn iyswim. They are probably around them most days since birth so pick things up.

Do you have any horsey friends who would let you dd have a sit?

I think the main issue with riding schools i think,is insurance and safety.

Most kids at 18mths don't understand why to stop at a road so more than likely wouldn't understand not to run through a ponies legs.

My ds was in the buggy while the horses were out, only once they were all shut away/in fields did he come out and play with our shetland who I trust as much as I can.

Expensive hobby mind...before you know it you will be riding too, and you will both want your own! Wink Grin

TheQueenOfDiamonds · 11/04/2012 18:23

The riding school i worked at started from 5. I've never been to a riding school thats taken younger than this, The only people i know who's kids have started younger are people with their own ponies.

Booboostoo · 11/04/2012 19:03

To be perfectly honest (and I say this as a fellow horse nut with 4 of my own and a young DD) I don't think she would gain any benefit from riding at that age but would be exposed to all the risks inherent in being around horses. Why not wait until she is a bit older and can get more out of the experience?6-7 is a good age to start as they can follow instructions, etc.

tazzle · 11/04/2012 19:43

hi

These days I doubt you will get anyone that will let any child under five on a pony due to insurance contraints, I agree with others in that its usually horse / pony owners that get kids on younger. The pony you saw being "shown in hand" was prob just holding it for a pic to show ir was good with kids and no way would that be allowed in a show ring.

I have only just found this section so dont know if you have any experience of horses so this suggestion might not be applicable.

I had previous riding and horse management experience so when my dD's were at playgroup and school age I looked for horses / ponies on loan / share basis ( can be as "cheap" as caring for or exercising the horse in return for getting a day or twos riding or riding for financial contribution to upkeep of said horse.) This way I did not have the financial or time contraints ( I was also still working nights as a nurse) involved with having my own horse and it helped out owners who wanted someone to share their horse.

As sparky suggests maybe someone local might let the little uns sit on for a pony ride... I quite often let kids do that with my welsh cob .. but as always its made clear that riding i a dangerous sport and no matter how brill the pone things can go awry very easily ( and my horse does stuff with disabled kids too so is as steady as they get really !) So whoever you approach will have to trust you that you wont sue at the drop of a hat foe any minor mishap !!!! ( eg I just accepted that when my 8 year old fell off friends pone and broke her arm that "these thinks happen" twas no ones fault or neglect,

As to whether the local riding school will let you work for rides...... worth asking although most I know have loads teens already doing this.,,,, . depends too on your level of knowledge / experience.

Some people dont always approve but I have had my GCs around my own horse since they were able to stand ... the level of supervision varies according to their age and sense but even at about 2 years old they have brushes and groom the bits they can reach. They get rides around the fields with me leading them and they do learn to balance even if they cant use their legs to "ride properly".

At a young age it more letting them have fun and get familiar with horses rather than learn to ride.......... though some tinies do do very well indeed Wink

Mirage · 11/04/2012 20:54

Mine both started at a riding school at 4,they wouldn't accept children under that because of the insurance.

SaggyOldClothCatPuss · 11/04/2012 21:25

Get a Shetland and a basket saddle! Grin
4 is plenty old enough really. Any smaller and they can barely manage the weight of the helmet! if you can find one that small!

SparkyMcSparrow · 11/04/2012 22:15

Saggy I have always wanted a basket saddle, they are so hard to find and so bloody expensive!! :(

SaggyOldClothCatPuss · 11/04/2012 22:53

eBay is your friend!

Original poster
JParkson · 12/04/2012 12:41

Believe you me if I could have a horse, or had access to a placid horse/pony, I wouldn't be asking the question! Wink (I am slightly obsessed with horses...)

Owning an equine is a long-term dream of mine but unfortunately I cannot fit one in my 2-bed coach-house :o

You've all given some fab tips and pointers, so think it'll be DS heading for the saddle and DD will be holding the brushes for the forseeable future.

She has shown an interest in horses as she is surrounded by pics and models in my house, and whenever she gets to meet one she's not shy about grabbing hold or giving a brush/comb. A case of wait and see methinks...

Thank you again!

OP posts:
tazzle · 12/04/2012 13:34

hold onto the dream JP..... I was almost 40 and DC all at secondary school before I got my own horse Wink

Original poster
JParkson · 12/04/2012 14:47

Sounds like a plan tazzle! DH knows how much I love them, and he's mentioned on more than one occasion that he'd like nothing better than to buy a bit of land for me so I can get a horse.

one day...!

OP posts:
ExitPursuedByABear · 12/04/2012 15:12

Yes - hold on to that dream. It is still mine.

My local riding school starts children at 5 or 6. They also run a Saddle club where children pay for the privilege of mucking out and cleaning tack. Gone are the days when you could help out at a stables and get a free ride - sadly.

tazzle · 12/04/2012 19:46

dont know if this will work putting link to pics site on but here goes.. a few pics of mine with tots on board / around

i17.photobucket.com/albums/b89/tazzle22/rrb/rrb2042.jpg

i17.photobucket.com/albums/b89/tazzle22/rrb/rrb2030.jpg

i17.photobucket.com/albums/b89/tazzle22/taznjen.jpg

and DGD having a cuddle in the field

i17.photobucket.com/albums/b89/tazzle22/matchingset.jpg

good luck finding a share / loan when the time comes .... if you were anywhere near me ( in west midlands) you could come and brush her lol

Original poster
JParkson · 12/04/2012 21:21

Oh they're lovely tazzle! I especially like the cuddle Wink

And thanks for the offer, alas we are in the South West. Lots and lots of horses around, I just don't know anyone!

exit that's what the stables introduced where I had a few lessons - funnily enough they lost quite a lot of support, and last I heard they were a badly run livery yard.

OP posts:
SparkyMcSparrow · 12/04/2012 21:23

I'm in the south west Grin
Somerset/wilts more precisely.

If you are close you are more than welcome to come and fuss Dshitland DShetland :)

Original poster
JParkson · 12/04/2012 21:30

sounds extremely tempting sparky...!

I'm in north wilts. :)

OP posts:
SparkyMcSparrow · 12/04/2012 21:31

Do you want me to pm you my town?

SparkyMcSparrow · 12/04/2012 21:33

Dh tells me we are close to N.wilts

Original poster
JParkson · 12/04/2012 21:50

Ooh, yes please sparky

OP posts:
SparkyMcSparrow · 12/04/2012 21:52

Done :)

Original poster
JParkson · 12/04/2012 21:57

Thank you :)

OP posts:
tazzle · 12/04/2012 22:47

aaaaawwwwwwwwwwwww aint that great ... a match being made we hope Grin

Treblesallround · 13/04/2012 12:14

As others have said, hold onto the dream JP, I was nearly 50 when I got my first pony (Xmas present from DH) I luffs her very much!!