First riding lessons

[StormBringers]

I have no experience of riding, but Dd (6) is desperate. She’s had a few beginner lessons and loved it, she has SEN and it seems great for her confidence (she seems naturally comfortable with it and good at it so it’s a huge boost).

There are two schools by me, equal distance. One has the ponies with her age group each led by an adult, the other is also indoor but has just two instructors in the middle and not the 1:1 (they say it’s indoors and the ponies are well trained so it’s not needed).

I feel more comfortable with the lead, but it’s cheaper not to. Also Dd looks like she learns from the extra guidance of the adult next to her.

Does it make a difference? Which is the norm for 6 yr olds?

If she has sen, feels more comfortable and you do too, go for the lead.
I am as Yorkshire as they come in terms of not spending money but you literally cannot put a price on confidence.
As an aside can you get her a space at the local RDA?

The local RDA is further and over-subscribed plus (I hope this sounds ok) I want her ideally to ride in a non-SEN group if possible. She’s always with SEN groups, and it’s so confidence building to find something where she can ride with a general group (she’s never ever done this before for anything, but she’s had two good group lessons so far). It also means it’ll be the first thing she’s ever accessed alongside a sibling as they are normally split into SEN/ non-Sen stuff

Whichever you choose check they are insured and preferably BHS approved (British Horse Society). This means they will have proper risk assessments and liabilities.

Personally I think a lead in the initial stages is better, it's how I learnt at 6. Even the safest ponies can spook and be unpredictable. Plus the leader can help slightly with balance if required.

Also be prepared to get sucked in! I know so many people who started when their kids rode. The kids have now grown up and away from horses, but their mums still ride and own! It's a fab way to throw away money