Toddler wants to ride

11 replies

GeorgiePorge · 09/10/2023 10:20

Morning,

Can anyone recommend anywhere in Forest of Dean/Gloucester/Cheltenham ir Hereford way that would do riding lessons of some kind for a two year old?
Doesn't need to be every week or formal to begin with...

My DD is just 2...but very large for his size...has good language/understanding etc...but the local equestrian school near me doesn't take under 3 year olds. I know regular riding isn't always recommended when v. small but seems a shame to wait a year when he is currently so keen and doesn't have any fear.

thanks

OP posts:

Original poster

GeorgiePorge · 09/10/2023 10:21

large for his age...😏

OP posts:

twistyizzy · 09/10/2023 10:24

You will struggle to find anywhere that takes under 3 or 4 Yr old to be honest. Will be down to insurance I would imagine.

Basilthymerosemary · 09/10/2023 10:32

As PP said- most riding schools won't take under 3/4yr olds due to insurance.

CountryCob · 09/10/2023 12:30

This is true on the insurance front. Also not meant to fit a riding hat under the manufacturer recommendation under 3 as skull forming quickly....

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 09/10/2023 12:59

It’s an insurance thing, and also not recommended due to the weight of a riding helmet on a toddlers neck IIRC.

Floralnomad · 09/10/2023 19:05

I totally agree with everyone else but there is a place called Pampered Ponies in Wichenford which does toddler sessions where they can groom the ponies and have a pony ride . Not sure how far away that is to you though .

Original poster

GeorgiePorge · 10/10/2023 09:22

@Floralnomad thanks that suggestion is great... its about an hour away so doable. They offer one of sessions which sounds perfect to do every now and then before ehe turns 3, then if still interested will look into lessons.

I take on board all the PP comments...my DS had craniosynotosis when born...so have already checked in with consultant re suitability of riding and helmets etc so have got their sign off.

Not sure why I am so keen to encourage such an expensive hobby...but I've never seen him happier than when he sat on a pony so it seems a bit mean not to facilitate if I can (safely and sensibly of course) .

OP posts:

StrictlyComeback · 10/10/2023 12:12

FWIW mine (and the children of all the keen equestrians I know) had started riding at this age. By riding I mean being led around an arena in walk on a dope on a rope. I used cycle helmets. Not safe enough for proper riding but fine for what I am describing and gets them used to the rule of always wearing one whilst riding. If you and he are keen you could look out for a once a week share of a quiet pony that would allow this.

Floralnomad · 10/10/2023 20:34

@StrictlyComeback our eldest had also started riding by that age , he rode from 18 months because we happened to have a Shetland in our collection .

marmite2023 · 10/10/2023 20:37

I had my first pony at 18months. I don’t have any hip or neck issues! Still obsessed with horses though and spending money on my eventer and yearling like it’s going out of fashion at nearly 38…

Postapocalypticcowgirl · 14/10/2023 16:17

For riding schools, insurance for under 4s is often a nightmare! Equally as others have said, many people in horsey families were riding regularly at that age!

I agree that if you are keen, then finding a once a week share of a small pony is probably the way to go - if you don't feel confident to teach then that's fine. At this stage just being on the pony and learning to balance/steer is the main thing he'd learn at a riding school anyway!

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