What is the Ideal Age to Start My Child Riding?

Five questions a Parent should ask before booking that first lesson!

With the love of horses striking some children at an early age a parent often asks how soon they should get started with their child's equestrian education. I've listed below some ideas to consider that may help you to make the choice of when to start that's right for you and your child.

1. How great is their desire? Although it's advantageous to a parent's budget to hold off for as long as possible when giving their child formal training in riding horses, some children just can't wait. I have seen children from as young as three completely obsessed with being around horses and there is an advantage to starting them very young before the world has convinced them large animals are something to fear.

2. How important is it to you for your child to ride? Horseback riding lessons are not only expensive but very time consuming. I suggest a parent doesn't even consider lessons unless they can commit to the child's training becoming part of their typical routine. It just isn't fair for a parent to get a kid that loves horses started only to decide their budget of time or money can no longer tolerate the burden.

3. What are your expectations? Let's be reasonable. Obviously a three year old will not progress as quickly as a seven year old but I have to admit there are exceptions and of course the earlier a child is started the farther along they will be at a younger age and the more natural riding a horse will become. (There are medical studies involving the effects of motion to the development of the inner ear in young children and the benefits to a child's development)

4. Can you find a Trainer? Many riding schools will not take a child under the age of seven and for good reason. If the school involves group lessons then the personal supervision needed for a younger child to stay safe is not available. You will have to look long and hard to find a suitable trainer for a much younger child. Such trainers are few and far between but they are out there. To find one I suggest you frequent some local shows and watch for who's in charge of the youngest riders. You will also want to assess their personality and repoire with the children and whether they foster confidence in the rider through positive re-enforcement.

5. Consider abbreviated instruction. Some trainers will allow a young sibling to tag onto the end of a family member's lesson. Even if it's just a supervised walk around to cool out the horse it can be enough of a positive experience to foster confidence and ability to move with the horse preparing the child for what's to come into their future.

The bottom line is; if you're willing to give your child whatever time is required and let them move at a speed that is suitable for their development and can find a qualified and cautious Instructor with trustworthy equine partners and you are willing to pay for their valuable time and expertise and your child has a strong desire at such an early age to have an equine experience then by all means find the opportunity to foster that love of horses in them. I can promise you no regrets and only the satisfaction you as a parent will discover from giving your child something that can affect them positively for the rest of their lives!

Millie Chalk (White Star Woman)

Professional horse trainer for 25yrs. and author of historical fiction. Part Cherokee Indian I'm passionate regarding the current struggle of all the first nations feeling most akin for several reasons to the Lakota.

For more information regarding the care and training of horses and their riders check out my new website...
http://backyardhorseman.com/