At what age should children learn?

[at4101]

I started riding and taking care of horses when I was four years old. My daughter is 6 and already knows basic care, but a few family members say she is too young to start learning to ride. I'm eager to get her started. Any suggestions? My brother owns horses and he is a great trainer and he agrees with me, so just wondering everyone elses opinion?

[ishowpinto]

I started at four as well. I think it is a good thing to learn early. I think it was a great advantage when I show. =]

[rhapsody]

I started at 5 and looking back wouldn't have had it any other way. I had the time of my life! I dont think there is a right or wrong age as long as your daughter is enjoying herself and the horse or horses she is around are safe :)

[ronansmom]

Hi,
I am an instructor and my youngest student is 5. She does really well for her age. However, I would like to mention that being so tiny and young, it is hard for her to handle the horse sometimes because her legs are not long enough to be in the proper position to give accurate leg aids. So, I teach her in a round pen where she can learn her seat without having to deal with direction as much. I believe in children starting early. I would start her on lead line or on lunge to develop her seat. Then, once she begins to get the hang of things, have her work in the round pen or small arena off line. Hope this helps.

Colby

[ArabianPrincess]

I am going to start leading my neise around at age 3 (she is 15 months now) to see if shge is interested, if she is I'll start her at 4-5 years old. Make sure she has balance, control and learns the correct aids.

I Know a mates daughter who's 7 and she's amazing to watch ride. (horse is collected, working amazing).

[lokiluver]

i think your daughter sounds llike she is at the perfect age to start riding. escpecially if she already knos some horse care and has beenn around horses without any problems

[at4101]

Hi,
I am an instructor and my youngest student is 5. She does really well for her age. However, I would like to mention that being so tiny and young, it is hard for her to handle the horse sometimes because her legs are not long enough to be in the proper position to give accurate leg aids. So, I teach her in a round pen where she can learn her seat without having to deal with direction as much. I believe in children starting early. I would start her on lead line or on lunge to develop her seat. Then, once she begins to get the hang of things, have her work in the round pen or small arena off line. Hope this helps.

Colby

My 6 year old is not the typical size for a 6 year old. She is very tall and lean and looks more like a 10 year old! Thanks for the tips as well. I was thinking the same thing about the round pen. Thanks everyone else too for all the replies :D.

[horsegirl413]

i know 5 and 7 year olds who ride horses and have cantered.
i know that my brother is 8 and he does great. soa s for that
well i think 6 is old enough on a pony of course.

[Bambi]

Hello. My daughter is going to be 3 in march, and she started riding when she was 23 month. First she was just sitting on the horse and i was walking her around but now she goes every saturday and she is getting better. first they teaching her to put both hands in the air to practice her balance and stuff. i think is good for her to get use to the horse and being on the horse. she has no fear at all. The instructor said he teaches an other little girl she is 4 now but counting propely and going out riding with him on the fields. so i think it depends on the child, and if you think your 4 year old is ready go for it. Even if she just using her balance and getting used to the horse...:))

[TheRider]

Yep I think it is child dependent. One of my sisters could and did ride at a much earlier stage around 5 without any problems, the other was about 10 when she started.

Truly just a purely individual thing that you have to judge, horses can be dangerous and wonder therapy all at once.

[arastangrider]

my old bossonly taught kids at her riding school and she started teaching kids at 3 ( on size approprite mounts) starting with games where they learned how to turn and stop basics.you should have seen the kisd that stuck with it by the time they were 5 they were showing in cantering classes 13 and under.

[celtes]

I started having lessons at 5 but I had been hacking out before then. My aunt worked at the stables which was useful! I think 4/5 is a good age to start.

[skatesallday]

Hi- I am an adult thinking of taking lessons to ride. have never ridden before. Hope it isn't too late.