Are you thinking about signing up your child for horse riding lessons?
This ever-so-popular hobby and sport are one of the top choices for parents and kids alike and everyone can see the appeal. Horses are amazing majestic animals and spending time in nature has added benefits for your kids too.
Before you sign your paperwork, there are a few things and questions you should consider and take into account.
In this article, we will cover a few of them.
When Can Kids Start Horse Riding Lessons?
The recommended age is normally 2 – 3 years old, but it will depend on the individual child. Some kids at 2 years of age are more independent and physically better equipped than a child that’s a year old but haven’t had the same experiences.
Some kids are also generally very cautious around animals, especially those as big as horses, so introducing them to the hobby at the right time and the right frame of mind is more important than any age limitations normally imposed.
Is Horse Riding a Good Hobby for a Child?
Horse riding promotes hand-eye coordination and helps children develop better balance, mobility, and agility, so it’s certainly beneficial for them in many respects.
How Much Does it Cost?
That really depends on your location and your chosen farm/ranch, there is no set average fee you can go by. You should contact a few locations and ask about their costs, and also inquire about any additional costs that are not included in their hourly or weekly fees.
What Equipment or Stuff Do I Need to Buy?
If you’re just paying for horse riding lessons, normally all the equipment including the saddle (usually the most expensive part), bridle, reins, hobble belts, grooming tools, and blanket is provided already.
You just need to ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the lessons wearing comfortable clothing, helmet, and boots.
What Do I Need to Know About Horses Before We Sign Up?
The most important thing is to get familiar with the safety instructions. Kids can get silly at times and being cautious around horses is something that always has to be kept in mind.
Ask the lesson provider about the safety regulations they have in place and if they had any incidents happening in the past few months.
What if My Child Doesn’t Like It?
There is no point in forcing your kids into doing something you would like them to do. They grow into loving it after initial hesitation, or it’s maybe not for them.
Especially if your kids grow scared of horses, there is no need to try and cure this fear by signing them up for lessons. Try to do something else and revisit the topic of horse riding later on.
If you’re ready to make your jump into the world of horse riding, good luck and have fun!
