question about horses

*Barbie*

how young is too young to learn how to ride a horse/pony?

niece is 4, and is really into horses. I was thinking a cool Christmas gift would be to get her a 30 - 60 minute riding lesson (with SIL's permission of course). They live in central PA (farm country) and it looks like there are a fair amount of stables nearby. I don't know if the individual stables have age restrictions - but does this seem like it would be age appropriate, or should I table the idea for a year or two?

mrsconn23

If the stables have websites, I'd do some poking around on them and see if they have any age-related information. 

FWIW, I think 4 isn't too young at all for this sort of thing. 

AuntFlo

Wait a year or two.   DD is 4 and tall for her age, and she is too immature for lessons and way too tiny. 
4 is unpredictable.  We took DD to the fair in August and she threw a fit about wanting to ride a lttle pony, but then when it was time to do it, refused to get on.  But in October at the Ren Faire she had no problem getting on a great big horse with me. 
And it does take some strength to keep yourself on a horse.   You need to be able to follow instructions, hold on to the reins, and keep your legs gripped on the horse so you keep your balance.  

*Barbie*

the first time i went, i was about 7 or so, and not on the really big horses until 10 or 11. 

i can't find age info on the sites - but looks like a few offer girl scout programs starting in K-1st grade - so it might be better to wait. 

Niece is tall for her age and fairly athletic - but i was more concerned about the maturity factor. 

thanks

VarunaTT

I was on a horse younger than that but it was with another rider and/or on a lunge, so I didn't have to control the horse.  I don't think I was allowed to ride by myself until around 7ish and it was on the oldest gentlest pony known to man.  He had one speed...slow.  Like, i walked faster than he did.

So, I think 4 might be too young for a lessons type thing.  But they might do an intro type class where they learn about leading/walking by halter, what equipment, horses feet and such.

zsazsa-stl

Page HIO on FB.  She is an expert on such things.