Riding at any age is a great adventure. Understanding animals and having self discipline is one of the many advantages of starting your child off as a young rider. If your child has an interest in the outdoors and animals, a trip to a farm or local horse stable is a unique hobby to encourage.
My daughter was 2 when she discovered Tiny Trotters and has been riding for a year now. Her little brother enjoys it just as well!
Why Ride?
CONFIDENCE - The more a child learns, the better he or she can ride. Horse riding teaches your child to never give up! Once they had conquered something, as simple as it seems, but hard when you want to succeed, your child will move confidently to other things in the world of opportunities that can be reached by that confidence. And when you have confidence you can conquer anything!
BALANCE - Yep, you guessed it. Balance is essential in horse riding, mostly because you can never ride well without good balance and even more important, you can't stay on! For your child to have good balance, all they have to do is practice. Keeping up with their riding and their posture & over all balance in daily activities will improve!
TRUST - Horse riding is a risky activity and many major accidents can occur. In some people’s opinions, they prefer other activities for the children like a sport or crafts to a horses. But in my opinion, it is just the total opposite. Sports aren’t alive, organized sports are great but there is nothing like giving your child a chance to be with one on one with an animal! Even though a horse can get spooked and run wild, your child has to learn to trust a horse to not get into deep trouble or take the appropriate steps to detour a potential problem.
A Special Thanks to Red Gate Farm in Hamilton VA where we 1st discovered their Tiny Trotter's program.
Tack
Check age and height requirements before riding and always have a adult chaperone with your child
Talk over rules with your child and how to act at a barn, stable or farm before entering.
Before your child rides ask the instructor what items you need or if they offer equipment rentals.
Equipment & Rules To Know
- Riding Boots, hard-soled shoes with a heel must be worn when mounted
- Helmet that fits & straps under chin (not a bicycle helmet)
- Riding pants or long pants
- Only feed horses apples, carrots, and treats from the barn. Feed with palm facing up and fingers flat and tight
- Do not mount until an instructor has checked the girth
- Always have a halter or bridle on your horse. Horses may not be loose
- Do not mount or ride a horse in the barn
- Young children must be supervised
- No shouting or loud noises
- Make sure the horse is aware of your presence before approaching
Every stable & barn is different! Please read & know all the rules. Happy Riding!
