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Children and horses: When to get started - and how?

Most people will agree that it is healthy for children to be around animals - and horses is no exception. In the company of a horse or a pony, children experience the feeling of having a friend, who will never comment on who they are or how they look. Horses teach children about responsibility, how to read body language and feel empathy. They help create memories for a lifetime and provide loving support when the going gets tough.

Buf of course, you should never forget that horses are big, strong animals driven by instincts that must be respected. So how are you going to deal with it if your child has fallen in love with horses and asks to start riding or even wishes pony? How do you prepare your child for a life with horses, and when is your child ready for it?

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Go visit a horse

In general, you cannot introduce a child to the life with horses too early. It is only a question of how to do it. You do not have to sit on a horse to learn what it is all about. If you have a horse or know someone who has, then it is a good idea to start with a visit. Let the child touch, smell and listen to the horse. Most horses will love being touched on the muzzle and having some extra treats.

It is also useful for the child that you talk about the horse you are visiting. What does it eat? Why is it in a stable or outside in the field? Who takes care of it? The answers provide a learning process where children are familiarised with the means of having a horse. The sooner you can teach your child about this, the better, and the more naturally they will start thinking about taking care of an animal.

If you, as a parent, is used to horses and if your child show interest in horses then you can of course let them try sitting on one. Perhaps only for a few minutes to begin with.

You may also like to read: Ponydad – let me be totally honest

Riding school, borrowing a horse or owning a horse?

If you do not have much experience with horses and do not know someone who does, then it is time well spend to visit a riding school. Your child can participate in a beginner's class or even just have a try out. If you, on the other hand, you already know what it is all about, but do not think you have the time or the money to actually own a pony or horse, then chances are you will be able to rent one.
The market for renting horses and ponies is huge, so if you look up on the internet you will quickly find great options. It is very different how much you are allowed to ride on a rented horse, the chores around the horse and what the cost will be. Some horse owners are looking for someone who besides riding the horse also participates in stable work. And this kind of agreement could mean that you get a cheaper deal. It is a great opportunity to have some quality time together as a family.

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Riding is an expensive hobby

Riding is not a cheap hobby. Horses need feed, water and a clean stable every day. The arenas must be clean and tidy, and if you are taking riding lessons the trainer must be paid.

You also have to remember all the equipment you need for your child. He or she needs a pair of riding breeches, boots, a safety vest and a helmet just to get started. Luckily, many stores now specialise in used equipment of good quality, so you can keep the costs down, and not feel that you have waste a ton of money if your son or daughter suddenly should lose interest in horses again.

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