horseback riding lessons - toddlers

[CloudBee]

DS has his first private horseback riding lesson on Tuesday. He's 3.5. We thought it would help him feel empowered with all of the medical procedures he's had lately.

The facility provides those in the 3-5 age range with helmets and boots. I assume because they grow fast, and because parents may not want to invest in gear when their child is just starting out?

I really don't know if this is something we will pursue longterm. We didn't sign him up for a fall sport because he was getting over a broken leg, so we're looking to kill some time before winter sports stat up in January.

If your child in the 3-5 yr range actively rides, how often do they take lessons?

They said he needs to wear fitted pants, so I'm going to put him in skinny jeans. Any other suggestions? We live in CT so it will probably be cold enough outside for a jacket.

[CloudBee]

Nov 6, 2016 20:09:31 GMT -5 milsaroo said:

Are you sure they'll be outside?

I think so? All of the recent photos on their FB page were taken outside. And a friend happened to post a photo of her daughter taking a lesson at this barn over the weekend. They were also outside.

They must have an indoor ring for the winter, though.SaveSave

[hermione]

We're looking into starting lessons in the spring - kids have to be 4 for the group lessons we're considering. I don't want to pay for private unless she shows real interest first. She'll go once a week for either 30 or 60 minutes to start.

[demofea01]

Nov 6, 2016 20:10:59 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

Nov 6, 2016 20:09:31 GMT -5 milsaroo said:

Are you sure they'll be outside?

I think so? All of the recent photos on their FB page were taken outside. And a friend happened to post a photo of her daughter taking a lesson at this barn over the weekend. They were also outside.

They must have an indoor ring for the winter, though.SaveSave

I would send a coat even if they have an indoor arena. Unless its insulated and heated, it'll probably be chilly in there too.

[imojoebunny]

My kids ride about 20 times a year, sometimes everyday for a week, sometimes, a random afternoon when we are at our cabin. They both started riding at 4 (now 7 and 10). Their lessons are usually about 1.5 hours long, which includes catching the horse, cleaning the horse, tacking, and the reverse on the back end (usually ride about 1/2 that time). Sometimes, they will already be caught and ready to tack, but often not. They like the other parts, as much as, riding. Their teacher uses obstacle courses to teach them riding skills, who would not want to ride through a pool noodle labyrinth?. She is amazing with the kids and the horses. They love it and would do it every week, if we always lived at our cabin. Hope he has a great time, but if not, it is something he can try again later. It is a lot like bike riding, you don't have to be great at it, or do it all the time, to enjoy it.

[AmyRI]

Yes, fitted pants. Skinny jeans are perfect. Yes, dress him with a jacket if it's cold. Even if they have an indoor ring it is unlikely to be heated.

I'm surprised they give him boots. He could wear hard soled boots if you've got them instead. It is normal that the barn provides the helmets as they are very expensive and kids grow out of them so quickly that you don't want to invest in one unless you take lessons regularly.

If you can find them, I'd recommend riding gloves as well since it's cold.

Typically it's one lesson weekly unless you get to the point that you're doing it often and prepping to show.

[loira]

I'm going to be a buzz kill here and say I'd be skeptical of any facility that allowed toddlers to take riding lessons. Horsemanship for beginners, fine. A walk around the arena with the pony on a lead, fine. Independent riding, no. I was a competitive show jumper for many years and also taught lessons. We did not allow children under 5 to ride, mainly because they lack the physical strength and attention span necessary to safely participate in the sport (even at a beginner level). If you're going to do it, correct boots and a hard hat are an absolute must. Make sure the boots fit tightly (slightly small is better than slightly big). I'd probably buy my child her own hard hat. Yes, it's expensive, but you don't know what kind of accidents the school helmets have been in. Like bike helmets, materials break down over time, and wear and tear can render them less effective. To put in perspective how important this is, at 14 I was rounding a corner on my hunter mare and she slipped and fell. On me. I was thrown mostly clear but hit my head and had a massive concussion. The paramedics said if I hadn't been wearing my hard hat, I likely would have died or suffered serious brain damage.

[CloudBee]

loira - Of course I assume the 3-5 set would be completely instructor lead. LOL. He's still a baby. I'm fully expecting it to be exposure more than anything.

But your part about snug boots is helpful for when I help him into a pair at the barn.

[CloudBee]

Nov 6, 2016 22:18:04 GMT -5 @fivedogs said:

I'm not an experienced rider, but I wanted to second pp that most places here don't offer "lessons" for kids under 5 (for the same reasons cited above). The farm where my daughter does a camp doesn't even do hand-led trail rides for kids under 5 unless a parent rides double with them (on a draft horse) because preschoolers' balance isn't very good (let alone their impulse control, LOL).

But how is this helpful for something we've already signed up for and committed to?

You wouldn't talk someone out of a pony ride at a birthday party, would you? And really would anyone expect a 3-5 year old to really do anything other than be lead around and learn about not walking behind a horse, etc? We're excited for him to sit up there again (like he did at a recent pony event) and feel some peace.

I said in my post we're doing this because of some pretty shitty events he's been through lately, coupled with his interest in getting onto a horse. You're really taking the wind out of my sails. I'm not asking if he SHOULD take a few "lessons". I'm asking for input about what he should wear, etc.


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[speckledfrog]

Is this a good time to point out that 3 years olds aren't toddlers? They're preschoolers.

[glinda]

I'll be shocked if the lessons are not lead line--I'm sure it will be great.

Definitely look for a tighter pair of boots, and skinny jeans are perfect. I would also do a jacket because at that age he won't be doing any real "work" while riding so he might get chilly. In the winter in a non heated arena I used to wear a thin sweatshirt and no coat, but that was with young, goofy horses that needed a lot of physical work, haha.

I bet he will have fun. Horses are good for kids.

[hermione]

I've never heard of a stable allowing a 3yo to take an independent lesson. Ours will (of course) be on a pony and each rider is led by an instructor with another adult walking next to the child and supporting as necessary. We still call them horseback riding lessons as opposed to, say, sitting on a pony very well supported lessons.

[hbomdiggity]

I rode competitively through high school. I think I started at 6, so 3.5 is young but it is probably a lead line type class vs independent.

Any boot or shoe with a heel will do (to keep from sliding through the stirrup). I wore sweat pants instead of jeans (jeans more likely to pinch skin) although just walking is nbd.

At this point a weekly lesson is plenty. I don't remember exactly when I started doing more, but i would say by 8-10 I went to the barn every day after school and Saturday/Sundays were for shows. I still only had one formal lesson a week, the rest were free rides with my friends. Free meaning no instructor not monetarily. There were extra fees for boarding my pony.

[glinda]

Nov 6, 2016 23:07:29 GMT -5 hermione said:

I've never heard of a stable allowing a 3yo to take an independent lesson. Ours will (of course) be on a pony and each rider is led by an instructor with another adult walking next to the child and supporting as necessary. We still call them horseback riding lessons as opposed to, say, sitting on a pony very well supported lessons.

At a small barn in the winter? I could see it. Or even at a bigger barn for the right price. If someone's willing to pay it, someone will provide it.

[glinda]

Nov 6, 2016 23:07:29 GMT -5 hermione said:

I've never heard of a stable allowing a 3yo to take an independent lesson. Ours will (of course) be on a pony and each rider is led by an instructor with another adult walking next to the child and supporting as necessary. We still call them horseback riding lessons as opposed to, say, sitting on a pony very well supported lessons.

Duh. Ignore me. I see what you're saying, haha.

[CloudBee]

Nov 6, 2016 22:55:49 GMT -5 @fivedogs said:

And you already said what he was wearing, which all sounded reasonable. You said "Any other suggestions?" I didn't think you were asking for more advice on what to wear.

Why are you being so defensive and coming back in here with more of this? 

Admittedly I am sensitive, and I expressed that I was excited, followed by some defeat. You still came back and mocked me by quoting my feelings. In a thread about kids and horseback riding. Whaaat? This isn't a political post.

I hear you on the safety aspect. But I was also 100% not concerned with my son's safety on a pony ride over pavement last month where he was walked in a loop and not held onto. With a broken leg in a boot. While holding on. So maybe I'm breezy with this. I expected something similar with our "lessons".

Riding a horse is supposed to be therapeutic and all... Right? LOL.

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[CloudBee]

Nov 6, 2016 23:08:10 GMT -5 hbomdiggity said:

Any boot or shoe with a heel will do (to keep from sliding through the stirrup). I wore sweat pants instead of jeans (jeans more likely to pinch skin) although just walking is nbd.

Do they say no sneakers because you need the boot heel to catch the stirrup?SaveSave

[glinda]

Nov 6, 2016 23:19:51 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

Nov 6, 2016 23:08:10 GMT -5 hbomdiggity said:

Any boot or shoe with a heel will do (to keep from sliding through the stirrup). I wore sweat pants instead of jeans (jeans more likely to pinch skin) although just walking is nbd.

Do they say no sneakers because you need the boot heel to catch the stirrup?SaveSave

Yes, it's for better positioning in the stirrup. Mostly you just want a heel there so a foot can't slip through though--extremely dangerous if a horse bolts, which at this age is obviously extremely unlikely but building habits is a good thing.

[barefootcontessa]

Nov 6, 2016 22:51:54 GMT -5 @fivedogs said:

Nov 6, 2016 22:25:30 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

But how is this helpful for something we've already signed up for and committed to?

You wouldn't talk someone out of a pony ride at a birthday party, would you? And really would anyone expect a 3-5 year old to really do anything other than be lead around and learn about not walking behind a horse, etc? We're excited for him to sit up there again (like he did at a recent pony event) and feel some peace.

I said in my post we're doing this because of some pretty shitty events he's been through lately, coupled with his interest in getting onto a horse. You're really taking the wind out of my sails. I'm not asking if he SHOULD take a few "lessons". I'm asking for input about what he should wear, etc.


SaveSave

I'll delete my post if you're that sensitive to it, but of course I have no idea WTF your stable will do in the lesson with a 3.5 yo.  I'm sure there are some places that are willing to put "toddlers" on a horse for "lessons" (regardless of safety/best practice), and I'm sure loira and I were just concerned about your son falling off without someone supporting him.  Sorry if that is not "helpful."  From your original post, it seemed like this is an actual lesson on a horse, not a hand-led pony ride around a ring with someone actually holding onto/supporting the kid (which is my experience with pony rides).  I rode double with DD2 (who is a month older than your son) in September, and I was remembering how much support she needed to stay upright as the horse was moving.  A "private horseback riding lesson" with a helmet/boots on a horse (versus a pony) led me to believe that he will be balancing up there by himself with someone leading the horse (when DD1 rode the first few times, the person leading the horse was, you know, in front of the horse leading it - they didn't have their hands on her).  Didn't realize it was a pony ride with someone holding onto him.  Sorry for "taking the wind out of your sails".   

why are you being so mean?  

[loira]

CloudBee, I'm glad you are excited for your son. Horses really CAN be wonderful, especially with building confidence and athleticism. I was mainly concerned that your DS was riding independently and am relieved to learn he's not. It sounds as if it's more horsemanship, with a bit of leading around thrown in. As an instructor, I came across a lot of parents who knew nothing about horses. Indeed most of our lessons with smaller children were as much for the parents as the kids. I once had a mum ask if her daughter could ride a mini horse (no), and heard lots of parents giving their children incorrect advice even after hearing what I'd said. Because of this, I feel like I need to point out the safety aspects any time the topic comes up, particularly wrt children taking lessons.

Your son's boots must have a heel for the reason pps mentioned - to keep his foot from sliding through the stirrup. Best also if they don't have a zip on the inside as it could damage the leather on the saddle (obviously less important than his safety though). The boots the barn provides should be fine provided they fit. Ditto pps about a jacket if it's chilly. Lessons once a week are more than enough at that age.

[hbomdiggity]

Nov 6, 2016 23:19:51 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

Nov 6, 2016 23:08:10 GMT -5 hbomdiggity said:

Any boot or shoe with a heel will do (to keep from sliding through the stirrup). I wore sweat pants instead of jeans (jeans more likely to pinch skin) although just walking is nbd.

Do they say no sneakers because you need the boot heel to catch the stirrup?SaveSave

yes. They should be break away stirrups anyway, but the heel helps keep the position.

These were pretty much standard when i was coming up. not to make a special purchase since the barn will have boots, but if you have something similar.

[auntie]

CloudBee,

Is this a therapeutic riding center? I know a lot of preschoolers (3 1/2 isn't a toddler anymore) with developmental conditions or medical issues who participate in therapeutic riding and hippotherapy. Most of these kids do riding 1-2 times a week.

[thebreakfastclub]

Did five dogs delete and deactivate over this? Oh my.

[karinothing]

What we lost five dogs? Over horse back riding?

[CheeringCharm]

Once a week. Bring gloves if they'll be outside in case it's chilly!

eta: my dd is 4 and has been taking lessons since 3.5. From the beginning, she was on a small pony being lead around by an experienced rider plus the instructor was always present. She wore a helmet and had boots with heels. They taught her how to hold the reigns and how to post and trot. Now she trots a bit on her own for each lesson. This past weekend was her first time riding a real horse rather than a pony. I was skeptical at first too but kids definitely start this young. There are a couple other kids as young as she in their program.

[AmyRI]

CloudBee, I know you know this already but ignore fivedogs. When I taught lessons for little kids (or bigger kids with developmental delays) it was all about fun and there is plenty to do. I would expect that it won't all be riding time - some practice getting on/off, talking about and checking tack, proper grooming, leading the horse, etc. If he's high energy and fidgety in the saddle they might make him jump some of the jumps on foot Some parents get annoyed if the kid isn't in the saddle 100% of the time but honestly I got better results with little kids if I could take them off mid-lesson for a change of scenery and learning to be around horses safely is just as important as learning to be safe on one's back.

The reason for no sneakers isn't so much about the heel - it's about having a stiff sole so that you can put your heels down without having your foot and shoe bend over the stirrup. It's easier for beginners to get their heels down and help with keeping stirrups on and feet positioned properly if the sole of the shoe is hard.

You do have to have a certain level of trust that a helmet has not been damaged in a fall, but everyone I've met took safety seriously and we threw out helmets involved in crashes. Actually, we sent it back to the manufacturer because they like to see helmets that were involved in serious accidents. The one time I had a bad fall and replaced the helmet, the company sent me a new one for free in exchange for the old one.

[southernbelle]

I would expect a lead line type class with maybe mom and dad or someone else walking beside. I let my 3 year old ride her pony about once a week on our farm and she can balance/hold the saddle horn/hold her reins if she wants to (way too long for her to be able to do anything with them). We only walk though at this point. I do not have to have someone right beside her so I will lunge the pony in a circle around me and then walk around/do random things. We have also worked on brushing, walking safely around the horse, names of equipment, etc.
Healed shoes so foot can't slip through the stirrup and get stuck, also should be treadless/slick soled for this reason. Stirrups arn't 100% necessary with this type of lesson though. My kid doesn't use them yet and it can actually help develop balance to not use them.
For the pants, jeans are fine but can rub depending on the seams and how stiff they are. Jeggings or even a legging may be more comfortable. A good facility will have appropriate helmets.
Some weeks she will ride 5 to 10 minutes before getting bored and some days it will be 30 minutes+.
In general, for this type of lesson, I think how often will depend alot on your kid's interest, how interesting they keep the class, etc. I could see weekly, every two weeks, or even monthly.
In general, for independent lessons, I would recommend starting at age 6 to 7. It does require a certain level of strength, coordination, and critical thinking skills.

[minniemouse]

Nov 7, 2016 5:52:19 GMT -5 thebreakfastclub said:

Did five dogs delete and deactivate over this? Oh my.

What?!


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[countthestars]

Nooo not fivedogs

CloudBee, I'm sorry that her post hit a nerve with you and I know you guys have been through tough times lately. Hugs. However, I find that you tend to get defensive in your posts and scold anyone who comments on anything that's not the exact thing you want them to answer. I think people's posts about it potentially not being safe are very relevant without knowing more background.

[hermione]

Considering someone deactivated over this (if that was the reason) pretty tame thread, I don't think CloudBee is the overly-defensive one here. Regardless, I hope @fivedogs decides to return.