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Whats the earliest age to start a kid riding2007-11-24 21:22:43Answers:

I have started 3 year olds. Granted they don't retain much, but they sure do enjoy it, and it sets the mood for riding for the rest of their lives. Just make sure your riding instructor sticks to fun exercises and riding and doesn't push your child too hard or take the fun out of it. Riding camps are an excellent place to start, especially for children five and up.

I intend to have my daughter on a horse on the leadline as soon as she can safely sit and hold on by herself, but only on a ROCK SOLID steady horse that I can trust.

Congrats on a great start and the right attitude!

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Oh, one other thing, if possible, have the instructor start your child on a small horse rather than a pony... ponies are full of mischief, and small horses tend to be a little steadier and easier to ride.

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Soapbox time... ALWAYS make sure your child wears an approved, well-fitting helmet :-)

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My first daughter started at 2 1/2 - on a lead rope I would just walk her and the trainer worked with her on posting. She is now 8 yrs old and that is when everything fell into place. She is so natural and does not even remember that she was taught how to post while trotting. She is cantoring, jumping, and was in her first horse show. She loves it! My younger daughter (3 yrs) old is very different. She goes on the pony every once in a while but I will not start her until she is 4 with lessons - 4 years old is generally the earliest - and it all depends on the child.