| Frequently children decide that they would like to take | | | | in the saddle with heels down and arms relaxed in |
| up horse riding, but for many parents this can be a | | | | front. It is also important to learn what to do with the |
| major headache as they have no personal knowledge | | | | knees and legs for controlling the horse. Although |
| of horses and may have absolutely no idea where to | | | | children may be capable of learning to ride a horse at |
| start. This article will give some initial ideas of how | | | | home, a qualified instructor will be able to pay close |
| parents should go about organizing lessons. | | | | attention to these basics and correct mistakes. |
| The draw to horses can be really strong for children | | | | Once the child has learned proper body position and |
| and even though you may have some reservations | | | | has developed a good seat on the horse, it is time to |
| (cost and safety usually top the bill!) they are unlikely to | | | | advance to riding without the lead line. The child is |
| be put off easily - so you'd be well advised to let them | | | | completely responsible for controlling the horse. |
| experience - however not all will take to it so don't | | | | Parents may find this moment a little nerve racking but |
| make any major financial commitments until you're | | | | should feel comfortable in the presence of a good |
| convinced that it is not just a one minute wonder! | | | | instructor. The instructor would not have let go of the |
| For many children, they will be embarking on a lifetime's | | | | line unless the child was ready. Eventually the child will |
| interest so when a child approaches Mom or Dad with | | | | join a group class. |
| an interest in learning to ride a horse the best advice is | | | | Group classes are fun and provide an opportunity for |
| to seek out a qualified Instructor, one who is | | | | kids to meet others with a similar interest. Classes may |
| experienced in teaching children horse riding. | | | | be a little competitive as each student tries to be |
| Most reputable stables have a lesson program for | | | | better than the others. Children also make good friends |
| children ages seven and older. The first concern | | | | with other children who share a love for horses. |
| parents may have is safety. Considering a young child | | | | Beginners who have joined a class and have |
| may sit on top an animal weighing in excess of one | | | | developed a good body position are also ready to |
| half ton, safety is a valid concern. Experienced | | | | learn faster gaits. The beginner is likely proficient with |
| instructors provide a safe working atmosphere | | | | the walk and will begin learning to ride the horse at a |
| including a requirement to wear a safety helmet. And, | | | | trot. This would include a posting trot where the rider |
| what children learn from a riding class goes beyond | | | | moves up and down in unison with the horse or a |
| simply learning to ride a horse. They also become | | | | sitting trot. Then the final gait, cantering. |
| more confident overcoming the challenge of learning to | | | | Students undertaking lessons will have an opportunity |
| ride and develop a love for horses. | | | | to show what they have learned at the annual show. |
| A qualified instructor generally starts a young student in | | | | They may even win a ribbon. Children's horse riding |
| a private lesson using a lead line. A lead line is basically | | | | lessons from a qualified instructor will provide them |
| a set of reins that allows the instructor to guide the | | | | with the best opportunity to learn proper basics and |
| horse from the ground while the student focuses on | | | | they become better riders. It is a good way to gain |
| learning body position. There are many things to learn | | | | confidence, learn to care for animals and enjoy an |
| about proper body position. It is important to sit straight | | | | activity away from the computer and television. |