Horse IQ

Here are Horse IQ, we spend a lot of time talking about the finer points of horse ownership. But I want to make an effort to spend more time with people who are considering their first horse. Particularly for a child. How do you know if your child is ready to take on the kind of responsibility a horse requires?

A Big, But Worthwhile Responsibility

Buying a horse or pony for your child is a huge commitment and one that requires a great deal of thought. Many children instinctively like horses and may even express a desire to own one - but that does not mean they are ready for the responsibility of owning a horse.

You will need to take into account your child’s age, temperament and character as well as considering how much time he or she is able to spare. Your child’s weight and coordination skills may also be a deciding factor. And as every horse owner knows, owning and caring for horses can be an expensive undertaking costing on average around $200 per month.

Make sure your child has a genuine interest in owning a horse and it isn’t just some passing craze. Your child may be able to get a feel for the work and responsibility involved by helping out at a local horse riding school ideally for a period of at least several months.

Responsibility Means More Than Just Riding

Your child should participate in all aspects of horse care: feeding, grooming, tacking and cleaning out the stables. And if you do buy a horse for your child, inevitably you will have to handle much of the work yourself when your child has homework or other commitments.

If your child is younger than seven, he or she may be too young to own a horse. Seven is also generally considered to be the youngest age at which children should be taught to ride. A child taking horse riding lessons should be able to pay attention and follow instructions as well have the basic agility needed to sit in the saddle.

Buying a horse for your child is a big commitment. So you’ll want to make sure he or she is up to it. And we’ll talk more about that tomorrow in Part 2 in this series. So keep your newsreader pointed right here at Horse IQ.

Yours For Better Horse Riding,

Sierra Lynch