What do you equestrian people think is a good, safe minimum age to begin horseback riding lessons? I am not very educated in equestrian affairs, lol. I am from the country and had a mule growing up. I rode her all the time. We got her as a baby. I saddled and rode her myself (w/ no supervision) at age 7. I didn't even have to tell an adult when I wanted to ride. No HELMET or anything (crazy, i know. I promise I have good, responsible parents) We grew up in the country and that's just how things were. Prior to 7 I had ridden a lot w/ him holding a lead. Needless to say, I had no qualms about Chloe starting lessons at 4 (which is the minimum age at a local stable) but after doing more research I am beginning to feel differently.
I love horses, and mules i guess. lol. I never had any training except a little instruction from my dad. I fell off ALL the time and one of our other, very stubborn, mules would get ornery and take off running into the woods w/ us on her back and completely ignore instructions quite often. We were just expected to be tough, lol. :rofl1: I love the way I grew up but there is no way I am raising my kid that way. We lived on about 20 acres and were rarely supervised after age 7. We just stayed in the woods all the time and were told to keep away from snakes.
Anyway if you read all that thank you My 15 year old sister is in English riding lessons and has been for a few years. I like taking Chloe to the barn and I would love to enroll her in lessons (assuming she wants to but I am sure she will) when I think she is old enough. She is very fascinated w/ horses.
I love horses, and mules i guess. lol. I never had any training except a little instruction from my dad. I fell off ALL the time and one of our other, very stubborn, mules would get ornery and take off running into the woods w/ us on her back and completely ignore instructions quite often. We were just expected to be tough, lol. :rofl1: I love the way I grew up but there is no way I am raising my kid that way. We lived on about 20 acres and were rarely supervised after age 7. We just stayed in the woods all the time and were told to keep away from snakes.
Anyway if you read all that thank you My 15 year old sister is in English riding lessons and has been for a few years. I like taking Chloe to the barn and I would love to enroll her in lessons (assuming she wants to but I am sure she will) when I think she is old enough. She is very fascinated w/ horses.