Horse World

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If you are considering getting a horse for a child, there are several things to consider.

If you go about your purchase sensibly ensuring you take advice from experts etc, it will hopefully ensure the horse or pony you buy will be safe and enjoyable for your child to ride.

Horses and ponies all have differing qualities special to their breed, so it’s important you choose correctly and wisely.

Many people when buying a horse or a pony for a child make the mistake of buying an animal which is too big for their child to ride.

The thought behind this thinking is that they will not have to buy another animal too quickly because their child has outgrown the horse or pony.

Buying a horse or pony which is too big for your child is a false economy, (it is also dangerous). Your child will find it difficult to control the horse and may become frightened.

It’s very important that children are supervised around horses and ponies. As horses cannot see behind them they are liable to kick if startled by someone standing behind them.

It’s not just horses that can give a vicious kick.

You should be aware a small pony can also lash out and could easily injure your child especially if the child is not wearing the correct equipment such as a riding helmet, so please supervise your children carefully around any horse whether it is a large shire or a miniature pony.

You should consider breeds that are calmer in nature as well as tame.  If a child is learning to ride a horse or pony, it is especially important they are mild mannered. 

Many horses may seem mild mannered while you are examining them before purchase, but you should test how they react if a situation occurs that may cause them to panic or act up.

Also check the history of the horse or pony you are interested in buying. If he has been used for activities like racing for instance, he may start running if he hears a loud noise.

Also check his training history. Has he been trained correctly by a professional trainer, or at least by someone who knows what they are doing? Does he understand and respond to simple commands for instance.

One type of horse more suited to both children and inexperienced riders are older horses. These horses are often referred to as Schoolmasters as they are “bomb proof”. Schoolmasters are calmer, safer and are very unlikely to buck or panic.

They will have had extensive training, and will probably be excellent to have around children. 

Older horses tend to stay calmer if the child does something to him or if there is something in the environment that would make a more nervous horse spook or panic.

This type of horse will give your child time to get used to horses, give them lots of confidence as well as allowing them to learn to ride and care for a horse much easier. 

Making sure your new horse or pony is safe for your child to be around is of paramount importance. As well as setting standards for care from your child, it will also help to ensure your horse or pony becomes part of the family. 

Previous Articles By This Author

• Buying Your First Horse
• Equipment for Horses
• Basics of Horse Care
• Grooming your Horse
• The History of Horses