How early?

[Marlena]

Hi!

How early can a child be introduced to riding? My son took it up at 6, which was the age limit (some schools don't accept under 7-year-olds), and on the other hand I constantly read about people who started it at 2, or have been riding all their life. Any really early beginners here?

Bye!
Marlena.

[Helby]

Marlena,
I started riding, apparently, when I was 6 months old. As soon as I could sit up basically. My first memory was when I was about 3 and got on a pony and kicked and kicked and kicked and wanted to go faster and faster and faster. I think what you have to remember is whether or not the child wants to ride or not. Just walking around the school or field with a small toddler is gaining their confidence, though they are much too little to learn how to ride properly. A friend of mine goes out hacking with her 3 year old daughter in front of her. I must say that the horse she rides is incredibly laid back and her daughter always wears a hat and back protector! Her daughter also competes in lead rein classes and got her first red rosette the other day. Bu on the other hand my 2 yr old son has absolutely no interest in getting on their back, but is quite happy to brush the ponies. So every child is different and most importantly make sure that their safety is of top priority.

[MistyEQ]

I was started with pony rides at age 4 and apparently progressed into lessons -trotting and diagonals, by age 6. Then the instructor moved so we all stopped (mom, older sister, and I). I started up again 4 years ago (12 yo). My instructor has a student that was cantering at age 5. It depends on the attention span. My friend's sister is 3 and taking 15min lessons.

[KarlR]

Most of the schools near me take riders from age 2 or 3. I would guess that when they can reasonably be expected to sit up and hold on! :)