Teaching child to ride

[writermom]

We've bought an 11 hand pony for my 7 year old daughter who is interested in learning to ride. However, I'm not sure how to proceed--the pony is sweet, has great ground manners, but tends to be a little jumpy under saddle. I"ve ridden her a few times, but of course a saddle that fits me is too big for her, and I find that she's so small my balance isn't the best.

So right now I'm doing a lot of leading around with rider, and short (10 foot) stretches where she uses the reins. Does anyone have any ideas as to ways to teach Abbie to ride while getting Lady used to a beginner? Any exercises we could do, etc.

Thanks!

[Ross]

sorry, but this is a recipe for disaster! You need to get a quiet, reliable, schoolmaster for your little girl, and a competent small rider for the pony to bring it on - then hopefully it will be suitable as a second pony...

I would also advise going to someone else for the lessons, as it's almost inevitable that you'll end up falling out over it!

Ross

[Pink's lady]

Ditto what Ross said. The last thing you want to do is frighten your daughter with a jumpy pony. If she gets a fright now she will be nervous for life.

I would find a very competant little rider to school and bring the pony on for you and in the mean time find another way of your daughter getting lessons - probably a riding school. You didn't say where you were but if your in the UK you could maybe find a good riding school for Abbie to go on working livery, where she'll be ridden and schooled.

Then, once the pony is better trained and your daughter more competant, they can come together.

And, yes, teaching her all yourself is going to end up in tears and tantrums.

[BeachRiding]

Agree with the above, your daughter needs lessons, while the pony gets schooled.

[writermom]

I appreciate the input and will look into the suggested options. We're in the US

Thanks all!