HELP

[JOANNE]

Hi Im JOanne and this is the first time I have visited this site.I am 11 years and I own a Highland Pony.Can anyone tell me how old I must be before I can go out riding on my own .Help please

[Jumper]

I started riding on my own when I was ten.How long have you been riding?It depends on your ability.ABSOULUTLY NEVER GO TRAIL RIDING ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!As for ring work you should be fine or if you're just going to ride in the pasture.I'd advise you ride when someone's home,just in case.They don't have to be there watching you.Oh, and always tell someone what you're doing and where you're going.I hope this helps.


Jumper and her pal Concho

[Medalia]

Welcome! I've always ridden alone, well, not completely alone. Either my riding instructors or my parents were there to help in case something happened.

Just because you're eleven, doesn't mean that you are too young or too old to do anything. How long have you been riding? It can be the deciding factor. If you've only been riding a year, then I say NONONO! don't go out alone! But if you are fairly experienced with your riding and the pony, I don't really think that there'd be a problem

[Allie]

It really depends on your riding experience and where you will be riding. If you have a calm horse, are a fairly good rider, and are going to be riding trails in a familiar area, I would say go ahead. I wouldn't advise riding alone on the road or in unfamiliar territory, as there is a lot that can go wrong, and as a young rider, strangers are more likely to take advantage of you.

I'm 16 and go riding alone fairly often. A lot of times I'm the only one at the ranch, and I have to unlock the gate when I get there. I ride mostly on the trails around the ranch. I occasionally go on the roads alone, but the ranch is kind of out in the country, where there isn't a lot of traffic. I have had horses for 2 years , but I had a lot of riding experiance before that, so I started riding alone right away. Eleven is pretty young, talk it over with your parents and see what they feel comfortable with. If your parents don't want you to go alone, it is probably best to do what they say, practice your riding skills, and bring it up again in a couple of months.

Allie