Aghhhh!! Both my kiddies want to ride now...

[Fools Motto]

Daughter, 9 and son, 7 want to ride. Lovely! Daughter has ridden before, and done mini camp a few years ago. Sadly that amazing pony we had on loan, the owner took back to sell (we couldn't buy). We loaned another pony, who turned out to be totally unsuitable, so also went back. Daughter lost confidence, and lost what pony-madness she had. Fair play.

Now, several years later, I still have my 15h mare, and my approx 13h 3yr NF filly. The last few weeks has been, 'can I ride?'/ When can I ride? (not to mention, I don't need lessons, I CAN ride mummy!) I love it, but equally don't want to be pushy, nor do I want them to be spoilt - anymore than they are already! and just because we have 2 (slightly unsuitable) ''ponies'' doesn't mean they can just 'ride' when they feel like it!?!
I can't afford riding school lessons for them, but have thought about enrolling them into a pony morning at the local one, just once to see how keen they really are!? Is this a good idea, or is this dangerous for my purse?? (no idea of price for a pony-morning!)
The filly is backed, and both kids have sat on her and everyone has loved every second, but I can't do much more than the odd lead-rein pootle this year. Filly hasn't put a hair out of place though. My mare is a saint, but although 'only' 15h, she is quite a little horse, does spook on occasion and has a few annoying head snatching moments.... and they look tiny on her!! (she isn't the greatest at leadrein either - too lazy!)

OHHH, what to do!!!??


Can pop a picture up, BUT I'm a bit ashamed of how 'porky' filly is!!!

 

[LynH]

Would it be possible to get a suitable share pony for 2 or 4 days a week then they could each get a ride or two a week? It would probably be a lot cheaper than riding lessons if they are able to ride and you can teach them from here.

 

[Gazen]

My 9 year old daughter rides my 5 yo 15h mare. We took it slowly to begin with with me walking next to them in the indoor school with the lunge rein attached (just in case!). We then went on to trotting with me running along side with the lunge attached. Then graduated to me just being in the school with them at walk, followed by trot. There have also been a few sneaky canters. We are now in the outside school. Now that little mare is more balanced at the canter I will probably let them do some canter work. My daughter does look small on the horse, but inside the school she is capable. I wouldn't let them hack out together though.