How old did you start your children riding?

[Dwyran_gold]

It’s a bit of a controversial subject apparently ??‍ But my son eldest son has no interest in riding even though he has such a natural ability and an amazing seat! So I’m living in hope for my youngest son who has just turned 2 in June? I didn’t start my eldest until he was 6 but I’m eager to start the little one. What age would you consider appropriate? he’s a sensible child who listens to instructions and has patience ??
and if you have any pics/vids of your little riders then I would love to see them! X

 

[Snow Falcon]

When they show an interest. My eldest started at 4. The youngest was a similar age but gave up due to allergy.

 

[tiahatti]

My girls were around 4 or 5. My younger daughter would only wear her "Beautiful Trousers" when she went riding.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Mine was plonked on when she could sit up unaided..... did a 5 mile fun ride at 3 & a half.
Friend is bringing her daughter for pony sitting once or twice weekly, shes been 3 times and little one loves it. 14 months old and sits on for a potter round the yard for 5 mins max on an old felt saddle. Little one wears a teeny cycle helmet (happily) as wanted to instil the 'sit on pony put hat on' routine, before she got to be terrible twos about it!

 

[Not_so_brave_anymore]

Follow kizzy and ettie on instagram, they were doing pony club at 18 months and hunting at 3! I know lots of kids that can sit very nicely by 2 and ride independently (to an extent!) by 4. My own 2yo, however, is not a "natural" (!) and still needs someone holding her knee at all times- I can't safely lead the pony and hold the child by myself yet.

 

[Cortez]

Depends on whether it's just "pony rides", or proper riding with the strength and co-ordination to actually use the aids and sit properly.

I have friends (horsey) who have basically lashed their toddlers to shetlands and let 'em rip: these kids have not turned out to be accomplished, stylish riders; and I have other friends (professional dressage trainers) who's offspring are doing piaffe (also on a shetland) at the age of eight.

 

[Mrs B]

When I was a kid, I believe the thinking was that unless it was a little pootle around on a pony every now and again, they shouldn't really start before about 4, due to the excessive rotation of the hips needed to sit astride when really small.

That may have been an old wives' tale or have some basis in fact - I don't know ...

 

[Follysmum]

My Daughter started at 12mths and had her own pony. Was riding pretty solo at 3-4 and Small jumps at 5

 

[Dwyran_gold]

Thanks all, I started myself at 5 and thrown in at the deep end with parents of that generation where there seemed to be no worries of consequences lol. With my own 16hh ISH by the tender age of 11. It’s a lot different now but would love to start my boy just plodding around on the lead rein x

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

Mine started when she could understand instructions and knew left from right..bout 4 years I think....

 

[pansymouse]

My goddaughter was less than 12 months old when she started (in a basket saddle), her first pony was bought before she was born. I was 3 but didn't come from a horsey home or it would have been earlier. I think I'm still fearless aged 58 because I started so young and never learnt to be fearful of horses or riding (maybe if I had I wouldn't have had so many injuries...).