How old was your child when starting to compete?

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MagicMelon

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Ok, my son is only 14 months old but he does ride my shetland frequently and can trot about happily (obviously held on!). But he's already starting to get a bit of balance although I know obviously we're far off letting go of him just yet! My question is though, realistically how old is a child before they can do lead rein classes (is there a minimum age for these classes?!)? How old were your children before they did their first lead rein (or jumping competition etc.?!)? I really hope I dont turn into one of 'those' Pony Club mums...!!
 
My son did his first show in a basket saddle when he was under two - the biggest challenge was finding a jacket for him but we eventually got a tiny hacking jacket via a pony club sale. After that he did lead rein classes until he was about five. In the early years he didn't ride a huge amount day to day but quite enjoyed going to a show now and again. Fortunately we had ponies for him to ride which weren't specifically his then at five he got his "own" pony and started to do a lot more, including Pony Club.
 
My girls started off in showing on the most lovely, gentle and tiny old chap called Milky who was probably had the smoothest trot of any lead rein pony on Earth! My youngest daughter started when she was 2 at local shows in the lead rein showing classes, gymkhana, fancy dress, even mini clear round lead rein jumping (jumping being an ambitious term - they were really poles on the floor!). She started proper showing classes the next year. I'd say as long as kid is happy and smiley, doesn't fly off in trot and the pony is sensible enough then it's totally at your discretion as to when you start. We probably would have started her sooner than 2 if there had been shows around - we started in the summer when you have all the pony club shows going on.
 
My own daughter didn't start to ride until aged 5 so never did any lead rein but we have a little girl in our pc branch who has just turned 3 :) she loves doing equitation classes & gymkhana! It's so funny listening to her shouting at her dad to go faster!!
 
My younger sister started doing lead reins shows at 2 1/2 but tbh I am not into showing at all so I never really pushed it but she has done fun rides and local shows since 3 and now she is 6 she is starting to jump and go mini XC and pony club mini camp!
 
Our daughter didn't do her first competition on her own pony until she was 9' although she did a couple of riding school gymkhanas before then. Personally I think they should be old enough to be begging you to let them go to a show, otherwise you are doing it more for yourself rather than for them.
 
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What TGM said... Things get old fast with children, even older ones.

Al's first show was when she was 6, on her 11.2hh pony. It was a hunter trial, 65cm, and we sent her off solo... She fell off 4 times in one round (pony had a great stop, drop and roll technique) but came back happy because she was finally competing.

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It really depends on the confidence & enthusiasm of the child - If they are very happy & enjoy being in the saddle then no harm in local lead rein from 3.5+ Id think...
There is NOTHING worse than seeing kids in tears due to their parents trying to live some dream through them.
Mini Me is uber confident, always has been, bounces straight back on when she falls off etc...
After 1 year of nagging me to do out to a venue to do a tiny tiny round of jumping I relented, video further below. They regularly jump 60&70's at home but I have insisted we keep it small when out & about for the first 6mths or so.

Mini Me did some lead rein last year & got on great - she was 5!

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2 wks ago she went to a HUGE local venue for the first time ( after 6mths of total nagging ) at 6 yrs old & had 2 double clears in the xpoles & 50's - even though they jump 60's & 70's at home am insistant they keep it small when out for the next couple of mths...

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SHORT VIDEO - GIVES A GOOD IDEA OF SIZE OF ARENA!

 
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bet al is really happy you have posted that photo lol.:)


QUOTE=Lolo;11967271]What TGM said... Things get old fast with children, even older ones.

Al's first show was when she was 6, on her 11.2hh pony. It was a hunter trial, 65cm, and we sent her off solo... She fell off 4 times in one round (pony had a great stop, drop and roll technique) but came back happy because she was finally competing.

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She loves it, pony was a complete sod and they both look like they're up to no good :D I personally love the old school get-up, with the tweed she was meant to grow into and never did (mum gave up on it 4 years later, when Al still was too short for it and had worn holes through the sleeves!).
 
very pleased to see that you entered a show with a basket saddle, can I ask what type of class you did? I am very tempted to enter a local agri show which have a fun ring with a class called "little angels" for the under 5's judged on the ponies suitability for a tiny tot walk only!!!! either that or fancy dress but I have no creative ability!! My daughter loves the basket saddle and her Shetland. Taking the Shetland to do the Shetland class and novice M&M
 
I was 2 1/2 years old when i started, i only did turnout classes. but in proper lead rein your child has to be aged 3 or more, hope this helps. :)
 
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