Riding my 3 year old?

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Dizzy socks

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Hi,

I have a 3 year old (In March) Shetland, and I was wondering if it would be feasible to have her hacking out once or twice a week for a small child? I have sat on her myself a couple of times (I weight just over 6 stone) and she was as good as gold. I think she would like to see a bit of the world, and is very inquisitive. It would be more to keep her occupied than anything else.
 
Dizzy socks said:
Hi,

I have a 3 year old (In March) Shetland, and I was wondering if it would be feasible to have her hacking out once or twice a week for a small child? I have sat on her myself a couple of times (I weight just over 6 stone) and she was as good as gold. I think she would like to see a bit of the world, and is very inquisitive. It would be more to keep her occupied than anything else.
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sorry if ive misunderstood what you meant here, but if your question is would it be feasible to have a just turned 3 yr old recently backed shetland out hacking a few times a week with a small child my answer would be no.

Depending on how much the said child means to you obviously.

If not a lot, give it a go. If you dont much want to see child scared or broken id hack it out yourself as you're light enough for the rest of the summer. Do some ground work, ensure its manners both on the ground and ridden are up to scratch then turn it away for the winter.

Bring it back next year and IF you think its quiet enough and you trust it enough (and its not a little git as shetlands and 4 yr olds are likely to be) perhaps risks child's neck then. :D

If ive got the whole thing wrong and have only succeeded in annoying you, my apologies. :)

I dont think young horses and small children are usually a good mix but you know your own youngster.
 
Ok, thanks :) I don't think think I have been quite full enough :)
I myself have hacked it out at walk and trot, never fallen off or had any nastyness. Not your usual Shetland Git. And by small child, I mean lightweight 9/10 year old, who is fairly competent.
Do you really think I am light enough to hack out for a bit? I have once, but felt really bad, and walked the majority of the way. Pony appeared to be born having read the book on being ridden, and understands cues to walk on, trot, woah and turn etc.
 
I disagree. I think that if the pony is going ok and you are possibly going to be leading it then its ok to do so. Hacking is great for babies. I had my shetland going like this as a 3 yo and he's an absolute star. (6 now)

If you can ride him too then that's even better as it means he will learn off the lead. A real bonus for ponies so small.
 
I cant see a problem with a very small child and a very well behaved pony although normally I wouldnt be backing anything until it was at least 4 but with a small child and a safe pony is great
 
cattysmith said:
I disagree. I think that if the pony is going ok and you are possibly going to be leading it then its ok to do so. Hacking is great for babies. I had my shetland going like this as a 3 yo and he's an absolute star. (6 now)

If you can ride him too then that's even better as it means he will learn off the lead. A real bonus for ponies so small.
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Yeah, will definitely lead to begin with, and take it one step at a time. I think I will start riding myself next year, I would hate to squash her! the few times I have ridden her has been off the lead, and she was great.

Thanks, that makes me feel better.
 
Well, years ago I had a shetland foal as a companion to my big horse, once he'd turned three and had been 'backed' with a flat pad saddle he was ridden by my daughter who was 22 months old, on the lead rein and we used to toddle off around the field or sometimes with our two little dogs in tow we would walk down the road on the path (300yds of a busy A road) to see grandparents which was probably at least half a mile away, she loved it, he loved it and he was never any trouble. Maybe he was exceptional, he was certainly very well handled from birth and never allowed to get away with anything naughty.
 
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If you only weigh 6 stone I'd ride it yourself. A 9/10 yr old wont be much lighter and may ruin your pony. Different if you had a good rider in mind.

Did you get a pony for yourself yet? I saw a cracker of a pony advertised in The Tackroom in Kinross and thought of you!
 
FfionWinnie said:
If you only weigh 6 stone I'd ride it yourself. A 9/10 yr old wont be much lighter and may ruin your pony. Different if you had a good rider in mind.

Did you get a pony for yourself yet? I saw a cracker of a pony advertised in The Tackroom in Kinross and thought of you!
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Ok, thanks, I will then I think, as long as I will not squash her. She is around 9.2hh. I weigh 6 stone point 2!
yeah, I did get a new pony :) Proud owner of a 14hh pony named Carra.
I go to that tackroom often!
 
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