What age to stop lead rain

[baileyxboo]

So Taylor been riding for about 3 months now, as you know she's loaning a pony so is a sweet heart. She's rode every day this week.

ATM we are practicing moving Bentley around a course, while I'm holding his lead rope, but Taylor doing the work. She loves it, and tbh I think Bentley knows where to go before Taylor even tells him ha.

This past week though he's spooked twice, but all he does is trot forward bit faster then he was (both times he spooked he was trotting) and was because of his non eye and not seeing what was spooking him (a dog with a bag!)

Anyway.. My question is, how long do you think it will be before Taylor can just walk Bentley around without me? I love doing it, but a little girl just moved her pony to the yard, she's a year older then Taylor, and can jump, trot,canter et, and Taylor is abit jealous!

 

[TGM]

First of all progress to holding just the end of the lead rope so child is totally controlling the pony and you are just there in case of emergency. Then when you are established at that stage and when daughter is absolutely begging you to let her off the lead rein then let her off. But be happy to put her back on if she asks at any time.

 

[baileyxboo]

First of all progress to holding just the end of the lead rope so child is totally controlling the pony and you are just there in case of emergency. Then when you are established at that stage and when daughter is absolutely begging you to let her off the lead rein then let her off. But be happy to put her back on if she asks at any time.

Yeah we're just hitting that stage, obv in trot I still hold him close, but walking, she's getting it , il say "shall we go over the poles" and just as I say it bentleys turning ready to do it lmao

 

[FfionWinnie]

You have only just got this pony? It's spooky and it has one eye. Your daughter has been riding for 3 months and is 5? Are you an experienced rider yourself?

 

[Mongoose11]

Is Bentley doing that because he is following you or because Taylor is steering and directing him? If she isn't then it's not time to come off the lead rein. It's not an issue of age, I have seen adults on the lead rein , it's to do with ability. Is she having lessons?

I just read on another thread that she is having lessons, are these lessons on Bentley and what does her instructor think about her coming off the lead rein?

 

[baileyxboo]

Is Bentley doing that because he is following you or because Taylor is steering and directing him? If she isn't then it's not time to come off the lead rein. It's not an issue of age, I have seen adults on the lead rein , it's to do with ability. Is she having lessons?

No I walk abit further back, and have to keep up with them haha.

She has a lesson every day with yard owner who teaches disabled kids, and a lesion at riding school on a Friday, where they just go round and around

 

[baileyxboo]

You have only just got this pony? It's spooky and it has one eye. Your daughter has been riding for 3 months and is 5? Are you an experienced rider yourself?

I used to ride yes. Bentleys owner is with us all the time, and she's a very very good rider, and teacher.

 

[zoelouisem]

By the sounds of it i would leave her on the lead rein longer. If you want to do different stuff get her on the lunge to help get her seat and balance good. Hands on her head circles ect. Start in walk and and build up to faster work.
If your have to hold closely in trot its not the time really. Dont rush these early days kids get scared easily and its takes alot to get that confidence back!

 

[snooples]

You have to be careful, she is young and the pony doesnt seem the safest. Take everything really slow so not to knock her confidence

After 3 months of riding i was cantering around a small sj course but I was 9 and it was on a very experienced riding school pony who knew his job so I dont think there is any point comparing her to other people!

 

[baileyxboo]

By the sounds of it i would leave her on the lead rein longer. If you want to do different stuff get her on the lunge to help get her seat and balance good. Hands on her head circles ect. Start in walk and and build up to faster work.
If your have to hold closely in trot its not the time really. Dont rush these early days kids get scared easily and its takes alot to get that confidence back!

Yeah that's the only thing, don't want to knock her! Was just looking for advice, I know it will be awhile yet

I don't have to hold close, but I like too, Taylor's not bothered, she trots one handed so isn't ready yet.

 

[baileyxboo]

You have to be careful, she is young and the pony doesnt seem the safest. Take everything really slow so not to knock her confidence

After 3 months of riding i was doing cantering around a small sj course but I was 9 and it was on a very experienced riding school pony who knew his job so I dont think there is any point comparing her to other people!

He's bomb proof. Hen he spikes he moves forward and stops. I trust him, the other loan pony we had I hated. Didn't trust him at all. Unless you see Bentley you wouldn't believe how good he is. He stops as soon as he thinks Taylor's sat wrong. He's young and with one eye, he does amazing! Iv seen pints twice his age and not as bombproof. He hacks out since he was a baby.

 

[FlaxenPony05]

You said he is known to spook- how can he be bombproof and spooky at the same time?

 

[FfionWinnie]

My daughter is in complete control of her (quarter of the size) pony and has been riding for 3 years, she has only been off the lead rein in the last week and that was after I had what is an extremely safe pony, professionally schooled for a week (and assessed). She has ridden him extensively in a very small enclosed area to check she is in control and she can control him in walk, trot and canter (ie she can steer and slow him down with ease, does not panic, if he goes faster than she wanted etc).

As an aside I notice in your pictures the saddle doesn't have safety stirrups and they look quite large for the size of your children ie their feet could slip through and get dragged if they did fall off. Not such a worry when they are anchored to you but definitely needs rectified before they are off the lead rein. The pony is also a fair size for a small jockey and does not sound very safe so for those reasons alone I would not be considering taking the lead rein off for a long time yet. You may also consider investing in a body protector for her for your peace of mind.

Once she is very confident, you could try her on the lunge and see how well she can steer etc and then progress to riding off the lead rein from there.

 

[baileyxboo]

You said he is known to spook- how can he be bombproof and spooky at the same time?

He didnt really spook as take off, rear ect, a dog ran in front of his from his blind side with a carry bag. At 6 years old I think he's pretty bomb proof!

Jesus this forum is so bitchy!!!

 

[baileyxboo]

Do you no what you all actually make me paranoid and not want to let my daughter ride anymore.

 

[FfionWinnie]

Well if the reality of riding makes you feel like that its a good job we said.

Surely you'd prefer to know how to make what is one of the most dangerous sports as safe as possible?

Or would you prefer if we said oh yeah he sounds like a great pony just go for it!?

A few people pointed out to me my daughters saddle is not as good for her or the pony as it could be, I took their advice on board straight away and I am buying her a more suitable one as I want her to have the best chance possible. No need to be huffy over folk who are just trying to help.

 

[mcnaughty]

The question you should ask is not what age, but what ability. If you have a menage or small enclosed area and you trust the pony, then your daughter could be let off now but not if the answer is no.

You could always try a lunge before letting off completely?

Rider should be able to steer, use legs appropriately and have a reasonably sticky seat. Up downs are also favoured!!

 

[Mongoose11]

Why are you being so defensive?

People can see that you may be about to make some classic mistakes. Stirrups aren't safe, pony is really quite big for the youngster, spooking can unseat a child in a nano second, sounds like she is still holding on to the saddle therefore not in control of two reins and not in control of pony and you are wondering whether you should take her off the lead rein. People are trying to help here, your own emotions are making this into something it isn't.

You have been given non judgemental, sound advice here.

 

[dressedkez]

When the sun is shining?

 

[baileyxboo]

The question you should ask is not what age, but what ability. If you have a menage or small enclosed area and you trust the pony, then your daughter could be let off now but not if the answer is no.

You could always try a lunge before letting off completely?

Rider should be able to steer, use legs appropriately and have a reasonably sticky seat. Up downs are also favoured!!

I'm going to have ago at lunging, reading about it ATM thanks, her problem is she's shy, so were also working on her actually talking to Bentley!

I won't be letting hr off yet, but was hoping maybe she will be able to do it in about 8-9 wes when her first show comes up, maybe not though but doesn't matter, were practicing her just walking him too

 

[Joolz75]

Hi im new but i have been wondering the same.

My daughters 7 and started riding at 5, had a few lessons and she was happy on the ponys and felt safe but just wasnt learning as she wasnt listening, tge riding school were great we paid less and she just went out on hacks for a bit but in the end decided that we would wait till she was older as we want her to learn properly.

Fast forward 18 months and shes just started again, luckily we have met a fab local lady who lets us go and help with her horses whenever we want in exchange for poo picking and shes been leading my daughter round on one of her ponies.

Yesterday we had tears as the lady wanted my daughter to do stuff and for whatever reason she just sat there giving no commands etc... think it was a bit of stage fright!

This morning she had her second lesson back at her old riding school and i explained to instructor what had happened yesterday she thinks its a confidence issue shes not scared of the horse at all but just shy giving commands etc... and needs to build on it.

So she had another girl thats been going ages riding round the arena with my daughter on another pony following copying what they did, the result was my daughter came off lead rope for the first time we were so pleased as it just boosted her confidence!

The riding school have decided bow when we go to take it slow and steady 20 mins in arena learning the technical bits and then a 40 minute hack we will slowly increase her time in arena off lead rope and go from there.

We want our own pony eventually but until she can ride properly no point.

On the ground shes fine at the place where we help out so shes learning her pony care and bonding with pont by running around arena with him around obstacles etc...

It will take time but would rather take it steadt rather than rush it.

 

[baileyxboo]

Hi im new but i have been wondering the same.

My daughters 7 and started riding at 5, had a few lessons and she was happy on the ponys and felt safe but just wasnt learning as she wasnt listening, tge riding school were great we paid less and she just went out on hacks for a bit but in the end decided that we would wait till she was older as we want her to learn properly.

Fast forward 18 months and shes just started again, luckily we have met a fab local lady who lets us go and help with her horses whenever we want in exchange for poo picking and shes been leading my daughter round on one of her ponies.

Yesterday we had tears as the lady wanted my daughter to do stuff and for whatever reason she just sat there giving no commands etc... think it was a bit of stage fright!

This morning she had her second lesson back at her old riding school and i explained to instructor what had happened yesterday she thinks its a confidence issue shes not scared of the horse at all but just shy giving commands etc... and needs to build on it.

So she had another girl thats been going ages riding round the arena with my daughter on another pony following copying what they did, the result was my daughter came off lead rope for the first time we were so pleased as it just boosted her confidence!

The riding school have decided bow when we go to take it slow and steady 20 mins in arena learning the technical bits and then a 40 minute hack we will slowly increase her time in arena off lead rope and go from there.

We want our own pony eventually but until she can ride properly no point.

On the ground shes fine at the place where we help out so shes learning her pony care and bonding with pont by running around arena with him around obstacles etc...

It will take time but would rather take it steadt rather than rush it.

Aww bless her!

Yeah yesterday morning Taylor brought him in from field and we toke him into school and just spent an hour walking him, gettin her to move him around, through poles ect x

 

[FfionWinnie]

It's a gradual process as well, some situations being safer and more suitable than others. So my daughter is sometimes off and sometimes on, dependent on the circumstances.

We are at PC tomorrow and when the whole ride is going round the arena, she will be on the lead rein or at least I will be beside her. When we are doing bending etc, she may ride him off the lead rein. It will depend on how busy the class is too.

 

[baileyxboo]

It's a gradual process as well, some situations being safer and more suitable than others. So my daughter is sometimes off and sometimes on, dependent on the circumstances.

We are at PC tomorrow and when the whole ride is going round the arena, she will be on the lead rein or at least I will be beside her. When we are doing bending etc, she may ride him off the lead rein. It will depend on how busy the class is too.

What happens at pony club? Think I might look for Taylor x

 

[mcnaughty]

I'm going to have ago at lunging, reading about it ATM thanks, her problem is she's shy, so were also working on her actually talking to Bentley!

I won't be letting hr off yet, but was hoping maybe she will be able to do it in about 8-9 wes when her first show comes up, maybe not though but doesn't matter, were practicing her just walking him too

8-9 weeks??!! Crikey - I think you really need to slow down a bit! My daughter is 7, has been riding for two years on her own pony and is only just starting to go it alone. As someone else said, if something happens to unseat your daughter and she gets hurt or frightened, it takes weeks to get their confidence back. Take some of the good advice on here one board and let your more experienced yard owner tell you what to do.

 

[Rebels]

Pony club would be ace for her. What area are you? Its group lessons with children of a same age/ability with good instructors doing fun things. Also subsidised and allows kids to work towards riding levels plus stable management lessons. The 7 years olds I had the other day can now list and draw poisonous plants, name horse parts and saddlery parts, discuss school rules etc

 

[Joolz75]

Aww bless her!

Yeah yesterday morning Taylor brought him in from field and we toke him into school and just spent an hour walking him, gettin her to move him around, through poles ect x

Yes thats what we do shes fine at putting headcollar on, etc and a fantastic little groomer and poo picker.

She leads him over jumps and doing figure of 8s around barrels, walking to corners of arena and turning him in a circle at every corner just to get her used to turning him a bit.

Her confidence on the ground is no issue at all, and the little pony she she looks after at the farm is an angel, hes an old man now and can be stubborn but hes not nasty in anyway and has seen it all in his life so im confident shes safe around him.

I think she just doubts herself so much and worries she will do something wrong.

The important thing for me is that she's safe and enjoys it so even if coming off lead rope properly is years away im not bothered.

Its not worth the risk letting them do too much too soon as its something that could hurt your child, the horse and knock confidence permanantly.

Shes got all the time in the world to learn.

 

[FlyingCircus]

He didnt really spook as take off, rear ect, a dog ran in front of his from his blind side with a carry bag. At 6 years old I think he's pretty bomb proof!

Jesus this forum is so bitchy!!!

It shouldn't be that he's bomb-proof for his age, it should be that he's bombproof full stop. The greatest ponies to learn on in your first few years are those that are simply going through the motions they've done hundreds of times before. You can trust them to tootle around the arena with your kid on without question and you know that even a tractor back-firing, a kite coming close, a dragon jumping out of the bushes would not phase pony one bit and they'd just keep ambling on.

There's a reason people go for older ponies as their first.

When children are abit older with more experience and confidence under their belt is when they can go for more forward going, cheeky ponies that will really improve their riding ten-fold. But until then, a steady plod is usually best for them in terms of them learning the basics and improving in confidence.

I guess what i'm trying to say is...I don't think he's all that bombproof. It's your choice to put your kids on him, but a one eyed six year old is not what i'd choose as my kid's first pony. You says he's bombproof for his age, yet you've only known him 3 months and your asking for advice on a forum where we know nothing of your daughter's ability nor the pony. Why not ask the instructor what she thinks? She will have a better idea - it is her pony and she is teaching your daughter.

 

[baileyxboo]

Pony club would be ace for her. What area are you? Its group lessons with children of a same age/ability with good instructors doing fun things. Also subsidised and allows kids to work towards riding levels plus stable management lessons. The 7 years olds I had the other day can now list and draw poisonous plants, name horse parts and saddlery parts, discuss school rules etc

Ooh I used to go pony club, and play pony games! Like carrying a cup of tea on a pony, and hacking out! Didnt realise it was a pony club lol


We're in Leicestershire x

 

[baileyxboo]

8-9 weeks??!! Crikey - I think you really need to slow down a bit! My daughter is 7, has been riding for two years on her own pony and is only just starting to go it alone. As someone else said, if something happens to unseat your daughter and she gets hurt or frightened, it takes weeks to get their confidence back. Take some of the good advice on here one board and let your more experienced yard owner tell you what to do.

Yeah maybe I'm rushing she's just doing sooooo well, and I'm soooo proud of her!