Choosing a Horse for a Child

Looks aren't everything, especially when you are selecting a first horse for a youngster. Matching horse to rider means finding a horse that will care for a beginning equestrian, or picking one that may provide enough challenge for an experienced one.

For the most part, a first horse needs to be quiet, experienced, and forgiving. Sure, it's nice to have a pretty horse in the right color. A cute name is appealing, too. But the main thing is safety, particularly where younger riders are concerned.

If your child has already qualified for the upper-level classes in the North American Young Riders competition, then a young, green (untrained and inexperienced) horse may be alright. In other cases, you may be better off selecting a seasoned and dependable older equine.

How can you select the best first horse for a child you love?

"Green Plus Green Equals Black-and-Blue."

Any seasoned horseman will caution you against buying a green horse for a green rider. A green horse requires consistent riding and structured training. A green rider needs a well-disciplined mount that can provide a fairly predictable ride. Learning together sounds like a super idea, but it's not. In fact, it simply isn't safe, and it is a surefire way to undermine the confidence of both horse and rider.

A Pony Is Not Just a Little Horse.

Many parents mistakenly assume that a pony is the best choice for a child, just because they are smaller than horses. However, ponies can often be more spirited and challenging than their larger counterparts. We have known 18-hand draft horses that were safer and more patient with children than expensive show ponies.

Discipline Matters.

Additionally, a horse trained in the appropriate equestrian discipline is important. If your child has taken lessons in dressage, then a barrel-racing horse is perhaps not the best choice. A steady and dependable Western trail horse is unlikely to win ribbons in the jumping arena.

Ask a Trainer.

Consulting an equestrian trainer can be worthwhile. In doing so, be aware that many trainers will charge a percentage of the sale price of the horse, as a consulting fee. Parents may consider this a worthwhile investment, if you are not well-schooled in the equestrian marketplace.

Check Online.

Many equine web-sites allow users to search available horses, using a variety of criteria. This is a wonderful place to start looking.

Our first horse is a keeper.

My daughter found her first horse on the internet. Lovingly, she posted his photograph on her bedroom mirror and begged us to go and meet him "in person." He was a tall, dark, handsome bay thoroughbred. I ran an online pedigree search and discovered his War Admiral ties. How could this possibly be the ideal horse for a child?

My trainer and I went to check him out. As we entered the barn, this horse was entering a jumping course with a beginning rider. After the first jump, she lost a stirrup. After the second, she jabbed him with a spur by accident. When the horse continued without reaction, my trainer turned to me and said, "This is the horse for your daughter."

Immediately, we made an offer. We scheduled the veterinarian for a pre-purchase exam. Soon, her dream horse was ours, and we've never looked back.

Nearly nothing is more memorable than a first horse. Choose carefully, and you won't be disappointed.