When is a good age to begin lessons? I've only been riding for a short time myself, but my daughter (8.5) really wants to learn to ride. So far I've put her off saying she needs lessons, and a helmet, but she's really bugging me about it. I was thinking of getting the lessons for her birthday in June, but I don't think she's willing to wait.

She is certainly old enough now in my opinion. There are children much younger than your daughter who have safely learned to ride, and I sure that with appropriate instruction she will do just fine.

She's a good age to start. It's about that age when they gain an understanding about life around them to be gentle, and she's still young enough to really enjoy the learning aspect of the lessons.

Thanks. I'll have to see if we can get her some good lessons for children. Do you think I should call the 4H and see if they suggest someone?

You might want to consider the pony club of America as a start. They have a wonderful track record of helping new riders get started, and have a full education for the children, from mucking out to riding-and I think that the care of a horse is essential education.

Thanks. I agree, I want her to learn to do the dirty work, not just the fun riding stuff. I think that is an important lesson for children.

That age is quite good for your child to learn how to ride. Although at that age, I would suggest that there is still an adult behind her while riding. Then gradually, let her ride alone with an adult leading the horse. It takes time for a person to ride a horse properly, much more time for children.

I was much younger than 9 when I started riding. My parents always kept horses, so I was put on horses before I could even walk, and I was doing solo riding by 6 (on ponies). Kids pick it up fast.

I don't think I would be able to say for sure if there is a perfect age for it. Just make good that your child understands all involved with riding and always comes to you for questions since you have been riding longer. I once knew a lad that when he was about ten started to ride and while his parents were against spurs he didn't know any better and kicked at the horse to "go" and the horse kicked him off.

No there is definitely no perfect age, but by 8.5 almost all children should be ready. If they are ready for the responsibility of grooming and willing to take care of that I don't see why a four or five year old child couldn't begin.

But the problem would come with safety fears, since there are some obvious inherent risks to riding.