The benefits of buying your child a horse are many. But you must be prepared to research, study horse care and spend many hours looking for the perfect animal for your family.
Do not buy your child of any age or ability a young horse. Don't let the seller convince you that your child can grow up with their horse. It doesn't work that way and can, and has, ended in tragedy. Buy an older horse that is healthy and willing to listen. For a younger inexperienced child I would even suggest a horse in the ten to fifteen age ranges. However you must consider the emotional toll when this older horse passes on and it will happen sooner, even though the life span can be as much as thirty to thirty five years. As your child gets to be a better rider, or if they already are, then you might decide to go with a seven year old or above. It depends on the child and their ability. But remember that ability doesn't mean the same thing as maturity. You need to gage your child as well as the horse. A perfectly wonderful horse that doesn't fit with the rider is a problem.
Things to consider before buying a horse:
Is there someone knowledgeable about horses that you can consult? Especially in the middle of the night when the horse is acting funny and you don't know if it's colicing or about to give birth or just itchy. It's better if that person is in the family but it isn't necessary.
Is your family emotionally and physically ready to take on the care of a being that has needs that are equal to a 2 yr. old? That includes feeding, bathing, and cleaning up poop. Where will the horse sleep and play when the rider and his/her family isn't entertaining it?
Is there a riding instructor available?
Are you willing to buy a horse that fits your child's needs no matter what color it is? Looks mean something to people. You must honestly assess how you and your child feel. If you want a Palomino and the best horse is black can you accept that?
After you've considered all the ramifications, it's time to decide if your child actually wants a horse. If your child is a girl the answer is probably YES.
The benefits come in many ways and are sometimes surprising. Like all activities, and life itself, it is what you make it. The biggest benefit is that the child learns about the needs of another creature and how that affects others.
Riding has physical and mental benefits. A rider has to be able to balance and keep track of what his mount is doing at all times. An important bit of information, the horse has a brain too. These are large animals and that brain is in control of a great deal of muscle and bone and these can be used to advantage. That may be one of the attractions for girls. If you are good with empathy and are small a horse makes you feel big and strong.
As an assistant horse instructor I have seen a, normally, quiet child speak to others after learning to speak to her horse. A horse will listen without judgment. Of course they don't know what the child is saying but they know when they are needed. Children who seem to be wild' and inconsiderate actually seem to calm and listen when they become responsible for any animal but a large animal seems to give them the confidence to try things they wouldn't have before. Children learn assertiveness rather than aggressiveness.
There is that word responsibility' give your child responsibility and they will acquire compassion, confidence, mental strength and physical fitness. What more could a parent ask for?
As a note in safety, you must give your child a message that their heads are very important and a helmet is essential to their lives and future. There are good videos out there. One is titled "Every time Every Ride" Get it and watch it with your child and any other kids that you might care about.