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When looking for a horse or pony for your child, there are several factors to consider. First off, does your child actually WANT a horse and want to ride, or do they simply want to tell their friends they have a horse? Once you are sure that they actually do want a horse, the next step is to decide how much experience your child has with horses. It is important to remember not to buy "too much horse" for your child, or in other words don't buy a horse that your child can't handle.

Once you know that your child actually does want a horse, and you have evaluated their abilities, you should look for an older horse; never buy your child a horse that is under 10 or 11 years old. These younger horses, though OK for an adult, can be excitable, jumpy, and very hard to handle. An older horse that has been ridden for years is much more likely to be obedient and well mannered.

You should also remember to buy a horse that is big enough to carry the parent if necessary. It is always a good idea to ride the horse yourself, before purchasing it for your child. That is sometimes the only way to learn if the horse will buck, or rear, or many other bad habits that could result in an injury to a small child.

It is a good idea to look for a friendly, people oriented horse. The better the horse's attitude is while on the ground, the more likely the horse will be easily handled. If the horse has a mean streak, or wants to bite or paw you, it is probably not a good choice for a child.

Looks should come last on your list of needs when looking for a horse for your child. Sometimes the ugliest horse in the bunch is the best riding, best behaving children's horse. Don't judge the book by its cover. It is a good idea to have the horse vet checked for soundness and health issues, as well.

Once you have ridden the horse and believe that it will be safe for your child, you should let them attempt to ride the horse. If they manage with minimum problems (there will almost always be some small issues at first) then the horse should be OK for the child. It is still a good idea to keep an eye on the pair for a while. Horses can be very stubborn animals. They also have a tendency to take advantage of you if you will let them. This happens even more often with children. It would be a good idea for an adult to ride the horse occasionally to remind him/her that he is required to behave when ridden.

It is also a good idea to start the child off with a gelding. This is because a gelding tends to be the same all the time. A mare tends to be moody, especially when she is in season, and a stallion is never a good idea for a child.

Don't rush the purchase of a horse for your child. The important thing is to find a safe, well mannered horse that your child can ride, not to hurry and get just any horse.

Happy Trails.

Learn more about this author, Mary Hale.
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