by writesforu

Created on: January 17, 2007   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

In choosing a good mount for a child to learn on,its a good idea to do some shopping around first of course.Check the bulletin boards at your feed stores and tack shops too.Check with you local 4-H dept too sometimes there's one for sale.
Now you don't want the fast little horse or anything really young sorry.I know you were thinking let them grow up together . Trust me at this point bad idea!What you are looking for is Mr slow and steady. Who won't buck them off and leave them.Older is really good they are more inclined to be patient. .Make sure you see him/her ridden and that you are satisfied with what you see. No ears back for one thing.Look at the expression on his face is it good natured?Ask questions.Like how old is he? Does he have his shots /coggins ?Ask to see proof .Who is his vet /farrier ? When was he last shod?Look at his feet.Check for cracks ,softness of hoof wall, things like that.Now his hoof should be pliable but not mushy.The owner should help you with this espcially if you are not experianced with horses.This will also give you a good idea if he kicks.If he does, again ,think twice.

Our first horse was a sway back twenty-something gelding.I think all he ever did was walk fast maybe.He'd definetly been around the block .He was also gentle and for small children old and slow is great to learn the ropes.After a while, yes, the child will out grow the plodd along pony. But the knowledge they will have picked up will be invaluable to the next level horse they may want.Or they may decide that horses just aren't for them at all.If he checks out to be a great starter horse purchase and take home.You can ususally have them delivered in a horse trailer to either your home or the place where you are going to board him,enjoy!There are some people that offer lesson at their stable. I taught my children myself .But not everyone can do that.I never let them out of my sight.I didn't have to worry though that old horse coddled them as much as I did.But in my opinion ,he was a golden find.
My daughter went from Buddy her slow pony, to Wendy a much faster more advanced horse .Myhorse actually. People often said her butt was velcroed to the saddle she rode so much on her.
I passed Buddy on to another family in need of a "teaching" horse .
My son decided he had no intrest in horses so we left him to his decision.

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