by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: February 28, 2007   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

Pretty is, as pretty does. Parents will want to choose wisely, when selecting a horse for a child. Matching horse to rider means finding a horse that will care for a beginning rider, or one that may provide enough challenge for an experienced one.

For the most part, 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.

However, if your child has already qualified for the North American Young Riders, then a young green (untrained and inexperienced) horse may be alright.

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

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

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.

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 dreamhorse was ours, and we've never looked back.

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