by Amanda Ines

Created on: January 09, 2011   Last Updated: April 20, 2011

If you happen to be someone who already lives within the world of horses then choosing a horse for your child is not going to be that difficult because you already know what you're looking for having been there before yourself! Though if you do not have that advantage and know nothing about horses but just want your child to be safe when seated on top of these huge animals, then just follow a few of the tips and advice below which are your criteria for choosing a horse for your child:

1. In as much the same way as if you were off to buy a second hand car you would want an expert mechanic to come with you to check out that the car was sound and in good running order, well you need more or less the same help when checking out a horse.

2. An expert horse rider or a riding teacher are both people that could help you out in this matter. Take one of them or even better both along with you to see the horse that you have seen as being a possible option for your child.

3. The number one criteria for choosing a horse for your child just has to be its character because you are trusting this horse to look after your child for you. You want to know that the horse is kind, noble and bomb proof. Of course bomb proof doesn't literally mean that he is used to hearing bombs explode but it does mean that the horse wont shy at every day noises such as a car horn, some fireworks, a lawn mower, a dog barking and even a helicopter flying overhead. These are all noises that happen in every day life and the horse for your child has to be able to take all these noises in his stride!

4. If the horse passes all these tests the next thing to check out is that he has a clean bill of health because you don't want to worry about the horse falling down to the ground with a heart attack whilst carrying your child on top. Of course it can never be guaranteed 100% that this sort of incident will never happen but if you get the vet to check out the horse's heart, blood pressure and general state of health you are at an advantage if you are given a clean bill of health.

5. Don't ever choose a horse that is too young who could still be a bit too frisky or one that is too old who could be on his last legs, and collapse under your child, but choose a horse within the age group of 8 to 12 years old. This is a great age for most horses. They have learned nearly everything that they have to learn, they have calmed down and they have already had many experiences with other riders and so they know what it's all about by now!

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