When Can My Child Ride a Horse?

While on a camping trip with my daughter and spouse last week, I was excited by the idea of riding trail horses as a family. There was only one problem, though: my daughter is only four years old. Although I'd begun riding horses at an early age, it was hard for me to imagine my thirty pound "baby" riding a huge stallion for four miles. It turns out that, with the help of a guide, my little girl was more than ready to ride-- although it will be years before she could do so independently. If you're wondering when your child will be old enough to ride a horse, here are some points to consider.

1. Riding on a horse isn't the same thing as riding a horse. There are really two situations to address when considering the age at which your child can ride. A child as young as three might be able to sit on a well-trained pony or miniature horse connected to a side walker or directly handled by a guide. However, the responsibility of actually handling a riding horse, without direct adult assistance, is quite different and shouldn't be attempted by very young children.

2. Consider the size of the horse. I was one of those rare little girls who actually had a "pony" of her own. My miniature horse, Roller, was small enough that falling off of him at low speeds-- something that happened more than once--wasn't a big deal, even at four of five years of age. It was also far easier for me to mount him and keep my feet in the stirrups, compared to larger horses. A horse's height alone plays a huge role in whether or not your child is old enough to ride.

3. Kids shouldn't be left in primary control of a horse until they are mature enough to handle the responsibility. When I asked a local equestrian ranch about horseback riding lessons for children, I found out that most will not accept students under seven years of age. Until this point, most children can't be trusted to have the maturity to control a horse responsibly. An average five-year-old, when left to his own devices, will either panic when in control of a horse, or will impulsively command the horse into dangerous situations. Your child's own personality will be the primary factor to consider.

4. Consider the behavior of the individual animal. My preschool-age daughter did just fine riding on the back of a trail horse who was well-trained, docile, and familiar with the path. Very well-behaved horses can tolerate young riders with no trouble, but it's not a good idea to allow a child of any age to ride a horse who is prone to disobedience. Your child's first experiences with horseback riding should be with a calm, well-behaved horse who can readily accept unfamiliar riders.

5. Communicate with the horse's owners or handlers. Before your child rides a horse under any circumstances, it's important to make her individual needs known to the people who own or handle the animal. I had to make sure that the owners of the trail horses were aware that my daughter has a gross motor delay; she needed extra help mounting and dismounting and keeping her balance while riding. If your child has a speech, learning, or hearing delay, it's important to tell the handlers or instructors for your child's safety and for the horse's appropriate handling.

5. Always stay safe. Even if your child is simply riding a pony with a side walker or lead line, she needs to wear the appropriate equipment to protect herself in the event of a fall or other accident. No matter your child's age, she needs an approved equestrian helmet and appropriate boots. In some cases, especially if your child is young or disabled, she may also benefit from knee pads or a torso protector. Ask her instructors or the horse's handlers for advice choosing appropriate safety equipment.

Children are often ready to ride horses sooner than their parents might expect, but it's important to consider your child's individual needs and personality, as well as the needs and personality of the horse or horses your child might ride. Always defer to the judgment of a professional horse handler or horseback riding instructor when determining your child's readiness for this exciting milestone.