10/15/2024
Excellent post form Bethany White
For ALL Students, Riding Parents and Instructors:
If you have a child learning to ride, PLEASE do so safely. Please do not put them on a 2 year old to learn. 2 years olds no matter how quiet are still very young, not anywhere near fully developed mentally or physically. It is the equivalent of asking a 4 yr old human to be responsible for an infant.
Please understand this post is not to put anyone down, it is absolutely to educate.
If you have a child that wants to learn to ride, my very best advice is to find a reputable lesson barn. Ask around your area and do homework before sending your child. How long has the instructor been teaching, who have they apprenticed, taught under? How many years have they taken lessons themselves.
My personal guide is that an instructor should have a MINIMUM of 800 hours as a student themselves before giving lessons. And after one can never stop learning. Make sure they have learned from multiple experienced and reputable professionals.
Get your child their own helmet that is fitted correctly. We only get one brain, and in many states it is the law for a youth to wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet.
I say all of this and honestly, I have a lot more to say on the subject, as a long time industry professional and Mom.
My qualifications to make these statements come from 37 years in the industry, over 23 years as a professional. I have taught hundreds of students over the years and ran a very large lesson program (at one point over 100 students a week).
I was the manager/trainer of a breeding farm, therefore my experience with young horses is extensive. I am a multi-carded show Judge (currently 6 cards, over 250 shows judged over 18 years) and Clinician and have been a clinician/speaker at equine expos and seminars. Again, I state this is what qualifies me to educate.
I implore people to think about the well-being and safety of horse and rider, ESPECIALLY children.
Another thing to note is, if a horse is "acting up," the first thing we need to consider is ourselves. "Am I causing the situation?" and go from there.
If your child wants to compete, but does not want to take lessons this is a big red flag. Learning comes FIRST before competing. Always.
The minute we think we know everything, is exactly the time to learn more. Stay humble.
Be well, be safe.
-Bethany
