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"I have a notebook of the tips from your site and I love them... Bonnie Anderson has been wonderful. All the tips I tried of hers worked the first time. I am now in the riding stage and my horse is awesome. Thank you all very much and keep the training tips coming!!!!!!"
Karen Gossard
Fayetteville, NC

A child who knows how to handle a horse correctly is a child who has the knowledge to stay safe during times of unforeseen crisis while on horseback. Thats why its important to teach your child to ride safely. Sometimes qualified instructors are not available in your area, or maybe you cant afford to send your child to one, but in any case you can teach your child to ride yourself with these helpful tips.

When a child learns to ride, they are learning a new skill. The key to learning a new skill is practice. Your job as instructor is to help the child reach the goal of being able to ride unaided. The first step is to decide on a place and time for the lessons. Having the lesson at the same time and place each day or week will help you and the child to take the lessons seriously and to better concentrate during the lessons.

Preparation includes making sure the child is dressed appropriately in jeans and boots. No shorts or tennis shoes allowed. If the child is old enough, you may want to include the grooming and saddling in the lesson plan as well. Check ahead of time to be sure the tack is in good shape and suitable for the occasion. A well trained horse is also important to have on hand. Borrow one if you have to.

Lessons should have a warm up period, a review of skills learned the day before period, then on to working on a new skill, then a cool down. Parents generally teach from the ground while the child is mounted. As instructor the parent should explain not only the new skill to be taught, but also the reason why its taught. The lesson has more meaning when an example is used. Having the child repeat the reason why verbally will also help instill it in their memory.

If the child is unable to perform the lesson learned the day before, then there is no point teaching them something new. Let them practice until they have mastered the skill before moving on. Be patient and be sure to point out how well the child is doing. This keeps the lessons fun. If you are constantly yelling and griping, the child will freeze up and make even more mistakes. Correct the child in an even but firm manner, and then offer lots of praise. How fast or how well they learn to ride is not as important as having a relaxed and fun ride. And always try to end on a good note for the day.

Children should know how to ride a horse in both directions around the arena at a walk, trot, and canter. They should be able to halt the horse easily, and turn the horse without a fuss. Proper leg position and a good balanced seat are a must for any rider. Have an imaginary line drawn from the top of the childs head down through the shoulder and hip, and end at the heal of their boot, with heels down. Gently remind them to keep that imaginary line as straight as possible while they ride.

Some children need to learn to control their tempers when the horse doesnt perform correctly by explaining to them that it may not be the horse but the riders lack of communication skills. Have them try again, but if tempers flair it may be time to call it quits for the day. Have them perform a simple task they do well, then put the horse away. Remember, try to keep if fun and relaxed.

If you find that you arent up to teaching your child after all, thats okay. Some parents are good parents, but not so good teachers. It may be best to find a professional instructor after all, especially if your child has dreams of competing in shows someday. Instructors may be more up to date on current show etiquette in any case. However, if you do find teaching your child is best, keep in mind the helpful tips in this article and you should do fine.