| Owning a horse is a huge responsibility for an adult, | | | | Hence, the best kind of horse for a child is one with a |
| much less for a child. Owning a horse requires a lot of | | | | very good temperament. The pony or horse should |
| time and money, both from the parent and the child, | | | | not have a history of bolting off whenever they are |
| therefore, before you decide to go horse-shopping, it's | | | | scared. Compare this to the needs of an experienced |
| best that you sit down and discuss the responsibilities | | | | rider who needs a very sensitive horse who is |
| and tasks involved in owning and caring for a horse | | | | responsive and understanding. |
| with the child. A horse, remind them, is not a mere | | | | Riding experience and testing the horse out |
| domestic pet. It's unlike a cat, dog or hamster. Horses | | | | As mentioned, before a parent decides to buy a horse |
| require more than that. | | | | for the child, the child should be given a chance to take |
| Let your child know that the owner of the horse | | | | riding lessons and familiarize herself or himself with |
| should be ready to take on the responsibilities of | | | | horses. Not only does the child have to take riding |
| grooming, exercising, feeding, washing, playing with and | | | | lessons, it is best that the horse is a trained one as |
| caring for the animal. These responsibilities should be | | | | well. |
| done daily, otherwise, both the horse and the owner | | | | The child and horse should get to know each other |
| will suffer. | | | | before the parent actually purchases the horse. Test |
| Before you actually go out and buy a horse, parents | | | | the horse out by taking the child out for a test ride. Let |
| are strongly advised to bring the child to a stable, let | | | | them get to know each other and then let the child |
| them take some riding lessons. This will help your child | | | | decide which horse is best for him or her. |
| understand and comprehend the responsibilities ahead | | | | Horse to suit the occasion |
| of him or her. Parents should give the child adequate | | | | Depending on what the child intends to do with the |
| time to adapt and adjust accordingly. Under the | | | | horse, there are many different types of horses |
| supervision of an expert, they should be able to grasp | | | | trained for different purposes. Some horses are |
| the whole concept of owning a horse in about a | | | | suitable for riding on the flat, some prefers a horse that |
| month or two. | | | | will jump and perform. Some prefer a horse that can |
| Buying a horse that suits your personality | | | | be taken hunting or ride through rough terrains and |
| It is important for a horse buyer to understand that | | | | some prefer show horses. Consult with the horse |
| there is a very special relationship and bond between | | | | trainer so that you do not get the wrong type of horse |
| a horse and the owner/rider. The more nervous or | | | | for the wrong purpose. |
| jittery the rider is, the calmer the horse should be. | | | | |