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