Horse riding… what is the charm that echoes in those words? Maybe it’s the dancing sparkle in a young girls’ eyes as she rides along the creek on horseback. Maybe it’s the feeling of the wind on a boy’s face and the graceful synchronization of moving in tune with the mechanics of his horse. Maybe it’s about the friendship.
Horse riding is an outdoor activity that gives you the beauty of nature to hold in your hands. The sounds, the smells, and the environment all contribute to the memories and close connection that a child is able to create with nature. It’s no wonder that so many children express their love for horses, whether or not they’ve ever handled one. Horse riding holds out something special and live-spirited that beckons to be discovered.
At the age of six, most children are capable of beginning to learn the basics of horse riding. Many motor skills are engaged in riding, which are developed and strengthened as a child learns to work with the horse in correct poise, posture, balance and control.
Riding schools teach safe, on-the-ground handling of a horse so that the child can learn to approach their horse with confidence and skill. It is an excellent idea for your child to learn how to care for their horse at the same time as they are learning to ride. This helps them to understand the horse’s needs and strengthens the bonding that happens in that give-and-take relationship. As the child takes initiative to communicate with the horse’s unique and often endearing expressions, language and cognitive skills are also invoked and developed to new levels.
