My son, 8, is absolutely horse crazy and has been for years. He has asked to take lessons this summer and has volunteered some of his savings to help pay for them. I am completely lost about horses. What should I be looking for in a stable? Should we just get in fun riding lessons right now or competition-type training? English or Western? Help me, please!

Ask your son what type of riding he would like or what type of event if any he might like to get into. Then find a certified trainer to start taking lessons from them. For now you just need him to take basic riding lessons. Starting with brushing, haltering, picking feet, and proper care then they will teach him to saddle and bridle a horse. When they start out some trainers will even keep the horse on a lounge line until the child understands the basics of stop and go and left and right. But definately find a certified trainer that works with children.

I think it is fantastic that you are helping your son to explore his passion!! I *loved* the lessons that I took as a child. I learned all about grooming and overall care of horses as well as basic riding skills.

You need to find a good instructor/trainer who has some experience with children. The manner of the trainer can make the experience either very positive or extremely negative. I know you'd hate for him to end up hating it because of a poor trainer.

I agree with both of the above posts... first, you need to see what style of riding your son is interested in and spend a little time exploring the different styles of riding. From there, find a good stable that is child friendly and that teaches your son basic equine care, as well as the hopping on a horse's back and riding.

I'm a strong promoter of 4-H and the various youth groups. Quite often, you can talk to your local cooperative extension office and they can direct you towards good instructors, as well as clubs that you can get your son involved in. They can also help to teach important things that a riding instructor might not, such as parts of the horse, colors, maladies, etc.

Thanks for the responses! I'll call around to stables today to get an idea of what options there are, then talk with my son about what style he is interested in.

That's awesome! You'll have to write us an update and let us know how things are going for the both of you I bet there are people who would be interested in the steps you take to do this, and what kind of results you get from it!

I am with anarch 4h is a great program to get children involved not only does it teach them how to ride but care for the animal and also open some many doors for different educational opportunities

I have to agree with everyone here that it's great you are going to support your son's passion. My mother did the same for my sister and me. We found an excellent trainer who was extreamely patient wiht us. She taught us how to ride in both types of saddles...which is quite a difference over all. I tend to like English the best. Everyone here has already given you great advice and I second all their suggestions. Good luck!

Techno that is great;

The greatest point is that you are supporting them and giving them a great discipline and responsibility with horses.

They are obviously an addiction as everyone here can surely witness.

It amazes me how different they are. Even the same breed how unique there traits and attitudes.

If I believed in reincarnation I would say one was my sister. A heart of Gold and loving and would do anything you asked.

Great job and I honor you in your efforts technoflute

EM