Hi all - my daughter turned 4 last October and is asking me everyday for riding lessons. She has been on a pony about 4 times, 3 pony rides at fairs, and one extended "lesson" on a friends pony (and before you suggest it, this person is 2 hrs away so no we can't borrow the pony) She loves it. Also, knows that mommy rides horses and wants to do the same. I personally think that she's too young to spend money on lessons for. And most of my area barns won't take them until they are at least 5. I also want her to try out some other, age appropriate things that she may like, like ballet, gymnastics etc. and I can't afford to do everything. I didn't start riding lessons until I was 9.

The rub is that she is very shy and insecure, much like I was as a little kid. I benefited so much from riding as a kid that I am tempted to let her do it, just to give her that confidence and allow her to do something she really loves like I had the opportunity to do. I think I know in my heart that riding is what she'll love and want to do and will become the one place she is safe in her mind and happy.... but...is it too early?

Please talk me out of it...I can't afford $50 lessons for myself much less my 4 yr old!

Well you got the daughter that I needed. I breed ponies, have 2 accomplished teen riders--off to college... that can make up ponies for the kid-- school the pony at shows...and 12 ponies in my back yard farm -what more would a horse crazy kid want? Want to send her to camp here??? Just kidding of course.

I have a 6-year-old son. With 2 ponies. He has absolutely NO interest. Rides about once every 3 months. He would much rather trade the ponies in for a dirt bike.

Best of luck to you & your daughter. I would think spending $50 per lesson for a 4 yr old is a bit much. Keep looking around for the freebies at this point. I know if there were someone near here that wanted a kid to ride--I would for sure swap out pony rides for some help around my farm.

Windswept, we're on our way down to yaw! I *wish* I could find that situation...someday....

My daughter has a twin brother and he couldn't care less about horses, actually I think he's scared. But it truly seems to be what my daughter loves. I can't tell you how many stuffed horses and horse books we have...and no it's not all my trying to get her interested She is truly happy when she's on a pony. It's a pure happiness I have never seen in her before.

Enjoy her... sounds like she found her happiness early! I had 2 daughters EXACTLY the same. You can’t imagine how many Brayer horses, stables, books, stuffed horses etc. That we have in the attic! Riding has been wonderful for them. My oldest is a freshman and is in Texas on a Division 1 - NCAA riding scholarship. Next daughter is a senior in HS and has signed her letter of intent for the same. Not to mention all the self -worth, self-esteem and happiness riding brought them along the way. Enjoy your daughter!! (And son too)

Maybe you should move to Virginia!!

And forgot to say-- my 6 yr old son is just the greatest too... even if he never wants to get on a pony again! I guess eventually I will break down and buy the dirt bike.

You might want to check around at local stables and see if they offer Pony Rides. My stable offers that at like $3 a ride. Or maybe you can post an ad out for a free lease on a Pony and teach her the basics yourself! I would defently say start them as young as you can!

In particular, ask who does "Mommy (or Daddy) and Me Classes." At the riding academy where I teach, the Mommy and Me classes never cost anywhere near as much as regular lessons. The kids and parents get a little more out of them than pony rides because the parents are taught the basics of handling a horse (pony usually in these classes).

I taught several Mommy & Me classes, and at first they can be quite stressful (for me). But it was a blast to see even the young 4 year olds pick up the basics. It was also a nice way to have a family activity since Mom and Dad were involved in the ring. We had the most ancient kind babysitter ponies too. It turned out to be a nice experience.

I would definently check out the local stables. We have something like that here at our local stable where you can ride the horses but you have to help around the stable. I know she is young but maybe their is something little she could do around the stable or you and her could do that part together. Maybe there is something like that in your area? I think it is great that she loves horses at such a young age. She sounds alot like I was when I was younger.