[RC] Kids, ponies and distance riding - Mike & Laurie Hilyard
Anyone up for a topic that isn't LD vs. everyone
else on the planet?
I'd like some information from
experienced parents on how and when kids can handle distance
riding. What worked? What didn't? Is there
something you wish you hadn't done? Something your are glad that you did
do? How far and how long did your child ride before you took them to
their first event? Many moons ago, Edie Booth said she wouldn't let
Robin ride in an event until he could use both hands and both legs to signal his
pony, not just be a passenger. Obviously, every kid is
different. I saw Ceci Butler riding 50s as a six year old, but have also
seen kids that refuse to even come to a ride after being pushed. Up until
they hit puberty, Deb Bosma used to bring a trailerload of kids and appys to
the Michigan rides.
Last summer we traded in a quiet (but too
wide) horse for a pony, which has greatly helped my 5 year old son be more
independent with his riding. She does what I call "pony tricks", like
drifting over to stand by the gate if he isn't actually giving her definite
signals, but she sticks close to my horse when we're out of the small pen,
and has never bucked, bolted, kicked or nipped. Unfortunately, my
horse is a little too insecure to pony from (doesn't like ropes dangling by his
side), so Mitch has to be his own rider. (Hmm, maybe that should
be Fortunately) .
Anyway, Fergie is about 11 hands, more hackney-type
than shetland, and has a walk fast enough to keep up with my 14.2 Arab.
How far has anyone taken their kids' ponies? Jeannie, how far did Heather
the creep go?
