How To Train Ponies for Children to Ride Them

Ponies are just the right size for children to have their first horseback riding experience. Because they’re smaller than horses with a gentler disposition, it’s easier for a child to ride a pony with adult supervision.

Training a pony to handle children riding them at local state fairs and other community events takes time and patience. Repeated training regimens with positive reinforcement ensure readiness to handle children in their saddle.

Enthusiasts can log on to horse racing betting sites to place wagers on the best contenders. It’s an adult thrill to experience the highs and lows of a horse race with the hopes of their steed claiming victory.

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Leave the pony riding for the kids and the horse riding to the jockeys. Let’s giddy up and learn how to train ponies to be child-ridden.

The Right Pony Is Key

Select ponies with a calm demeanor. They must be willing for trainers to handle them and for children to mount their saddle. A pony for child riding should not have a prior history of biting or bucking to maintain safety for participating children.

Prioritize Safety

Children should be matched to a pony based on their height and weight. For example, Shetland or small Welsh ponies are the perfect size for children who weigh 60 to 70 pounds and are under 4’6”.

The saddle and bridle should fit snugly and properly on the pony. Loose objects can cause children to fall. Strap kids on the saddle with a comfortable yet firm hold.

Children should wear helmets and appropriate footwear. However, a horse handler should supervise the child on the pony at all times. It could also help that the parent remains close by in case the child changes their mind about riding the pony or if the animal becomes otherwise temperamental.

Do Light Riding Work

Have a smaller-sized adult or experienced teen horse rider to sit on the pony for light riding work. A pony trainer should institute walk, trot, and halt commands while this rider is on it.

Carefully steer the pony by changing the reins’ position accordingly. Maintain careful control over the pony during this light riding work. Remain patient if they slip up during training and reinforce positive behavior immediately. Give the pony a treat or a verbal praise. Do short practice riding sessions so the pony doesn’t become frustrated.

Slowly Introduce Children to the Pony

During these test runs, an adult should hold their child while they ride on the pony. The trainer should closely supervise all interactions the pony has with children, closely noting concerning behaviors or triggers. The trainer should lead the pony with the mounted child in a quiet area to keep distractions minimum.

Once a pony is comfortable with children, it can be exposed to small gatherings before graduating to bigger events. This gradual introduction process ensures a gauged comfort level so as not to stress the pony.

Expose the Pony to Real-World Scenarios

Part of a riding pony’s training should be to engage in real-world scenarios. Have the pony attend a small pony riding party with 10 or fewer children in attendance.

Do a few minutes of trail walks with a child, mounted every so often. Gradually increase the time the trail walks take place by a few minutes as the pony becomes more comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Pony Rides

Should I have participants’ parents or guardians sign a waiver?
Yes, have them sign a waiver. This protects your company and ensures the adults know the safety risks involved with pony rides

Should I offer helmets for borrowing during pony rides?
This would be a smart move to enhance safety for the little ones riding the ponies.