• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
I Heart Horses
  • Contribute
  • Horse Care
  • News
  • Horse Videos & Fun
  • Horse Fun
  • Rescue
  • Tips For Riders
  • Videos
  • Heartwarming
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Contribute
  • Horse Care
  • News
  • Horse Videos & Fun
  • Horse Fun
  • Rescue
  • Tips For Riders
  • Videos
  • Heartwarming
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Horse Fun

    5 Tips For Introducing Kids To Horses

    Published: Nov 16, 2015 · Modified: Mar 11, 2020 by ihearthorses · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Do you remember your first introduction to horses as a child? Chances are it was a positive one. Giving kids a positive introduction to horses increases the chances that they will continue to be involved with these animals throughout their life. Consider trying these five ways to introduce kids to horses.

    little kid feeding a horse in the farm

    1. Talk About the Rules for Safety Around Horses

    Before you introduce your child to horses, start by talking with them about the general safety rules for being around horses. Depending on your child’s age, you may decide to go over rules such as not running around horses, how to speak calmly and quietly to a horse, and how best to approach a horse. Having an understanding of these rules ahead of time can help to ensure a positive and safe introduction.

    preteen kid palming big horse at farm

    2. Start By Visiting Horses

    Try to set up a time where you can introduce your child to some horses. You may be able to arrange a visit with a friend or local barn owner. Ask ahead of time if you may bring snacks for the horses, and find out what types of snacks are best for you to bring – carrots are usually the easiest for a small child to safely feed a horse.

    If you're interested in learning about which horse breeds might be best for introducing kids to horses, check out our article 4 Best Horse Breeds For Beginners. 

    Kid riding white horse during horseback lessons.

    3. Arrange for a Pony Ride

    For your child’s first time on a pony, try to arrange for a pony ride. It is best if you find a reputable barn which offers pony rides, since you will know that the ponies are well-trained and the tack that is used is safe. A guided pony ride in a quiet, contained space can be a great way to make your child’s first time on a horse a positive experience.

    kid hand caressing horse close up

    4. Find a Great Instructor

    If your child would like to take riding lessons, then it’s important to find a great instructor who is both child-friendly and focused on safety. There are many great riding instructors out there, but they don’t all work with children. Make an effort to find an instructor who is experienced in working with young children and who understands the unique challenges that teaching children to ride presents.

    An Asian kid riding horse in the grassland

    5. Support Your Child

    One of the best ways that you can encourage your child to develop a positive relationship with horses is to support him or her. Provide books and magazines about horses which are geared to your child’s age. Answer your child’s questions about horses, and provide your child with opportunities to interact with horses. Your efforts to make a positive introduction can help your child to enjoy horses in the future.

    Horse Courses by Elaine Heney

    • Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
    • Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
    • Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
    • Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
     

    Do you have any tips on how to introduce kids to horses that you'd like to add? Let us know in the comments below? 

    More recipes you may enjoy

    • When It's Time To Blow Out The Birthday Candles, This Horse Takes The Reins!
    • 6 Tips To Take Better Photos Of Your Horse
    • Woman Names Wild Horse After 4-Year-Old Who Died From Cancer
    • 6 Signs Your Horse Is Meant to Be A Reiner

    Sharing is caring!

    2.5K shares
    • Share2.5K
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    Search

    Recent Posts

    • 15 Fantastic Pictures of Horse's Jumping to Make You Smile
    • Pros and Cons of Braiding Your Horse's Mane or Tail
    • 10 Things to Do with Your Horse That Aren't Riding
    • 30 Stunning Pictures of White Horses You Must See
    • 17 Inspirational TikTok Horse Accounts To Lift Your Spirits

    Categories

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    iHeartHorses.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 · iHeartHorses Inc.

    2.5K shares
    • 2.5K

    Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy