What kind of horseback riding do you reccomend for a 6 year old, english or western? or is there a difference?

Question

My 6 year old girl wants to take horse riding lessons. I was looking into it and had no idea if one would be easier to learn over the other or if one were safer to learn. Do you think that it is too early for her to start lessons? I have no background in horse riding at all, so I thought that I would ask.

Thanks for any information. ^_^

Answer 1

the earlier they start at anything the better they'll be and the more comfortable they will be. personally I think western would be better because it's more loose. english is more for teens and adult who are serious about riding because you have to be very proper, straight back, legs and arms in a certain position, it can be a bit grueling at times. so for a young child defiantly western.

Answer 2

I recommend Western for starters. The Western style saddle is more substantial and easier for new riders to stay in. The saddle horn has kept many a new rider in the seat when balance failed them. If your child becomes interested in English style riding later, it's an easy switch over once basic horsemanship is learned.

I also recommend starting a child out on a pony rather than a horse. It's smaller, and "closer to the ground". Full-size horses can be intimidating to smaller new riders. All that being said, it's great fun. My mother got me started at about that same age.

Answer 3

Find out what is available in your area.  Then visit the stables and speak to the people who would be teaching the lessons.  Would the lessons be just learning to ride or would they include preparation and cleanup with only a few minutes of actual riding in the hourly lesson.  The teacher and actual instruction is far more important than the type of riding.  When you speak to them, ask for recommendations of type of riding.  In your daughter's vision of riding, does she see herself wearing proper riding attire or as a western style cowboy?