The Beginners Horse

I remember Jules telling me years ago, that kids didn't really ride ponies in the US, they went straight onto horses. I always found it an extremely odd concept and was interested to see how it works out here and if the height is a problem to the kids.

The long and short of it, is that generally the horses the kids get put on here, seem a lot more forgiving than the British ponies I knew. They seem happy that their life is now gamboling about with a little one on top and have much easier paces to sit to (or rise too) than some of the fast, choppy ponies.

Of course, there are some truly fantastic ponies in England, the pony club wouldn't be the same without them and most of the games played there need smaller ponies that kids can leap on or off.

The height here doesn't seem to bother the kids at all. Last week Ethan rode Buddy, he's about 16.2hh and has fairly big movement (relatively) but Ethan adored him. The size didn't bother him and he liked Buddys movement for learning to sit or post! Buddy of course loved it, no working on the bit, no nagging, just trotting around the arena or on the lunge with a little one bobbing around.

Of course, I am sure it has a lot to do with the lack of Native smalls here. I still love a good pony and adore riding them. I am super interested to see the progression of a very smart Buckskin dressage pony that has recently rocked up to PY (Posh Yard), that definitely isn't a kids pony, more a competition type.

I have had a great week of riding. I've had the chance to play on some truly amazing horses and am so thankful to their lovely owners for allowing me to do this. Their support honestly makes all the difference to me. (You know who you are)! I still have a long way to go, but the chance to ride such a variety of horses really helps me progress.