Enroll in Riding Lessons
One of the best ways to learn about handling horses is to enroll in riding lessons with a qualified instructor and learn to ride properly. If you're considering buying a horse or pony for your child, you should enroll him in riding lessons at least six months to a year prior to purchasing the horse.
By taking riding lessons, the child will learn a few basics before the horse arrives, such as:
How to approach and walk around a horse safely
How to lead a horse
How to groom the horse
How to tack up a horse for riding
What gear to wear for safer riding
How to cool out a horse after riding
How to make the horse start and stop
How to make the horse walk, trot, and canter under saddle
Another advantage of building a good rapport with a riding instructor is that many of them do double duty as horse trainers and brokers. If this is the case in your situation, you can ask the instructor to help you find a suitable horse for your youngster. You can expect to pay a fee for this service, but in return you'll have a knowledgeable person evaluating the horse for you. Some people end up buying the lesson horse and continue taking lessons on it.
