Riding Lessons

October 16, 2009 - 9:40 am Martha - You have a very brave daughters Andrea, I wish that my daughter Nikka is same as your Jacquelyn. Because she was so scary to ride on a horse even his Dad is watching him over. Can you tell me a little tips for me to make her brave enough to ride her horse?

October 19, 2009 - 9:58 am Andrea - Hi Martha. I'm a firm believer on conquering your fears. If the girls are afraid of something.. we really try and break it down for them, thus showing that there is nothing to be afraid of. That's not to say that you shouldn't have a healthy respect of something per say a horse. The girls begin there lesson with grooming and getting used be around the horses'. Then they walk them down to the arena where they again familiarize themselves with the horse and arena. If something scared your daughter in the past I would allow her to go at her pace until she is comfortable.. There are many different ideas and mindsets when it comes to riding. I started riding with the mindset of if you got bucked off and you get right back on.. The school of thought has changed I think with the modern cowboy.. now the thought being that there is no reason why anyone especially a child should be bucked off, lets work the horse in a controlled environment first. Sometimes, us parents, can be a little overbearing.. (who would ever think I'm overbearing! =) ) perhaps you guys can start your daughter with lessons from instructor who does great with kids and who may have a "kid horse" that your daughter can ride until shes more comfortable with her own or who can take lessons on her own horse.. Sometimes an outsider showing them the same thing we show them.. can have a better effect. Best of luck! Keep us posted on her progress! Andrea