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birdof1977
Silver Member
308 Posts |
 Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 07:46:59 AM
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In about 6 months or so I am going to start looking for a pony for my novice 9yr old daughter. She is currently having private riding lessons at a local RS, and is doing quite well. She can walk, trot canter and pop a little jump, I am envious of her position. LOL.
She occasionally has a pottle round on Zar, usually on the lead rein/ or lunge line, but he is too big, and jumpy for her.
She is quite a tall 9yr old and I want to get something about 14hh, so that I can ride and school it too for her.
She is very good around the horses, and often mucks out for me, fills haynets etc. She has a very clam nature around animals, which we all know Arab's need.
The only reason I asked, was I mentioned getting her an Arab to a horsey friend of mine the other day, well her reaction was undescribable. She said, that you should never put a novice rider on an arab, and especially not a child!!! I then had to remind her, that 1, I class myself as a Novice, and 2 I am not much bigger than a child myself! But I still have one!
Anyway, I just thought I'd ask you guys, if you have had any experience of children and arabs, are they a suitable match, or would I be making a mistake??
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buffy
Gold Member
Scotland
835 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 08:07:34 AM
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It obviously depends on the individual child and the individual horse, and it sounds to me as if your daughter would be ideal for an arab!
My daughter Holly, who is now 11 and had only a few lessons, gets on brilliantly with my mare Naseekah, who is a good 15.1hh.
At first I was a bit worried about her riding her as she can be a bit spooky, but she looks after Holly so well and is very relaxed with her. Holly loves the fact that she doesn't have to 'constantly encourage' her to go forward, like her pony!! The first time she cantered her across the beach, I had tears in my eyes, they were lovely together!
Remember, these same people who are alarmed about children and arabs, are the same ones who have not got to know, love and understand this very special breed.
Six months of private lessons will be great for her level of riding and it sounds as if she has the kind of nature that will suit the arabian down to the ground.
Go for it and good luck!!
Sandra
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LYNDILOU
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
13976 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 08:10:46 AM
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I first started riding arabs at 10 years old , bare backed in a head coller, it all depends on the horse, obviously dont buy a very young one for a child, but they are good kind and gentle horses for childen
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www.dreamfield-arabians.com |
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Arachnid
Platinum Member
England
1872 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 08:22:10 AM
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| Theres a riding school in South London that teaches children to ride on arabs. I guess like every partnership, it depends on the horse and depends on the child. I have ridden very sensible arabs (normally older ones) who have been suitable for children. Actually I wouldnt put a child on Spider though. |
   
West Sussex |
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LYNDILOU
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
13976 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 08:30:36 AM
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its amazing to watch arabs around children, they seem to know they are little people my old stallion Bambooki used to positivley melt at the sight of them , he would bring his head right down to their level so they could pet him, and he would keep it there for ages as if to encourage more interaction from them long after they had got bored , I think everyone has seen this picture of him with my friends 3 year old son , but its just the way he was , bless him
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www.dreamfield-arabians.com |
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pat day
Moderator
United Kingdom
5324 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 08:41:29 AM
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My grandaughter, Gracie, is 15 months.
Her first pony, if she wants one,!! is 'Shanaara'. My Black purebred, and about 14 hands or just above. She is so quiet and kind. She will be perfect for her.
Gracie has already had a ride on 'Ffashion' who is so, so clever, and knows she has a precous cargo on board. She stands like a rock, and waits for my instructions, before she moves. Ffashion is a mare that usually wants to just 'get on with it'
So somewhere out there, I am sure, is the right pony for your daughter.
Good Luck. |
       
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~TREASURES AT TEMPLEWOOD~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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moatside
Platinum Member
England
3224 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 08:49:32 AM
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I agree with everyone above! A sensible, well schooled, mature Arab is most likely a better bet than a feisty, self opinionated Welsh anyday.  As much as I love my Welsh one's they can be less suitable for small novices.
Pearl is def far easier and more predictable than the B mare. |
www.spanglefish.com/kasanarhythmbeads/ |
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Callisto
Platinum Member
6905 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 09:00:31 AM
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My first pony was a 5 year old arab x New Forest, she had a propensity to buck but it taught me a good seat and I loved her, my sister didn't love her so much and moved on to a 5 year old purebred (14 hh), throughout our childhood careers we gymkhana'd, pony clubbed, hunted, X-countried and showed these ponies, one summer we rode from home along the South Downs Way and back (188 miles) in a week. All of this was down to my mother who was admittedly less conventional than most (she loved arabs for a start!), but we had only had weekly lessons before the ponies arrived. Horses know the difference between a child and an adult and generally behave better, particularly arabs. My 13 year old niece is more than happy to take my 4 year old purebred mare out for a ride (in company) if I am unable to. Obviously choose the right horse, and preferably one who knows the ropes, and you couldn't choose better for a child.
My nieces have a very pretty welsh section C pony, he is very full of himself. We are going to have to find him a loan home because the girls much prefer to ride the arabs. No doubt your horsey friend would class him as a far more sensible mount for a child, but she is wrong, the arabs look after them, he likes to scrape them off under a tree... |
  Zahkira (GR Amaretto x Taffetta)
Linda
East Sussex |
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navaho621
Gold Member
Wales
510 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 09:02:14 AM
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| My old boy is fantastic with kids, he is really careful with them & is so sensible, hes a right loon when i ride him mind, i really do think they know when they have someone that needs looking after on board. |
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NatH
Platinum Member
England
2695 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 09:12:02 AM
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One word YES, would obviously depend upon the circumstances but I wouldn't rule it out |
Natalie
Chapel Lane Arabians
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pinkvboots
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3290 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 09:25:43 AM
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I agree with everyone too, a few years back I used to have a sharer for my other horse she was 14, and she was a bit nervous of my mare at times as she could be strong in canter, so I borrowed my friends Arab for her to ride and she then ended up sharing him instead. They got on fine although he was his teens, and I think that made allot of difference as he could be a handful in his younger years.
I also rode Arabs from a young age, I think as long as the child is confident it shouldn't be a problem. Good luck. |
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Kazzy
Platinum Member
England
3335 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 11:21:45 AM
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My two nephews with my Mum. Nephew number one on Kazzy aged 2 years old and nephew number two aged around 11 years.
I cant see no reason why you cant buy an Arab for a child but like people have said I wouldnt get a young one not because they are dangerous but I think because they can be quite highly sprung the younger they are.
Were i used to keep him I got all that *you cant put a child on an Arab thing* and these were from a woman who had a childs pony that everytime they went out the daughter came back in tears after being dumped!!! I rest my case
Janet
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Sunny Cheshire |
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Crusaders Angel
Gold Member
England
531 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 11:36:37 AM
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My friend's daughter who was only just off leadrein at the time took Angel to our local riding club lessons as her "perfect child's pony" was just too excitable
In the first lesson Angel taught her how to canter and by the end of the third they were doing flying changes.
She really looked after Ashley, at one point they cantered across the diagonal and Ashley forgot to tell her which way to turn so Angel took the decision to go left which made Ashley drop over her right shoulder so Angel quickly ducked and bounced herself under Ashley to catch her
Mind you, we did have to pull Ash off on the way home as Angel was just too full of her own importance and Ash was in danger of being bounced over the hedge 
Lucy
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birdof1977
Silver Member
308 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 11:37:50 AM
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Thanks everybody for your positive responses. I Think you're right about arabs knowing that they have a child on board and to look after them. Although, like I said, she does ride my lad, and he is a bit jumpy, etc, he is most definately better behaved with her aboard. He is also really gentle with the children, loves a good fuss from them :)
They are probably one of the more intelligent breeds of horse. I also agree about the welshies having a mind of their own. Most of them are not good first pony material. That was one of the main reasons for thinking of an arab for her. I also find, that they are never that strong with you, either ridden or on the ground, so perhaps easier for a child to control than a stubborn little pony. LOL :)
This is My daughter and Zar together.
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kimzi
Gold Member
865 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 11:56:50 AM
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| I have to say though i love my horses tremendously i will not let either of my daughters ride (i don't mean being plopped on top and taken for a lead round) on any of them, at 10 & 12 and relativeley competent they are far from being sensitive and forward thinking riders. We had a section A angel as a first pony but after a year they were becoming bored so she eventually moved onto another first pony home, she came from a riding school which was also a professional showing yard near stowmarket and the 2 sisters there were very careful to match the girls with the right pony. The second pony who was heinz 57 and excellent at everything was simply outgrown and was bought from an instructor. Now they ride once a week at the local riding school and are quite happy for the moment. When we eventually get another it will no doubt be another heinz 57. Just another thought, i know that you are not too far from us, why don't you take your daugter down to tina leighton at contessa arabian and riding centre and ask for her to be assessed with this in mind,in her mind i was'nt ready to ride one of her purebreds until i was 15 and i think she was right i was far too gung ho. |
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birdof1977
Silver Member
308 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 12:05:29 PM
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That might not be a bad idea Kimzi, Is she in Herts?? Or am I thinking of someone else?
I get your point about the forward thinking thing. Something I hadn't condidered.
Well If Contessa's isn't too far, I may take her over during the summer holidays and see how she gets on.
Thanks for the advice :) |
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Roseanne
Moderator
United Kingdom
6708 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 12:26:20 PM
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My first reaction was 'no' and I guess that's because I wouldn't want any children tugging on my horses' mouths or galloping on every blade of grass...
But it's actually all dependent on the way the child is/has been taught and the Arab. My first mare as a 'returning' rider after my kids went to school, was Ahmouna who was the safest horse to ride and taught many novices including a young girl called Chloe who was a complete beginner in this photo. (Yes she should have had shoes with heels but had just 'got on' for an imprompu ride in the school) Ahmouna was completely reliable, in the school and out hacking.
So if it's your own child and you have a safe Arab and the two are supervised until you know the child is capable of taking sole responsibility then I don't think an Arab is worse than any other horse. Quite the opposite in some cases; my first pony, a Welsh, was a very naughty mare and knew just how to get riders off if she wanted to do something different.
I've seen children on badly-behaved horses at shows that frankly I haven't understood why their parents have taken the risk!
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Roseanne |
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loulou
Silver Member
England
464 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 12:40:54 PM
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I have to say if you get the right one your daughter will have a friend for life and be the envy of all her friends
I brought my daughter her first pony at 9 years old, he was a veteran but forward going and certainly not a plod being a show hunter 13 hh pony - she learnt everything on him and then progressed on to Ben when she was 13 years old. He had not been ridden for two years and had just been gelded when we brought him home and within a week was riding him like she had all her life. He is the most safest loyal horse for her and certainly looks after her out and about. Their partnership is a joy to watch.
And this winter she has backed our 4 year old Shanikwa all by herself all at the age of just 15 years old
Traceyx |
    
Essex |
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Callisto
Platinum Member
6905 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 3:52:51 PM
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Just a note on the idea of children automatically tugging on horses mouths and galloping on every blade of grass (as Roseanne posted), our main problem is getting my two nieces to maintain a contact, and my step daughter (now 29) was the same, as they are afraid of hurting their mouths, and quite often the eldest requests not to canter as she can be a bit nervous...however she loves riding my mother's 19 year old arab, and this year she is starting her first full year of endurance with him - the confidence that he has given her has not just been as far as riding is concerned, but he has helped a very shy girl come out of herself.
I do know what you mean Roseanne, and I have seen some horrendous riding by both children and adults for that matter, but surely this is wrong and should be stamped on whether the transgressor is on an arab or any other unfortunate mount? |
Zahkira (GR Amaretto x Taffetta)
Linda
East Sussex |
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Roseanne
Moderator
United Kingdom
6708 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 4:05:19 PM
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Children even in riding schools aren't taught proper riding Linda. If you go to riding schools near us, the ponies are mechanical and the kids do have to kick, kick, and pull hard on the reins when they want to stop.
It's a shame they can't be taught that keeping a contact isn't pulling, it's just maintaining a weight in the rein (the weight of an apple or two?) - but the pony has to be trained to it and that's why it all goes wrong. (It's also why pony showing ponies are schooled to automatons by women!)
I think it's great that your daughters are considerate of the horses they ride Linda; I'd suggest Peggoty Henriques' book on dressage for children as it explains what they need to know in great terms for kids.
I'm someone who loves flatwork as well as hacking and the rest and I can't understand how so many of my neighbours are content to do nothing with their horses but hack round the same few rides. |
Roseanne |
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nikki
Platinum Member
Wales
4384 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 4:26:25 PM
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all depends on the child and the horse, i had a mum who i know, her daughter who was 9 and the mothers neice who was 14 come up last summer and i let them have a go on some of my arabs.
The mum wanted one of my girls that i had recently started to very lightly back, i did let them have a little go on her, i lead them round, and maybe i wouldn't if it had been one of my others but hayshah has the most fantastic temprement, and i knew it wouldn't be a problem. Hayshah has a nice light mouth so far and i wouldn't want some heavy handed kid to ruin that.
When eventually my other riden horse was back in work i tested them out on him, and they were far too heavy handed for him, the 15 yr old was better but the 9yr old just wanted to canter him, and couldn't get him to go, poor lad was getting so confused and the girl i could see was starting to get fustrated as she was so used to riding school ponies and my boy will only go on a light and gentle contact, just how like em!
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pagey |
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Callisto
Platinum Member
6905 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 4:27:38 PM
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| Thanks for the book suggestion Roseanne, I will look out for it. |
Zahkira (GR Amaretto x Taffetta)
Linda
East Sussex |
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munchie
Silver Member
284 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 4:52:23 PM
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What about a smaller part bred? Wasn't there a 13h 2 advertised here recently? A small adult could still school it and if she decides to compete she won't be against 16 year olds therefore may have more chance of winning and the resulting confidence boost  |
Edited by - munchie on 26 Feb 2010 4:53:04 PM |
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MinHe
Platinum Member
England
2927 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 7:01:27 PM
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Wouldn't hesistate. All mine are wonderful with kids and novices.
Keren |
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Roseanne
Moderator
United Kingdom
6708 Posts |
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susan p
Gold Member
Scotland
915 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2010 : 7:37:07 PM
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Definately,,,what else?
Riding lesson with Happy age four
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www.blackislearabians.com
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the ways its animals are treated
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Edited by - susan p on 26 Feb 2010 8:02:36 PM |
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Would you buy an arab for a child??
