I personally think the choice to include your children is up to you. only you know your horses, your abilities as a rider, your terrain....I take it someone has suggested there is a problem?

My concern is when parents allow kids too much unsupervised activity with horses. I have seen very small kids, leading and riding horses in such a manner I feel they are asking for trouble. I was watching as a 4 yr old riding, a large horse in a crowded arena at a show, got dumped when the kid lost control and rammed into other horses.

 if you keep the safety and welfare of your family in mind and not take silly risks, then you have done your job as a parent. You cannot control every situation in life.....

To be honest it makes me nervous when I see small children up on horses. There is no such thing as a perfect bomb proof horse.  One big horse fly sting in the right place and the rear ends come up on any horse.  I have responded to too many bad accidents involving kids and horses, even with helmuts on.  You have to understand if a child falls from a 15 hand horse it is the equivelant to an adult falling from 10 feet up.   Of course, the parents meaning well always seem to move the child before we can get there and if they have a broken back or neck, that can mean paralyzing your child.  Anytime a child falls more than 5 ft you should never move them! 

I have learned that there is no such thing as a truly safe horse.  They are all animals, with a mind of their own and they are flight animals. 

As others have said, only you know your horse partner and your riding skills.  You have to also remember it is your childs life in your hands and riding capability.  I will not allow anyone to ride double on any of my horses, not because they are not well trained, but because any horse is unpredictible and I will not put someone at risk for mine or their enjoyment.  I guess working in the medical field in a rural community you see many things regular folks don't.   It is not as rare of an occurance as you would think.

If you wish to do this, make sure you have a cell phone with you when you ride, put a protective vest on your child, as well as a helmet that fits properly. Also, be sure your child has a boots on and pants.  I have seen what wearing tennis shoes and shorts can do to a child involved in a riding accident.  It is not pretty at all. 

Whatever you choose to do is up to you. I don't mean to scare you, but sometimes seeing things from another perspective helps.   Obviously you have some second thoughts on it or else you would not have asked the group for their feelings on the subject.  Only you can determine what is worth risk and what isn't.

My son rode in front of me when he was 5 months old, and we hit trails when he was about 10-12 months.  I'm a seasoned rider, and my gelding was also very steady.  But like someone else said, they're still animals, and stuff can happen, just have to weigh your options and do what you know best.  My son started riding in a buddy seat (behind me) when he was about 2.  He'd call out "faster, faster" and of course, my old nag just plodded along.  My son even kicked my horse  (in the flank of course), and we still just walked along. 

When he was 6 we finally got him a good trail horse, life was much easier after that! 

Sounds like you've got a good idea of yourself and horses too.  It's the people that can't ride to begin with, and have goofy horses that worry me!

Happy trails!

My personal feeling is that this thread was started to stir-up drama on the board.

As the owner of some once in a lifetime horses that I would 100% trust my life with I'd have said my kids could have ridden with me, but as the mother of a three month old I'd have to now say 100% no way.  I will let him start riding lessons at 6 if he wishes.

It is the responsibility of the parent to protect their child from harm the best way they can.  Animals are unpredictable and very small children can't move fast enough or be vigilant and watch for dangerous situations.  Remember it's not always "your" horse that causes the problems.  My husband worked the ER just long enough for me to get over the "it'll never happen to my child" mindset.

Please have helmets on your children at all times while riding.  Also, the above point about shaken baby syndrome is worth thinking about for infants. 

We started our child with riding lessons at 2 years and kept it up until she was about 4.  Some weeks it only amounted to brushing the pony and being led around the arena for 15 minutes, but it was well worth the investment.  She loves horses and riding!

"We did not start kids riding until they KNEW left from right..."

I'm still working on that one some days.

I used to work at a riding stable and we recommended not starting kids until age 6 as a general rule.  We did have a few that started earlier.  I had one at 3 that kept it up until 7 when she moved away.  She was mainly on a "pony ride" for the first 2 years, but she really enjoyed it, and always looked forward to her lessons.  On the flip side, I had parents that brought their 4 and 5 year old-basically wanting to force them into lessons-these kids SCREAMED and cried and wouldn't get near a horse.  Basically this is your decision and your responsibility, so if you are prepared to live with the consequences in the rare event that something did go wrong, then go ahead.  i would be sure to check that your insurance policies cover your baby in the event of an accident.  If not and something happens you could find yourself in financial ruin.  Overall-if your kids enjoy it and you are taking reasonable precautions against harm(helmets, boots, etc)-go for it.  We can't live as though we are afraid of getting hurt-those are the people that never have any joy in their lives! 

To learn, one has to be able to accept a critique. If your mind is already made up, you will learn nothing. There is a great deal of valuable experience in the previous threads, given by those with the best of intentions. Most of us have seen the results of horse related injuries, and would never wish them upon our or any child.

What's more important? The health of your child or the extent of your ego?

It all depends on the child. I was competing at 6. By the time I was 10, I was exercising 5 to 6 horses a day in the summers. But I was raised much like cowpony01's son and grew up with it. My younger brother wasn't on a horse more than a handful of times by the time he was 10. He just never took to it. Even the most gentle horses will occasionally do something to spook.  I have been knocked down, stepped on, bucked off, and drug through the dirt by horses, and have never broken a bone from a horse. Broke an arm on a swingset though when I was a kid. And fell on the ice a couple of years ago and had to have my shoulder operated on. Anything can happen at anytime. If we lived worried about what might happen, we'd never get out of bed in the morning.

Marla there is a difference between the risk a child chooses, but an infant can't choose not to get up 5-6ft up in the air.

Also cars can be controlled by humans and do not have free will, horses can.  It is apples and oranges.

Yes there are risks in life, but why push the envelope unnecessarily for your own pleasure and ego?  A thousand pound horse can do far more damage than a car accident can if a child is strapped in a seat properly.  There is more chance of them suffering brain damage riding a horse.  As someone stated, it is comparative to shaken baby syndrome.

It is everyones perogative to do what they will with their children.  But putting a toddler or infant up on a horse to me is taking a risk that is uncalled for.

This has turned into a debate over opinion, like someone else said, we just have to make the choices we think best for our own children.  I raise my son the way I was raised (with a few tweeks) and always pray for his well being. 

Horses have been a part of my life since I was born, I wouldn't raise my child any other way. 

Although, I do respect the thoughts of others that choose NOT to ride their young children, that isn't wrong either. 

To each his own, that's what makes the world go around!

Well said appy4me.

As fars as the chances being greater on a horse...not according to the CDC. From the years of 2001 to 2005, there were 2600 brain injuries from horseback riding ages 5-18. There were 4x as many on playgrounds, 7.5x as many from football, and 9x as many from riding a bike. The number one cause of brain injuries for adolescents 5-18? Motor vehicle accidents.

In my case it is definitely not pleasure and ego...it is a way of life. My parents were raised on horses, I was raised on horses, my kids have been raised on horses, and I hope that my grandkids will have the same privilege. And that is what it is...a privilege.

This is a decision that only you can make as a parent. Listen to what everyone has to say, realize that it is an opinion, and like my dad always said opinions are like ********, everybody has one. Be informed before you make the decision, know the consequences, take all things into consideration, and make the best decision that you can for you and your family.

Yup, just like a few others on here have said, "horses are part of their way of life." Just like ours, we run our own cattle ranch, and our son is in the corrals on foot moving calves, he knows to get up on the panels when the "girls" come in. He brushes and gets on the horses when we sort, he loves it. It's his way of life, kind of similiar to the Crocodile Guy when he took his child into the crocs pen that was so ridiculed over. (I'm sure this example will be a debate now too.)  That is their way of life, second nature. He got rocks litterally thrown at him for that. It comes down to again, part of your life, we are ranchers and I'm sure tons of other parents that run bigger ranches than ours have their kids up on the back of a horse from day one also.....

We who chose our lives see the non riding childrens peoples point of view, but see ours also without ridiculing it........

"As fars as the chances being greater on a horse...not according to the CDC. From the years of 2001 to 2005, there were 2600 brain injuries from horseback riding ages 5-18. There were 4x as many on playgrounds, 7.5x as many from football, and 9x as many from riding a bike. The number one cause of brain injuries for adolescents 5-18? Motor vehicle accidents."

Can't really use this as a comparison, though.  Only about 10% of kids will be on a horse between the ages of 5 and 18 whereas 100% will be in/around motor vehicles.  I think the point being made is that the risk is higher per individual exposure (ie ride) in horses as opposed to anything else. 

Statistics can tell you exactly what you want to see...but to truly use them you must level the playing field and notfromtexas is exactly right!

If you really want to "low-down" on risk call your local insurance agent...they have real numbers on just this type of thing.

I am done with this subject.  I guess the best thing to say is as adults we can choose our risk, children can't.  You want to put your child at risk intentionally go for it.  Lots of heads in the sand going on is my opinion.  5-6ft is a long way to fall for a child.  It is comparible to an adult falling 12ft.   Have a great day all.  My absolute last post on this.  

I wonder how the families done it before auto's, when horses was the only mode of transportation.

Back in those days, the family wagon was how it was handled in most regular families...and the horses were, by and large, more cold blooded, less refined, worked a lot more, respect and obedience were much more matter of fact (hey, both children and stock!), and the horses in many ways did not get fed nearly as well. They did not have the overfed, over-loved, under-worked freshness that many horses have today.  That is not to say children did not ride, but what they rode, and when they rode, was much different on many levels.  I had parents who were raised in this era, and relatives who did not have electricity or running water til the 70's, living in a remote area of Missouri. 

 I looked back and realized my post was not clear, it only dealt with the fact that if a child falls (and we want to pick em up to comfort them) and is seriously impacted etc, due to the need for C-spine immobilization, moving them is a bad idea.  I apologize, as the post was not about how to care for injured children....

 I rode in a family that horses and their uses were a way of life as well, ...before I was school age I was turned loose alone to ride, minus a helmet or supervision..... on a jenny about 10 hands tall who ignored my bad self and would not "go faster" etc.  I was, of course, less than 3 feet from the grass in the yard, where these mighty adventures took place. 

What I see today is a great many people who truly believe their horse is much better broke than it really is, and the facts are that they are not nearly the rider they think they are.  When you put a baby onto one of these horses with one of these people, it does chill one's heart.  I have been a certified instructor for longer than I care to remember, and it is sad but true that the above scenario is the case more often than not.  The parents of children have the responsibility and the choice of how to handle their children's riding, all we can do is help when we can without being obnoxious and the rest is in God's hands.  I want all children to ride that wish to, and for them to enjoy it and become proficient, and happy.... and live to tell the tales of their childhood....

I apologize for sounding like I was trying to pick a fight, and going back reading my post and reading all the way through again, that's what it sounded like. When you look at all the numbers of horse ownership and number of children involved in horse activities versus total numbers of children and other accidents, they are still less likely to be injured from horses than the many other numerous ways that it can happen.

Am I going to have a 3 month old on a horse? No. Am I going to have a 3 year old on a horse? Under certain circumstances. Depends on the situation, depends on the horse, and depends on the kid. Am I going to turn them loose? Absolutely not.

For those of you that will consider putting a child on a horse....take into account your experience with horses before you do. What comes as a natural reaction for me, and anyone that has handled horses all of their life, will be a hesitated action for someone else less experienced. With my kids, they played in the barn instead of playing in the yard. It is where they wanted to be. As little ones, they knew to respect the size and strength and unpredictability of horses. My children were ready to ride at different ages. I could have said that I wouldn't have put them until they were 6, but then I would have been fooling myself. My son was riding at 5. My daughter didn't want a thing to do with it until she was 9. She wanted to be around the horses, but wanted no part of being on them. Difference in the children. And at whatever age you decide to put your children on horses...be as safe as you can doing it. And remember that no horse is completely bomb proof.

Our daughter is 27, and has been riding for 27 years, and nine months. At the age of three she had her first pony, which was exchanged for successfully larger animals as she aged. Every night we pray that her guardian angel watches over her, and to date we have been blessed.

My wife has been riding for over fifty years, and is a competent equestrian. She had never had a serious injury. A couple of months ago, in preparation for a long awaited CA Sierra Mtn. riding vacation, while riding in our indoor arena, she was thrown from her horse. She hit the wall, and then the ground. For more than a month she was non-ambulatory, it was six weeks before she could sleep in a bed.

Last night she called from her make up tour in CA. It was the first day of her ride, and during the early afternoon, some deer spooked several of the mounts. A young man in his thirties was thrown, and tomorrow he should be traveling home with his broken left elbow.

We can't predict where and when accidents will happen. You can however, be assured that if you spend time around horses, you will be injured. It's not an if, it's a when and the only question is how badly.

If your love for these animals means you're willing to accept these risks, and you will take responsibility for those incapable of making an informed decision, then it's up to a higher power in which your fate is determined.

As has been eloquently stated, you can't hide from life. Life is about doing the things we enjoy. We work hard in a free society, and the fruits of our labours are what drive us. If riding is the goal, enjoy it as much as you can, you deserve it.

Gard

Very nicely put. 

 I was riding before I could walk, my parents didn't force it, they couldn't stop it! 

My 9 year old has asked me for years, "mom, why do you love horses so much?"  To that I reply everytime, "that's just how God made me."  Guess the same is true for many of us, it's just in our mold. 

I respect everyone's opinion, and pray that everyone has safe, and happy trails! (or rails)

I also hope your wife is doing better, you just never know.

I've been riding since the age of 3...I'm 50 now, and last year, just before my 49th birthday, I was thrown and broke my hip.  Had been riding this QH mare for over 6 months, past all kinds of spooks, figured her to be well on her way, and BOOM!  Layin in the road trying for 911 on the cell.

My concern with kids is that they have a good first riding experience, no matter what the age.  Safety is foremost...and the tools for safety have come a long way since my early years (non-existent).  Helmets are a must for kids.  Safety vests are also a must.  A good, experienced and PATIENT instructor with well-broke mounts in controlled (arena) conditions is what my grandkids will experience.

Like much in life, there are no guarantees of complete safety.  I like the risk, still, of riding green horses and those that are headed for the kill truck if somebody doesn't do something to turn them around.  My choice, and I know the risks.  I also do everything I possibly can to gain the safety edge I need.

No thrill in the world, in my book, of being the first to throw a leg over a newly-started 3 year old QH. 

As a kid, where horses are concerned, I had no fear.  I did some really stupid stuff, but I learned.  Usually out of sight of my parents or any other adults. 

Honestly, no, I didn't, as they hadn't been "invented" yet.  Neither had cellphones, carseats or microwaves, but I sure like using them now.  Every parent, thankfully, has the choice.

It's a matter of preference.  I've never ridden a motorcycle without a helmet, and never will. 

To me, it's common sense to use safety equipment if it is available.  Sturdy boots.  Check all the leather and fittings on the saddle and headstall, everytime before mounting.   

I guess I could always just throw them on something and hope for the best, but that is not reasonable or logical.

Do you put your grandkids or kids in a carseat when travelling, or let them run around and jump over seats like I used to do (seatbelts hadn't been invented yet either)?

Case in point:

I have a very well broke 10 year old TWH gelding that I love riding...he's my old standard, and I trust him with riders new to the experience.  He's a good horse and I love him to death.

We were just ambling along on a flat trail with a little bit of mud...nothing we haven't done a million times before.

He stumbled...no fault of his own, no fault of mine...like any of us who've taken a misstep, he stumbled, went down on his knees, started going over to our left, so I bailed as his rear came over on top of my legs.  Had I been carrying a young child in a papoose, front or back, we'd have had a funeral.

It happens in an instant.  Riding is considered by insurance companies to be an "extreme" sport.  Equines are unpredictable and that has to be respected, especially where kids are concerned.

I have to say that I do think a helmet will help a child to not get hurt!!!  Head injuries are very serious and I have seen numerous kids come off and take a lick in the head.  When my first daughter started riding we have a very trustworthy 14.2 hand gelding who was a great follower (too good).  We were riding on day on a trail and my husband's horse really wanted to go that day.  My daughter's horse usually always rode behind that mare.  We put another horse in front of my daughter's gelding so my husband could lope up the trail; Problem was my daughter's horse bypassed his new leader to catch up with the horse he knew to always follow.  She fell off in a turn with no major injuries before I could get to her.  She landed hard enough to crack the foan lining in the helmet, but she had no head injuries or complained of her head hurting.  So yes, my kids WILL wear helmets.  They know this fact and don't argue about it even when they see other kids without them.  They know it's important.  So parents buy helmets and remember to check the inside for any cracks or weak spots after the kid takes a spill.  I'd much rather spend $40 on a new helmet than my child have a head injury.  The $40 you spend with always be less than a visit to the ER. 

My girls take lessons and I have seen many beginning riders come off and hit their head against the wooden railing around the arena.  I have seen how important helmets are and believe that all children should wear one.  The sad thing is that most of the time we trail ride we don't see children wearing them.  They seem to think that it won't happen to them. 

I think it is great for kids to ride horses, and I think they should have supervison and lessons and some kids ride better than others, heck some ride better than me (no scare in them, ahhh to have those days back..lol) but can't hurt them to use a helmet( I really believe in them not only for kids, but beginner adults), if it would save them from head injury. Seen many people knocked out from a bad fall, lots of cracked skulls. Of course I am from old school, grew up not wearing them, but the older I get, and the greener the horse, the more I believe in them. I own one.  

Unfortunately, automobiles are a necessity now, to get to jobs, doctor appointments, to kids schools, ect.... and horses are no longer the mean of transportation. Use to be when I was growing up you didn't have to wear a seat belt, (we didn't even know why they put them in the cars..lol)  but facts prove now that they save lives and keeps people from getting thrown from a car and  well now it is a law.  Your right when you say you are more likely to get hurt in car accident because you use it more. The more your around horses, the more you ride the more chances are you someday going to get hurt. Just a fact. 

I gave all my kids swimming lessons, not to scare them of the water but to ensure that if they ever did someday go to a pool party or river or on a boat and they fell in, they would have the skills and knowledge to be able to get to the side safely. I taught them respect of fire that it can burn them. Not to scare them from making a campfire. Respect the power of the water, fire, and horses and give them the skills in case they need them.  I think you just do the best you can as a parent and do what fits right into your lifestyle. My Momma use to say that everyone has a opinion, and you better have your own or someone will give you one, and you may not like it.

This has been quite a discussion!  There have been such a wide range of opinions expressed, and I learned something from each.  That is the real value of boards such as this one.  If we stop to consider the ideas and opinions expressed by others we will find facets of the subject that we never thought about before.

Marla