5.04.2016

Tips Before Starting Horse Riding Lessons Okotoks

By Paul Fisher


Children that have grown around horses or visit stables regularly will often express an interest in riding. Parents sometimes are at odds at what to do when a child wants ride especially at a young age. The questions most ask is when is the appropriate time to introduce the young child to horse riding lessons okotoks?

Things to consider before taking a child to a riding school include age and maturity level. Though most experts consider age seven to be appropriate to start lessons, it is the parents who best know the child. Some children are very active with low concentration level and therefore sitting on them for five minutes is not possible. The child should be able to handle such a large animal as the horse.

It is also important to consider the physical stature of the child, for practicality reasons. Some children even at age seven are relatively short and it would be therefore difficult for them to mount and dismount from the horse or sit comfortably on the saddle.

Safety while riding is of paramount importance and nothing should be ignored. Some of these safety gears to be considered includes boots, hat, trouser and top. There are boots made especially for this very exercise. It is unwise however, to purchase them just for one lesson and then store them somewhere if the child looses interest in the sport. Its better to use trainers for a few lessons, which is okay although not ideal.

One thing that can save a child during a fall is a protective hat. Most schools do not allow any rider on a horse without a hat. It is recommended for one to buy their own hat and check that it fits properly and comfortably.

Where a rider is not able to buy a hat, the schools have hats ready for hire. Its necessary to check that the hat has never been involved in a collision or accident as it may have faults and therefore not protect you properly. Exchanging it for another one is wiser than regretting later when an accident happens.

A rider should be comfortably dressed in a well fitting trouser, its essential to choose something that is light weight and will not tear or chaff easily; jeans are stiff and heavy. This is a physical exercise that makes one sweat and therefore jeans will only make the rider uncomfortable when wet. Children riders should be dressed in a comfortable top that will allow their hands to move freely. Shorts are not advisable due to chaffing of legs

Rules and regulations are therefore there to ensure safety of the rider. Its very easy to have a fatal fall from a horse that can leave one disabled for life. For beginners especially, it is very important that they strictly follow these requirements. When one becomes an advanced rider then regulations on dressing are a bit relaxed but still safe. Trainers and schools are also covered by these rules in cases of accidents leading to lawsuits. When all the necessary conditions and requirements have been achieved then the parents can enlist their children in that first riding lesson.




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