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| Hey Everyone!
New here, my first post. Some might think I’m getting my cart in front of my horse, so to say, but I want to get my kids involved and learn as much as we can about horses & sports while they’re young. My daughter just turned 3, and she has loved horses since she could talk. We got her into some riding lessons this summer- so she was only 2.5. She has ridden full size horses, but did most of her training on ponies. She understands the basics of grooming, appropriate behavior around horses (as much as a 3 year old can understand), helping with dressing, and basic riding technique. Our trainer was awesome and so very patient with her. We live in Wisconsin and unfortunately our trainer does not have an indoor riding arena, so we haven’t been able to ride much this winter. I have found another trainer close by that has an indoor arena and we will be resuming lessons after Christmas.
So now to start my questions! I am REALLY interested in getting her involved in rodeo & fairs. What age does this typically start? So far I’ve found Little Britches Rodeo, but I see they don’t allow kids until 5. What would everyone recommend for a beginner as far as what to start with? We’ve been to rodeos to watch , she LOVES barrel racing. I realize she is super young, but you have to start somewhere, right? Next question, we do not own a horse or pony. I want her to understand (and be able to help) with all the hard work & attention a horse requires. Is there such a thing as doing rodeo & fairs with a leased horse/pony? ………..Horse OR Pony? To start? I’m thinking Pony…….which I know can be hard to find that are sound & good with kids.
I also have a 1 year old son, so I know it will be a ways out for him too. But I am thinking this might be a fun family event for us all. We eventually would like to have a small farm & our own horses, but we are just getting a glimpse of what could be for our family.
Any and all tips/advice is welcome. I also want to mention that this is strictly for fun for our kids. I won’t ever push them to do something they don’t want to do, my daughter has shown such tremendous interest in it and I want to be able to help her pursue her passion.
Edited by BrooksSummit 2018-01-08 2:53 PM
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| 
Here she is with her pony, Cocoa this past summer |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 599
| I personally would have my kids take English riding lessons until they’re 5 (if that’s the age for Little Britches).
We live on a farm and I have my two horses here at home. Neither are beginner friendly. My 10 year old has been expressing more interest in riding, but I’m going to make him commit to one year of English lessons before we start talking about shows.
I’ve done leadline with him at some of my shows, and he knows how to ride by himself, but I want to make sure he has a very solid foundation!
I may be very wrong, but I don’t see how a child under 5 could have a very solid foundation, unless they’re riding multiple times a week with a great trainer/parent..... |
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| Right, I certainly didn't mean I wanted her to start with any sports yet.....I know she needs lots and lots of practice. And was more or less asking what types of things she should start with for her age, and what to work up to realistically.
The trainer we are going to next specializes in English riding. |
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 Ms Bling Bling Sleeze Kitty
Posts: 20917
 
Location: LouLouVille, OK | OH MY WORD! She is precious! and yes! everyone has to start somewhere... She is at a great age to learn so much.... Finding a GOOD trainer and a GOOD quiet pony or horse to learn on is key. Gaining confidence is a HUGE deal. Way to be a mom too by the way! I think it's wonderful you are encouraging and helping her pursue her interests... I have to say, I bet she never looses it :D horses are so addicting!
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| cindyt - 2017-12-15 2:12 PM
OH MY WORD! She is precious! and yes! everyone has to start somewhere... She is at a great age to learn so much.... Finding a GOOD trainer and a GOOD quiet pony or horse to learn on is key. Gaining confidence is a HUGE deal. Way to be a mom too by the way! I think it's wonderful you are encouraging and helping her pursue her interests... I have to say, I bet she never looses it :D horses are so addicting!
Thank you SO much.
Our trainer kind of said the same thing, starting them young is great, because they don't typically have that fear in them. You can teach them without fear, and show them the correct way to do things. She is a spitfire, and so brave. I think this is her calling- it really fits her personality.
Your words are encouraging. I had this same passion as her when I was a kid, but my parents didn't ever pursue it. I want to be able to give that to her. |
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Posts: 121
Location: US | I would find a Playday or Shodeo Association. They are usually not as competitive and usually has a beginner or leadline class. I am president of our local club and love to see the little ones start. They get confidence and then go on to junior rodeos and such. We had them as young as 2 yr old last year and they did Stakes, Barrels and 2 barrel flag and Poles. Everyone got awards at the end of the year. Maybe your trainer can help you find one and you can use their horse. Good luck |
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| nkester - 2017-12-15 3:14 PM
I would find a Playday or Shodeo Association. They are usually not as competitive and usually has a beginner or leadline class. I am president of our local club and love to see the little ones start. They get confidence and then go on to junior rodeos and such. We had them as young as 2 yr old last year and they did Stakes, Barrels and 2 barrel flag and Poles. Everyone got awards at the end of the year. Maybe your trainer can help you find one and you can use their horse. Good luck
Awesome! Thank you.
I think it is neat to see the littles get involved too. Thats where it all starts! <3 |
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 Expert
Posts: 2097
Location: Deep South | I think she is the perfect age to get started. :)
I just googled and found this group. I'm sure there are probably more or better ones to join. But looks like they have posted several events that include classes for ages 8& under. Check for any barrel racing events that include a lead line class or peewee class. Those are great to get her started in. https://www.facebook.com/Barrel-Races-in-Wisconsin-999225273493992/ |
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| BamaCanChaser - 2017-12-15 4:15 PM
I think she is the perfect age to get started. : )
I just googled and found this group. I'm sure there are probably more or better ones to join. But looks like they have posted several events that include classes for ages 8& under. Check for any barrel racing events that include a lead line class or peewee class. Those are great to get her started in. https://www.facebook.com/Barrel-Races-in-Wisconsin-999225273493992/[...
Thanks so much!! Appreciate the encouragement and kind words! |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas |
Precious picture! I think you are GREAT for looking at something for y'all to do together and starting at young ages----I wonder sometimes how my life would be different if I'd been able to run with my love of horses at an early age. . . But I digress!!! You'll get lots of great advice on here, and also just want to say welcome  |
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 Elite Veteran
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Location: Loco,Ok | The first horse our son.had was 28 year old calf horse. She had a bit of arthritis and didn't move very fast. He rode trotted around the barrels. She took care of him. All you want is safety as much as possible. |
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Extreme Veteran
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Location: Ohio girl moved to PA | I LOVE seeing the little ones out there gettin it done! they are the future of our sport!! I agree with the others that said get her in english lessons. I wish my parents would have when i was that little but they arent horse people so i had to do everything on my own and with the help of friends when i wanted to ride before i could buy my own lol I know around here our county 4H doesnt allow them to join utill they are 8, but we do have open jackpots that have peewee and leadline classes that are open to all. You absolutly can lease!!! i would suggest leasing before buying just incase she does lose interest, then youre not stuck with a horse/pony. Leasing will give her all the same benefits as if it were her own. Your trainer should be able to help you find a good fit for her, or she might even have one on hand that you could lease. It never hurts to ask! GOOD LUCK!!! |
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| Ohiobarrelracer - 2017-12-18 7:53 AM
I LOVE seeing the little ones out there gettin it done! they are the future of our sport!! I agree with the others that said get her in english lessons. I wish my parents would have when i was that little but they arent horse people so i had to do everything on my own and with the help of friends when i wanted to ride before i could buy my own lol I know around here our county 4H doesnt allow them to join utill they are 8, but we do have open jackpots that have peewee and leadline classes that are open to all. You absolutly can lease!!! i would suggest leasing before buying just incase she does lose interest, then youre not stuck with a horse/pony. Leasing will give her all the same benefits as if it were her own. Your trainer should be able to help you find a good fit for her, or she might even have one on hand that you could lease. It never hurts to ask! GOOD LUCK!!!
awww thanks!
Well that sounds great. I appreciate everyone's kind words. She has her next lesson scheduled for December 30th, and we will be doing English riding lessons. I'll update again soon! |
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Member
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| I don't remember learning how to ride, and I personally think its never too young to start riding. I also agree with the English riding lessons. I see so many barrel racers that just don't have good riding basics, and were not given a good foundation. Two pieces of advice: First of all - SAFETY FIRST. Make sure her horses fit her, and will take care of her. Speed will come later. Second - don't push her if she's not competitive. It's about enjoying the ride, not how much you win. My daughter is not competitive AT ALL, but she likes to go with me to run barrels and she likes to exhibition, and that's what matters to me.
GOOD LUCK, and she is a cutie! |
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Veteran
Posts: 276
| Good for you all! I would second finding a saddle club or playday group to get started. Even some small barrel races have a peewee class you can lead her through. I think getting out there and meeting people in the sport who live near you, will help you tremendously. Don't be afraid to ask for help. There are a lot of great barrel racers out there who would love to lend you some advice if you ask them. Sometimes they just don't want to speak up unless asked, but they would love to help! |
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  Sock eating dog owner
Posts: 4557
Location: Where the pavement ends and the West begins Utah | Saddle club in the local area. Most are family oriented.pick and choose any advice you recieve from local. Not all will fit your needs and wants so have an open mind. Lead a horse from the left unless you happen to be left handed then from the right side. Mount from the left side ,easier to swing the right leg over.but it is sweet if you can mount a horse from both sides as well as dismount from both sides.So what ever you teach from the left side of a horse must also be taught on the right side of the horse. Always reward good behavior and always end on a good note. Some of this might be a bit more advanced than your ready for but do keep it in mind. So good luck and God speed. |
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| Well our riding lesson was pushed back a week because of really cold weather here. But it warmed up enough that we were able to get her on again yesterday. Oh my gosh this girl was in love (and me too!) She did not want to leave. First thing she asked Cody was "Do you want to go fast Cody?" 
Cody was a 27 year old gentleman, such a sweetheart & gentle giant!! Here's a few pictures of her.
Yes I know her stirrups are way too long, but this was all she had available, she has a new set coming in for her. Cody and Brooks worked on whoa, "walk on Cody", and a little bit of steering. Can't wait to bring her back ! Thanks everyone for the encouragement.
Edited by BrooksSummit 2018-01-08 2:56 PM
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 Namesless in BHW
Posts: 10368
Location: At the race track with Ah Dee Ohs | How adorable! |
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| I started at the local playdays/riding clubs. I rode my parents bomb proof horse, and then got a pony of my own (I wish I had stuck to the big horse...my pony had her moments lol). I would suggest going to watch at the local club and get to know people. You may be able to find a suitable horse that some other child is about to outgrow. Take her to a few lessons. After the riding club you'll be able to move up into little britches or other youth rodeos/jackpots. Did you say where you are from? Someone here may could point you in the direction of places near you. WELCOME! |
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| Thank you!
We are from NW Wisconsin. Really small/rural area.
So far I am really liking this set up for training. She's got quite a few horses and ponies to choose from, she is used to working with kids, involved in 4H and she also does therapy riding. |
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| I would check out WSCA.org I am in MN and a lot of WI folks are involved in clubs especially on the western side of the state. They have peewee classes 10&Under and some local shows have Tiny Tot (leadline). It is inexpensive and where I met the majority of my lifelong friends. I started in WSCA and I still show it today. I just have ventured into college rodeo, barrel races like NBHA/UBRA/etc and some novice rodeos but WSCA still has my heart. There is a big year end show in September that is a big deal but very competitive. I think there were like 800 horses this past year. |
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 Expert
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Location: The best kept secret in TX | Juat wanted to drop in to say hello.
I also wanted to commend you for seeking professional help with your young children and horses. Many parents skip the lessons, buy a green horse for a green rider and have disaters on their hands. So I just wanted to commend you for seeking advice!
HUGS! She is precious!!!! |
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| IRunOnFaith - 2018-01-08 4:44 PM
Juat wanted to drop in to say hello.
I also wanted to commend you for seeking professional help with your young children and horses. Many parents skip the lessons, buy a green horse for a green rider and have disaters on their hands. So I just wanted to commend you for seeking advice!
HUGS! She is precious!!!!
Thank you !
I am big on doing your research & making sure everything is a good fit before a commitment like this. We have 3 dogs (I know, totally different, yet the same) I will raise my kids to know the value of a pet, but also that it is a lifelong commitment. You don't just give up on a pet, they are your family. Once that decision is made, they are yours to work with and build a relationship. She needs to have the essentials down and understanding of what owning a horse takes before that is even an option for us. I have to cringe, because I posted a bit about this on my facebook page, and an acquaintance of mine took interest in it literally FOR her daughter. Never had her on a horse before and went and bought her 2 ponies for her birthday. Those poor ponies are already looking for a new home. The interest, passion & DEDICATION has to be there first. |
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | BrooksSummit - 2018-01-09 8:34 AM
IRunOnFaith - 2018-01-08 4:44 PM
Juat wanted to drop in to say hello.
I also wanted to commend you for seeking professional help with your young children and horses. Many parents skip the lessons, buy a green horse for a green rider and have disaters on their hands. So I just wanted to commend you for seeking advice!
HUGS! She is precious!!!!
Thank you !
I am big on doing your research & making sure everything is a good fit before a commitment like this. We have 3 dogs (I know, totally different, yet the same ) I will raise my kids to know the value of a pet, but also that it is a lifelong commitment. You don't just give up on a pet, they are your family. Once that decision is made, they are yours to work with and build a relationship. She needs to have the essentials down and understanding of what owning a horse takes before that is even an option for us. I have to cringe, because I posted a bit about this on my facebook page, and an acquaintance of mine took interest in it literally FOR her daughter. Never had her on a horse before and went and bought her 2 ponies for her birthday. Those poor ponies are already looking for a new home. The interest, passion & DEDICATION has to be there first.
Oh if only all kids had a parent like you to instill these pearls of wisdom into. Not only would the kids be better off but so would the animals. She is adorable--and every little girl should have a "Cody" to love on  |
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**UPDATE**Newbie! Seeking advice & tips