AT WHAT AGE SHOULD A CHILD BEGIN TO 



RIDE HORSEBACK? 



By A MEMBER 



THIS question often asked, is one that is not easily 

 answered, inasmuch as it depends largely upon the 

 physical condition of the child. A normal, well- 

 developed child who has courage can be started at six with 

 impunity. A child of six who is not well-developed, with 

 a tendency to be nervous or diffident should be dis- 

 couraged, for the excitement incidental to riding is detri- 

 mental, and nervousness is frequently communicated to 

 the mount, causing bad manners often with disastrous 

 results. 



For the beginner it is most essential that proper appoint- 

 ments as a proper mount be secured. A saddle to fit, 

 the English Pigskin Park Type saddle that is so generally 

 used both in this country and England, is deemed prefer- 

 able. The reins not too large for the hands to manage, 

 the first stirrups should be the box or closed type with 

 safety releases which prevents the rider from being 

 dragged if thrown, supplanted later by the open steel 

 stirrup when a good seat has been established. The Fitz 

 William or Double English girth afford maximum safety. 

 For precautionary measures a small, round, leather hand 

 loop should be placed just in front of the pummel of the 

 saddle, so in the event of the horse or pony being suddenly 

 frightened a beginner can grasp, which often prevents 

 bad falls. A light whip or crop is essential; the use of 

 spurs should not be allowed. 



Quite as essential as the time when a child should 

 begin to ride is the selection of the proper mount, and 

 often times a parent or instructor will select a small 

 pony instead of one that is larger which can be used 

 by the same rider for a number of years before it is 

 outgrown, and then be handed down and enjoyed by a 

 younger member of the family. 



Tlie satisfactory size pony for the average beginner is 

 one ranging in height from eleven to thirteen hands. 

 An animal with a good body, short in back with sub- 

 stance, intelligent, having good manners, one who is not 

 given to stumbling and preferably a pony that is broke 

 to both ride and drive, for during winter months asking 

 one to ride often imposes hardships where the same 

 child can be supplied with a sleigh and not only enjoy, 

 but afford pleasure to others, by partaking of a winter's 

 day drive. 



After the mount has been secured, before introducing 

 tlie beginner to the saddle, let him, with the leading-out 

 bridle, walk the pony about so as to form an acquaintance 

 before the saddle is placed and the first ride taken. 



On the day of the first lesson it is well to take only 

 a short ride and a generous part of it should be taken 

 a walk or slow pace, after which the beginner should 

 be given a warm bath and a rub with either arnica or 

 alcohol to prevent lameness. 



After a few lessons, the pupil becoming familiar with 

 the saddle and acquainted with the different gaits, the 

 rides can be made longer without fear of fatigue or over- 

 exercise. The park gaits should be observed and racing 

 or running should not be attempted. 



Children who start in horses frequently become imi- 

 tators and what they see adults do, attempt. For this 

 reason instructors who are careful about their form in 

 riding, pace, etc., convey, intuitively, the same practice 

 to the pupil. Few things are more refreshing than 3 

 horseback ride on a bright day and the bridle paths 

 forest preserves, etc., that surround Chicago lend induce- 

 ment to beginners that few cities can afford. With the 

 stock farms that are near Chicago it is not a hard matter 

 to secure a mount suitable for park riding. This form of 

 exercise cannot be too heartily endorsed. 



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