While many parents are wary of horses for the danger they can represent, others will quickly put their little one on the back of a pony! It is normal to fear these animals when you are not "initiated", however, most of them are very nice with children.
What our brats give back to them, and they quickly develop a touching bond. Finally, this sport is not without beneficial contributions for the mind and the stimulation of your little one.
For mother riders, it is often difficult to wait before putting baby on a pony! But the toddler must first learn gently and integrate the rules of caution in front of the animal. From then on, he will be able to start the baby pony, generally offered by clubs from the age of 4. The child learns mainly by mimicry and memorization, and gradually develops his coordination.
Thus the baby pony, or the initiation (later, between 6 and 10 years old) has many advantages:once acquired the basic reflexes, the child works on the precision of his gesture, his sense of balance (known as "plate" in the jargon) and learns to act while being fair with his mount. In addition, taking care of the pony is an activity that strengthens the bond with the animal and teaches respect to the child.
Brushing, feeding, rewarding the pony are gestures that empower little riders. Horse riding thus develops autonomy, willpower and learns to manage their emotions:disappointment, fear, impatience, failure... When older, the child will for example have to agree to get back in the saddle after a fall and not to to "revenge" on his pony.
In practice, riding reinforces lateralization (left-right), concentration (listening to instructions, using cues) and perseverance, which are essential for being obeyed. Notions that may be useful to him in other settings and/or sports. However, these experiences must remain a pleasure for your pitchoun:there is no question of forcing him, only of reassuring him during moments of discouragement.
The quality of teaching and learning through play are essential aspects in the choice of establishment. The setting must be reassuring and familiar for the child, the qualified instructors and if possible assisted by a team who can take the time to take care of the little ones individually. There's nothing worse than being left alone when you can't find the gear, or having no one to tell you're scared of the pony you've been assigned!
At the beginning, it is advisable to stay with your child during the preparation of the frame. The supervisors will let you know in due time if your presence is no longer necessary:pedagogy is also their job. Find the pony club closest to you on the official website of the French Equestrian Federation (FFE).
