How to Help Kids Ride Behind the Saddle

If you have kids and horses, chances are those youngsters are anxious to take their first ride. But it is important to prepare carefully. Many young children, especially those with limited experience working around horses, may not be ready to ride on their own. One of the best ways for horse owners to let their kids enjoy the thrill of riding while limiting the risk is to have those children ride behind them in the saddle.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle
  • Sand bag
  • Belt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get your horse used to the feeling of having another person behind the saddle. Some horses will instinctively buck when they feel weight behind the saddle, and you want to make sure you know how your horse will react before you attempt to have your child ride behind you. To get your horse used to the sensation have a friend place a sandbag behind the saddle while you sit on your horse, and watch your horse for signs of reaction. If you feel your horse hump up his back, you will need to work with him to desensitize him. You can also test for a reaction by sliding back in the saddle until you are sitting behind the seat. When doing this make sure someone is available to hold your horse until you are able to gauge his reaction.

    • 2

      Pay attention to the kind of saddle you are using. Some saddles are more suitable for double riders than others, so look for a big saddle with a big area behind the seat. Roping saddles can be a particularly good choice, but if a roping saddle is not available, a large, general-purpose Western saddle can be a good substitute. It is possible to have a child ride behind in an English saddle, but it is a bit more difficult because there are fewer things for the child to grip.

    • 3

      Have a friend hold your horse while another firend helps your child up on to the horse's back. Make sure your child is sitting securely behind the saddle, and ask the child to hold on to your sides as you move. Wearing a belt is a good idea because it can give the child a place to grip. Your child can also hold on to the back of the saddle as he or she learns to balance.