How to Teach Children Horsemanship

Horses make wonderful companions for children but it is imperative that children be taught how to manage a horse, and how to keep safe while working around or with one. Here are some tips to help the beginner.

Instructions

    • 1

      Be calm. Teach your children that horses can be very sensitive to sound, sudden movement and strange noises. Show your children how to be calm around horses.

    • 2

      Be confident. Horses are smart animals. Horses like to have a confident leader. They pick up on indecision. Teach your children to be confident around horses so that the horse will trust them and oblige to what they're asking.

    • 3

      Approach from the side. Always approach a horse from the side. Preferably from its left side. Horses have a huge peripheral vision but startle easily and the danger of a kick when approaching from the rear is real.

    • 4

      Keep your horse groomed. A big part of horsemanship is grooming. Teach your child to get in the habit of grooming before and after you ride or work him.

    • 5

      Respect. Horses are very big-hearted and giving animals. Teach your children to respect them. If you do, they will know it and will try all they can to please you and your children.