Kids and horses

[Bearkiller]

Is it better for an inexperienced kid to ride an experienced horse by himself or for him to ride with an adult? This would be almost exclusively in the mountains. The other thought would be to lead the kids horse with the horse I would be riding. I haven't been on a horse in 15 years but rode a bit when I was younger. I am pretty well committed to getting a horse and my hunting partner (son)will need one as well, is my thought. I would think riding with someone would get very uncomfortable and could be dangerous. Is it ok to tie one horse to another to keep it under "control"? Do I need special tack or can the other horse be tied off to my horses saddle?

[Spencer]

In My opinion, Do get your son an experienced horse, do not ride double. Secondly, do not tie your sons horse to yours if you are leading him. Hold onto the lead rope but dont tie hard and fast. It is the safest way to go in my opinion. Also, the two of you should probably spend a few bucks on some lessons, then do a lot of riding around home before heading to the mountains.

[Bearkiller]

Thanks for the reply. I have a good friend who trains horses for a living so there will be some lessons for sure. I guess the loose rope is so we can be easily detatched in case of an emergency? Like say a bucking horse ect.....

[Big Mike]

Most important for an inexperienced kid is a GENTLE, SURE FOOTED horse that ride by auto pilot. A kid on horse can get in a pickle in a heart beat so you want a horse that will take care of him. Those kind of horses ain't cheap, I know cuz we just bought one for l our 7 yr old

[dirtydan]

If you have a friend who knows horses take him with you to look at all prospective purchases. Having someone there who knows what to ask about and what to look for will keep you from buying a horse you don't want. For just a good mountain and trail type horse we've always had good luck with retired ranch horses. They had a job their entire life and always handle well. Experience counts for everything in a horse. Some of these horses will have thousands of hours under saddle. They usually retire them when they start to slow down a little and that's exactly what you need.

[LCK]

Keep doing what you are doing now, studying and asking questions. Resist purchasing anything just yet. Get to know what your doing and why before you spend any money on tack, trailers or horses. I hate to see new people rush out and start buying stuff without being fully informed on whats best and whats junk.

There are a lot of good people out there that will help you learn. Once you have studied hard and have a good idea of whats best, then take someone you know and trust when you buy anything from saddle pads to reins to horses, everything. There is so much junk out there that new people buy and wish they had not later. Being in a hurry is your worst enemy right now.

[Spencer]

[Shorty]

Alot of good responses here guys. What's been left out though is that there are alot of people that make a living screwing people like you. Beware of the horse traders!!! They have a great line of BS and could care less about the welfare of you and your family. These people just want you $$$$.

Not all people are this way of course. Just wanted you to know there are LOTS of horse traders in this world. Good luck!

[Bearkiller]

I actually think I have his horse accounted for. It comes from a friend who's boy used it while they were moving cows. He is a just a little older then my son. It's a POA pony. Which from what I read is just a little horse. I have another friend who will help us with this. We'll definately put miles on before we go to the mountains. My daughter is actually the one who first asked for a pony and likes to hunt as much if not more than him. He will go everyday if I promise we are walk hunting, not so much if we are hunting out of the truck. I'm hoping the horse will balance that out. She's just not quite as hardy as he is. She's only 5. In a couple years I'm sure we'll all be on them in the back country.

[chsnlions]

One thing to keep in mind, if you plan on riding a full size horse and you buy a POA or real small horse for your kids it will be a problem. I have been there. When you get out on the trail your horse will go its speed and the POA will end up walk/trot/walk/trot to keep up. It makes for a miserable ride for the kid and you are continually fighting your horse to slow down. I did this enough that my son is burned out on horse rides. My opinion is similar to what has already been stated. Buy a couple of similar build retiring outfitter horses, they are used to following each other at the same speed through the mountains and have seen it all. You can buy similar tack that will interchange for both and your kids will have a enjoyable experience. It will be a problem if you buy and a pony or small horse and think your going to make a pleasurable ride out of it. Many retired outfitter horses dont have a very good neck reign or stop because all they have ever done is follow another horse around, but that is something most people can live with. Good luck

[Bearkiller]

Well, what do you guys think about a free yearling with an older horse? Is it worth while? My thought is that since it couldn't be ridden yet it could get used to riding in the trailer and walking in the mountains. Is this a waste of time? I've never trained a horse but I would think exposure at a younger age may help make a better horse in the end. Let me know if this is a bad idea. Please. LOL. I have access to plenty of land to start the training process but I'm not sure if I'd be getting in over my head.

[dirtydan]

Bearkiller, first off you need to consider the fact that there is no such thing as a free horse. As cost of feed goes up the price of horse goes down. That yearling will be eating as much as a grown horse real soon. Now if you decide you don't mind the extra mouth to feed then it sounds like you are on the right track. I like to have most all the ground work done on them as they are yearlings. This is much safer than doing it when they are full grown. Exposure NOW to the mountains and places you will ride will save you lots of hell LATER. Teach it do things like trailer up, follow other horses, cross water and bridges, up and down ledges, a real good thing to do when they are that young is gun and blood break them. Really really really make sure it learns to pick up all four feet. It blows getting kicked around teaching them this when they are grown. We also put baby saddles on them to get them used to carrying weight. I know there is lots more I left out but just can't remember right now. Good luck

[pegleg]

A yearling is a BAD idea you probably know this or you would already have some "free" horses. Stay away from anything less then five to seven years old minimum. Even if it has all of its training it still doesn't have the experience or maturity to be considered a safe ride for beginners. A fourteen year old would be even better. Mind you these ages are all assuming these horses are from good tempered stock have had good training and handling along with having been used regularly for what you want plus everything else except racing. Not saying there aren't exceptions on both sides but they're rare. Its always a chance as shorty said buying horses. A used car doesn't hold a grudge or bad habits but stock sure does. Get dead broke geldings for both of you or all three. Don't make the mistake of thinking kids need ponies or real small horses. Read the pony post on here. And remember kids grow quick and so do your hunting accessories.
I forgot to check where your from but mtn riding is fun but also more challenging and can be dangerous if horse or rider aren't comfortable. I've had experienced arena riders freeze or scare on mtns. Be safe. Have fun. Something to think about is looking for a retired couple that trail rides a lot with horses for sale. Most buy great horses to begin with and get them out often on different terrain. How they react to hounds is a test to

[Bearkiller]

Thanks for the replies. The 2 horses come with free hay and I have a 12 acre field to put them in with irrigation so feed isn't going to be an issue until winter. The yearling hasn't had anything at all done with it. But it has a couple years to learn.

Pegleg, I understand your theory but I was also told that a horse of that age probably has major flaws if someone is willing to part with it. This was by a local guy who isn't trying to sell me horses. I asked him about an 8 year old that had worked as a pack horse for an outfitter who took people on back country trips. is this not true?

LCK, maybe we can get together and do some hunting during the summer pursuit. I haven't been out much this year.

[pegleg]

People sell horses at all ages. For many different reasons. A packer may need money just like anyone. Riding schools often have solid horses that maybe a bit circle sour or just a bit warmer then a absolute novice horses needs to be and that isn't uncommon there's plenty of sound horses that age out there. Perhaps a rider as advanced past their horses level. My point was we all make mistakes with our first foray into training and some are worse then others. A spoiled horse is probably one of the hardest to get right because it doesn't respect you like is needed. I believe more horses turn out do to their forgiving nature then to our abilities as trainers. Whatever you chose put your kids safety first.