As a parent and a horse person, there is nothing more exciting than preparing for your child’s first ride, whether you own a horse or they are going to start taking lessons. It can also be a stressful event, as kids can be active and easily distracted, and pairing that with an 800-1100 lb animal can definitely get even the most relaxed parent a little worried. As a parent myself, I put together these tips to make sure my child’s first ride was a pleasant experience for all:

1. Make sure your child has a helmet!
It’s not likely that your child will be doing anything crazy their first ride, but you want to make sure that their precious noggin is protected just in case! It’s also good to get your child into the habit of wearing a helmet while riding. The Troxel Legacy Helmet is a good choice it has an economical price point and it comes with an adjustable dial in the back so it will grow with your child.

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2. Second, you want to make sure your child has closed toed shoes.
Sneakers will work for their first ride but if they are going to stick with it for more than a few rides, some paddock boots wouldn’t go amiss. The Saxon Syntovia Zip Paddock Boot is about $35.00 and it comes in black or brown synthetic leather for easy cleaning, so it’s a great choice for first-time riders.

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3. Don’t freak out!
Horses as well as children can sense how you are feeling. If you are anxious they will be, if you are calm and collected they will be too. Trust your horse (and instructor) and your child will be in good hands!

4. Invest in some safety equipment such as peacock or safety stirrups.
While no one wants it to happen, people do sometimes fall off their horses. And when it happens, it’s a good idea to use peacock or safety stirrups so that your foot can easily come free. This results in a much cleaner fall and less chance of getting dragged by a spooked horse. At SmartPak we offer both the Foot-Free Safety Irons and the Peacock Irons with the rubber bands.

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5. While not strictly necessary, a grab strap is also a great idea.
It’s typically a rolled leather strap that clips or buckles to the D-Rings on the front of your saddle. These are great for kids who are just starting out and may be a little unsteady. It prevents them from jerking their hands back and pulling on the horse’s mouth when the horse moves.
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https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/tory-leather-rolled-bridle-grab-strap-with-snap-ends-14217

Hopefully these tips help to put your mind at ease about your child’s first ride, so that it will a fun and enjoyable time for all!