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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

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.