How Would You Introduce A Small Child To Horses?

[SarahGarza88]

My daughter Clara has recently gotten into horseback riding and wants to go really bad. She has dwarfism though and it’s only 18 pounds and 1’5”.
How would I introduce her and get her feeding, and up riding on a horse given Clara‘s height and weight?

Clara has never seen a horse in person and I don’t want the size to scare her.

[1ozzy]

Introduce her to a friendly pony.

[barry1010]

I doubt that she ride a horse in the tradional way, her legs are far too short.
Horses have wide backs and it would be impossible for her to get any sort of grip or stability with her legs. She would not be able to balance.

[calmck]

Take your daughter to a stable that is accredited for Riding for the Disabled. They usually have a small Shetland pony for young children. They will do all the introducing and instruction. We have a child with dwarfism that attends classes at our local RDA stable.
I do wonder how she can be into horseback riding if she has never seen a horse though.

[calmck]

Barry RDA stables have all sorts of aides to accommodate different disabilities including special saddles

[barry1010]

I know, cal, and they are wonderful places bur Clara is shorter than any of my children were at birth.

[SarahGarza88]

Cal, Do you know how they were introduced Clara to the horse or pony? How big would a horse versus pony be to Clara? Would they have a saddle that is small enough so she can ride?

[1ozzy]

//bur Clara is shorter than any of my children were at birth.//

And your point is?

[1ozzy]

Only one way to find out Sarah

[SarahGarza88]

Barry, what are you getting at?

[calmck]

Sarah They will know the proper way to introduce Clara. However it is usually take her by the hand and take her to see the animal. You do the first part by showing her pictures of horses. There are plenty of books and films available.
Barry there is a saddle like a car seat that fits on the horses back. Legs don't straddle the horse

[barry1010]

I am pointing out that even the smallest of ponies, a miniature Shetland, is very big in comparison to Clara. Children don't really start riding ponies until they are two or three years old and the average two year old is twice as tall as Clara with much longer legs.
The smallest pony has a lot of strength and is not really aware of what is going on to the side or behind so a stable yard can be a very dangerous place.
By all means contact RDA.

[barry1010]

Does Clara still want a dog?

[SarahGarza88]

Barry, yes, she still does

[calmck]

RDA specialises in assisting the disabled in all aspects of stable safety. A correctly run stable will be able to care for Clara.

[barry1010]

Are you in the UK, Sarah?

[calmck]

Most stables also have dogs around. There are eight at our stable

[bobbinwales]

Calmk...I'd always thought sarah/clara is in the USA based on language, measurements and times of posts....but Sarah may clarify.

[bobbinwales]

Might be worth showing her a horse on person...at least that way you'll know and if she's scared you can look at other activities more suitable to a 17 inch six year old

[SarahGarza88]

Clark, I just reached out to RDA, to ask if you questions. Thank you

I really don’t get how Clara would be able to fit on a saddle given what Barry said. If she can’t get her legs around the horse or pony then how else would she fit on the saddle? And would she be able to hold onto the reins?

I sent them an email and I’m waiting for the response but just if any of y’all know

[calmck]

Reins can be any length. She might not be given a conventional saddle but one suited to her
Bobbinwales RDA is not solely a UK association. We have it here in Portugal and it is also in the USA