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.

[SarahGarza88]

Clark, i’m just a little confused at how. Because if the pony or horse is too wide for her legs to straddle, then how would this saddle be altered?

[carrot99]

As per Calmck at 07.20.
"Barry there is a saddle like a car seat that fits on the horses back. Legs don't straddle the horse."

[roopower]

Contact stanles in your area and ask if they do riding for the disabled. The staff at these stables are trained and used to looking after children and adults with a range of disabilities.

[bobbinwales]

Good advice, and maybe start with a little pony first

[pastafreak]

Forgive me, but looking at Clara's height and weight for her age...she is *exceptionally* small even for a child with dwarfism. Average height for a 6 year old girl with achondroplasia is around 80-90cm or 3'...and weight 17kg or 37lb. Assuming I'm reading the charts correctly. And Google tells me there are different types of dwarfism.

[bobbinwales]

Yes... its a unique case I think pasta

[Ken4155]

Back in the day, ladies used to ride side-saddle. Perhaps the 'special' saddle being spoken about above will allow Clara to also safely ride side-saddle?

[lankeela]

They do have 'basket' saddles that the child can sit in so they get the feeling of riding without having to use their legs to control the horse. They can be strapped in for safety.

[lankeela]

This company is in the UK but there must be others in the US.

basketsaddleshop.co.uk

[calmck]

It would be helpful to know where Sarah lives as there must be a society or something similar for dwarfism in most countries who can point her in the right direction

[Barsel]

Sarah, a few people have asked you where you live i.e. country.
It might be helpful for people to help you as they could find out what is available near to where you live.
I live in Manches

[Barsel]

Sorry, I pressed Answer now before I finished.
I live in Manchester, in England, where do you live?

[SarahGarza88]

I’m in the US. Oklahoma area

[Barsel]

Thanks for that Sarah. I don't know how to get information for you in the U.S. but someone may be able to. Good luck.

[calmck]

Sarah There is an association called PATH in Oklahoma that appears to have the information you will need. Contact them

[calmck]

One place is Hope Ranch

[pastafreak]

Bob@11:01...there was a girl here in the UK who was in the news as 'smallest in the world' about 10 years ago. She was 68cm when she started primary school.

[bobbinwales]

pasta.. these dates fit
https://abc13.com/sick-baby-rocking-sweet-sibling-video-danielle-davis/2929301/

[calmck]

The name of the child is the same but the home state and mothers name is different to the poster

[bobbinwales]

//Bob@11:01...there was a girl here in the UK who was in the news as 'smallest in the world' about 10 years ago. She was 68cm when she started primary school.//
I know- claras much shorter than that (but she is six not 4),,, thats why I said on another thread Clara hasnt got the media all over her, and organisations falling over themselves to help