As a mom working on developing a good riding kid, my biggest piece of advice is to get your kid on as many horses as possible.
When I was a kid I went the one-horse route (as necessitated by finance), but rode horses for my trainerâŠliterally anything I could swing a leg over any and every time I could. I would tell you that I learned far more about horsemanship and training through the number of horses I rode than I did with my personal horse, despite getting to ride and show him at a much higher level than any of the others.
So when my daughter started riding, I got her onto as many horses as I could from the first minute. Granted, itâs a little easier for me since Iâve always had a bunch of both young and going horses at home. But all of those different horses (doesnât matter the level, experience, or skill of each) have taught her to RIDE. Itâs fun to look back to when she was 8/9/10/11 and to see how well she rode her primary horse. But the real fun is to go back and see the year that everything kind of âclickedâ with her because she was more seriously riding several. Sheâs also catch ridden at barns and shows whenever she can. She loves it and itâs so good for her riding!
On the buy/lease front, I think that all comes down to the horse you can get, and I wouldnât preclude either choice. If a great lease becomes available, thatâs a great way to do things. But if you have a trainer with a good eye for horses then I wouldnât rule out buying either.
). Ahhh the good old days of the PNW equestrian world. From what I know, Gold Creek has newer owners, and I donât know that they do the same type of shows they used to.
I think itâs due to lots of turnout and good genes.
