lessons near Ridgefield CT for 6 year old

[ctmom]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a place to take lessons near Ridgefield CT? My daughter is 6.5, she started in September at Starbuck, but I don’t know this is the best place for her. She was enjoying it very much, but recently is getting very frustrated with the horses. She has been put on a few that don’t respond to her leg so she needs to incessantly kick them to get them going. It’s really sad and she looks like she is going to burst into tears. She is also freaking out when they pull at the bit or jolt there head down. Last week was the first time she said she didn’t want to go. I don’t know if this is just the way it is when you are starting off, or she is on the wrong pony…

She has fallen off twice already, but got right back up both times. She started off with a 7 week session of privates and has done two 7 week sessions of group (1 hour). The instructor recommends going back to private lessons, which I totally agree with. I guess I am just feeling that maybe Starbuck isn’t the right place, but I don’t have much experience, so don’t know if this is the way they are everywhere. Or maybe she just needs a break from riding? Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[tbchick84]

I don’t have any recommendations for you, but if she’s falling off that much and crying, it sounds like a different instructor with more tolerant horses will be a better fit. my barn has very good school horses for beginners, but we’re nowhere near Ridgefield. Maybe post on equinesite.com on the Connecticut bulletin board.

[Hunter_JumperMom]

What did the owners say about your concerns about what is going on? Can you ask for a different instructor? They have always had the best program for kids your daughters age.

[ctmom]

She has had several different instructors, at least 4. The pony they think is best for her likes to follow (which isn’t going to help in a private) but even then getting him into a trot is hard work and very frustrating. I bought her a crop but it is hard for her to hold it with the reins at the same time. Obviously I want her on a safe pony that isn’t going to take off with a little bit of leg, but I don’t want her to get discouraged and want to quit. She hasn’t been fearful at all, even after she fell. Last week the pony was in the middle of the ring while another student was cantering and her pony kept pulling his head down. For some reason it made her very nervous, she was crying and didn’t want to continue with the lesson. When she went back on Saturday she was on a different pony, one who she has done very well with in the past, but she was kicking her and this one doesn’t need much to go. I was watching and getting very nervous, she didn’t seem in control at all, and it was dangerous. I’m so confused and I’m not sure if maybe a break is the best thing or a different barn with a different teaching approach.

[chunky_munky]

Most kids that age are not ready for group lessons. Go to private.

[showidaho]

Try Kristen Neff. Last I heard she is still based out of Newtown (Red Gate). She has a young daughter and is kind, patient and quiet.

[Hunter_JumperMom]

I’m just curious because it’s been years - but at 6.5 and only riding once or twice a week, shouldn’t the child still be in a private lesson and on a longe line? Not criticizing just curious. I wouldn’t think they have their motor skills to control a pony - but on the longe they should? Kristen is a great idea, she’s in Newtown under Seahorse Stables as an option, but don’t think she has “lesson ponies” but worth a call. I would keep her in a private lesson no matter what you decide if that helps

[mfglickman]

[QUOTE=Hunter/JumperMom;8490761]
I’m just curious because it’s been years - but at 6.5 and only riding once or twice a week, shouldn’t the child still be in a private lesson and on a longe line? Not criticizing just curious. I wouldn’t think they have their motor skills to control a pony - but on the longe they should? Kristen is a great idea, she’s in Newtown under Seahorse Stables as an option, but don’t think she has “lesson ponies” but worth a call. I would keep his in a private lesson no matter what you decide if that helps[/QUOTE]

I would agree with this - 14 lessons in maybe part time on longe line but I can’t imagine a group is very productive at this age and level? I;m not in the area so can’t recommend a barn but if you are on Facebook join this group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/cthorseyfolk/

and ask the question there as well. Lots of folks from all over the state.

Good luck!

[Mayaty02]

my daughter wasn’t in group lessons until she was about 8 and then she progressed quickly from there. At age 6.5, it is tough to get any traction. You could try Ridgefield Equestrian or Larkspur in Wilton. Perhaps you just need the right pony… I have no recent experience with either program but back a few years, they each offered a good program for young kids.

[jack07]

Go to Autumn Farms ,Amazing ponies and quality instruction.

[sixteenhands]

A few years ago my niece rode at Starbucks because her friends did and it was the same story as the OP’s. Rotating trainers, inappropriate school ponies/horses, multiple falls, etc. She left Starbucks and moved to Jan Goulash’s place in Brewster and loved it.

http://www.xroadsfarm.com

[FormerJunior]

I would third Kristen Neff, but I also am not sure if she has any ponies available solely for lessons. Another place I would recommend is New Canaan Mounted Troop, but I believe the minimum age for lessons there is 7.

[ctmom]

Thank you all so much for your suggestions! I definitely will go back to private lessons regardless of where we end up.