Children love horses, but not all kids are ready to jump or collect muddy hooves—yet. That’s why eventing for kids is so popular. It’s a great way for kids to experience the horse-world but at a slower pace where they can adjust to the new lifestyle without pressure from their parents or peers. If your child has always wanted to ride but you’re worried they’re too young—or if you’re looking for a new eventing program to get involved in—this article will give you some great insight into which horse breeds make the best eventing partners for kids. And it will also help you understand which types of events are best suited for kids.
Why Choose an Eventing Horse for Your Child?
There are a lot of great reasons to choose an eventing horse for your child. But first, let’s take a look at some of the downsides of other equestrian activities.For example, if your child loves dressage, they can expect to spend a lot of time on the ground. And with certain breeds, like Arabians or Thoroughbreds, your child might be expected to jump even before they’re ready. And if you want to try out something else like trail riding or hunt jumping, you’re likely to face high costs and limited availability.But with eventing, your child can jump from the age of 8 or 9 and progress to the higher levels as they age. Plus, the eventing community is open and welcoming to families—so there’s no pressure to jump or do anything your child isn’t ready for.
Spanish Riding Pony
The Spanish Riding Pony is one of the oldest and gentlest of all the eventing breeds. They have a calm temperament, are very trainable, and make an excellent first horse. They’re also great for kids because they have a low center of gravity, and are easier to jump than other breeds.Spanish Riding Ponies make excellent eventing partners for kids. They are excellent for children under 5 or 6 years old because they don’t require much attention or pressure from the rider. They are also good for older kids who are ready to jump higher.Spanish Riding Ponies make excellent pasture or trail riding companions. You can also use them for ranch work, lead roping, and other ranch activities.
Warmblood
The Warmblood is a warm-climate eventing horse that has been bred to perform at high levels in a wide variety of disciplines and types of competitions. They are great for kids who want to jump and compete at a high level, but are also gentle enough to ride in fields or trails.Warmbloods are also great for kids who are younger. They are great for children who are 3 or 4 years old, and have the energy and attention span to jump at high levels with their horse.Warmbloods are also excellent for children who are ready to compete at a lower level. You can enter your child in lower levels and help them get used to the horse and competition environment.
Paint Horse
The Paint Horse is an American breed that is often bred for racing events but can be trained for eventing. They make a great eventing horse for kids because they are a very trainable horse, and can be ridden at a very young age.Paint Horses are excellent for children who are ready to jump at high levels and compete in events like Equitation or 3-day events. They don’t require a lot of special handling, and are a great introduction to the sport.
New Zealand Draught Crosses
The New Zealand Draught Crosses, also known as NZDD, is a warm-climate eventing horse that is bred to perform at high levels in a wide variety of disciplines and types of competitions. Like the Warmblood, the NZDD is a great eventing horse for kids who want to jump and compete at a high level, but is also gentle enough to ride in fields or trails.NZDCDs are excellent for children who are younger or who are not ready to jump at a high level. They are excellent for children who are 3 or 4 years old, and have the energy and attention span to ride at a lower level.NZDCDs are excellent for children who are ready to compete at a lower level. You can enter your child in lower levels and help them get used to the horse and competition environment.
Appaloosa Horse
The Appaloosa Horse is a warm-climate eventing horse that has been bred to perform at high levels in a wide variety of disciplines and types of competitions. They are great for kids who want to jump and compete at a high level, but are also gentle enough to ride in fields or trails.The Appaloosa horse makes a great eventing horse for kids who are ready to jump at a higher level. They are excellent for children who are 5 or 6 years old, and have the energy and attention span to jump at a high level.
Don’t Forget about Education
While it’s important to consider the physical and mental challenges of riding, it’s also important to remember that eventing is more than just being able to jump a fence. It’s also about reading your horse and understanding how he will react in certain situations.And it’s important to make sure your child has the education they need to continue riding as they grow. You can help your child by choosing an eventing school with excellent instruction and a great program for children.