Don't underestimate the power of the PONY!
But you don't have to take my word for it. If you need further evidence of the dangers of letting your child get bitten by the pony bug you need only consult that great resource of social documentary. You guessed it, none other than, "the Simpsons".
If you haven't seen the episode where Lisa falls hopelessly in love with a pony and her Dad, "Homer" works and worries himself to exhaustion bringing it all to a sad ending where Lisa has to give up her beloved bringing tears even to the stoic riding instructor's eyes then I recommend you rush out to a video store to see what lies in your future. If you have seen the episode then you must ask yourself; "what the devil were you thinking letting your kid sit upon that pony?"
Hey, this is no laughing matter. I'm not trying to be funny. This is serious! Good pony experiences are like potato chips. You can't stop at one and they're frightfully expensive and more addictive than drugs. First time users are often hooked for life but before I scare you completely away from even entertaining the possibility of this happening to your child let me describe what can be gleaned from a positive interaction between a pony and your little darling.
First I must admit, horses and ponies teach us so many things that they're worth every dime invested. They are more in touch with their "inner being" meaning they are true to themselves and ask little of us. Your child can learn to love unconditionally seeing themselves through the eyes of their pony. Your child will learn that respect is a two way street and that integrity is about how you treat someone or something when there are little or no repercussions.
Trust can be a big issue both for the pony and the rider but the right instructor can orchestrate a magnificent union between the two creating a bond that can last a life time, at least in memory. A good instructor can also mix lessons in both instant and delayed gratification as skills are mastered and self confidence established, life lessons the student can take with them far into the adult world.
Both growing girls and boys flow more easily through the awkward teen years if they've spent some time learning to control their balance atop a moving steed. Grace and elegance are some of the physical attributes proficient riders possess not to mention the body language of confidence they obtain by simply being comfortable around such a large animal.
Listed above are qualities that are almost tangible but what I have yet to mention is simply the entertainment value, the thrilling exhilaration sitting on top of a moving, almost flying animal, racing across hills or over jumps, jumping into the water, showing discipline in competition or just strolling down an enjoyable mountain trail with friends. Winston Churchill once said; "the back of a horse is good for the inside of a man".
What would giving all of this to your child be worth? How can you put a price on an experience so magnificent, so rewarding and so beneficial to your child's future development? The right equestrian experience could make or break your child's entire future but I must warn you. It has to be the "right" experience. You must diligently seek out an equestrian instructor that not only knows the horse and successful techniques to accomplish realistic goals but also brings a sense of fun and comradery to the stables so your child learns a sense of community, allowing them to develop the social skills necessary in life.
Finding the right trainer can be a daunting task but one well worth the time and effort. So what are you waiting for? Be diligent but be careful choosing. Frequent the shows and look for the barn that's having the most fun while getting the most accomplished in the ring. Watch at the warm up rings for the trainer that's on top of things in a calm but energetic manner and speaks positively about what needs to be accomplished. Search out the trainer that walks the fine line of empowering her students to ride with confidence without being reckless and who recognizes if anything does go wrong it's almost always due to rider's error, that the horse should never be blamed.
Find that trainer and book that introductory lesson. Give your child the gift that keeps on giving. (And taking from your wallet, sorry but had to be fair about this). The truth is in all the years of raising my daughter with the horses and with all the fortune I spent on the endeavor I do not regret a single dollar. If I had to do it all over again I wouldn't change a thing. Isn't that a wonderful thing to be said about something? No regrets. Ah, consider the possibilities?
Millie Chalk (White Star Woman)
Professional horse trainer for 25yrs. and author of historical fiction. Part Cherokee Indian I'm passionate regarding the current struggle of all the first nations feeling most akin for several reasons to the Lakota. If you want to get an inside glimpse into the workings of a real training stable be sure to take a look at http://openarmsfarm.blogspot.com/
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