Proper Venue believes that a child learning to ride creates many positive experiences, including responsibility, care for animals, equestrian knowledge, and repetition. Our new pony, Chocolate Chipmunk (“Hiccup”), is a great pony for a child to learn basic horsemanship and skills. If your child is experienced enough–and the right size–he or she may take lessons on Patti’s personal horses, Moose or Otter. All horse equipment (saddle, saddle pad, halter, bridle, reigns, bit) and a riding helmet is provided by Proper Venue. Proper Venue suggests long pants and closed-toe shoes with no laces.
If you think your child is interested in horse/riding lessons, our suggestion is to schedule three lessons, which will teach the following:
- Introduction to Horses: includes the basics of grooming, including the use of different brushes, picking out feet, recognizing the horse’s health, and washing; tacking, which includes learning the use of a saddle and bridle, the proper fit of the tack, the proper fit for the rider, and care for the tack); and general horsemanship, including basic nutritional needs, fitness regimen, wrapping, bandaging, general first aid, and basic care.
- Learning to Ride: includes all of lesson one’s information, as well as learning how to mount and move a horse.
- Riding: includes all of lesson one’s and two’s information and actions, as well as riding (with training/owner Patti leading the pony/horse.*
*Some riders learn slower than others, and this is perfectly fine. The key is for the child to safely have fun and learn in the process. Some training takes more than one lesson.
The first session will get the child involved in the process of caring for a horse; the second session will allow the child to experience the thrill of riding a horse; and the third session will leave the child wanting more (and likely create a kid-pony bond).
If you have any questions regarding whether riding lessons are right for your child–or if you would like to schedule lessons–please call or email Proper Venue. Owner Patti Johnson started riding soon after learning to walk, and she hasn’t looked back. Another rider is always welcome, regardless of whether you’re located in Columbia, Elgin, or Lexington!
In the meantime, check out these helpful sites that may help you determine whether your kid is interested in horses (and the sites may even teach you a thing or two):
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