News Channel 8 is looking ahead to the Kentucky Derby this week. The event is enough to inspire anyone, young or old, to be the next great jockey.
Horseback riding is invaluable; it can teach kids valuable skills like building character and confidence. But it’s important to remember that safety comes first.
Mounting and guiding a large majestic horse is the perfect harmony between man and beast. But you’ve got to start somewhere. 3-year-old Tyler Kelly has been riding horses for a year.
His mother, Leah Scott said, “I think every kid should have an opportunity to work with a horse.”
Scott says while it may be fun, horseback riding is not to be taken lightly.
“They can be really dangerous if you’re not taking safety first and taking the right precautions and making sure that they’re okay first,” she said.
At Cypress Breeze Farm Trail Riding in Pinellas Park, children and horses are carefully paired up.
Horse Trainer Monika Bruehsel said, “Up until about 5-years old, its pretty much just pony rides.”
First, saddle and stirrups must be the correct size for the rider. Also, the horse should be trained and mature. Children must be carefully monitored, and taught to respect these marvelous creatures.
Bruehsel said, “At an early age its mainly about exposing to the horse and teaching them that horses are good creatures and showing them how not to make the horses scared.”
Here are some tips when you are looking for a stable: First, make sure they have a variety of mature horses to choose from. And also check if they are knowledgeable in teaching kids how to ride.
After a few years, the child should be confident enough to go off on their own.
Bruehsel said, “By the time that they’re ten, they better be able to walk around, make the horse walk, trot and cantor.”
17-year-old Christina Calvello has been riding since she was four, and the experience has left its mark.
Calvello said, “It establishes confidence at a young age because these are such large animals that you really just, you’re able to control and have a bond with something that’s 1200 pounds.”
For children, horseback riding can be an investment that will pay off dividends for a lifetime.
“These horses are powerful animals so it’s important to practice safety. But the experience of riding them makes it worth it.”
Copyright 2015 WFLA. All rights reserved.