In terms of your child's safety, enjoyment and success, nothing is more important than learning under the right instructor and riding the right horse. Not coincidentally, the two go hand in hand.

Your child's first exposure to horses should come via lessons with a competent instructor, who will make sure she is matched to the right lesson mount. After a year or more of instruction -- and perhaps some horse-sharing -- your child may be ready to take the next step, into horse ownership. Assuming you're ready as well, your child's instructor can help to make sure that first horse or pony is a safe and appropriate one.

Choosing an Instructor

It's tempting simply to locate the stable nearest you and sign your child up for lessons there. But other criteria are far more important than location.

First, define your child's riding goals. Does she want to ride English or Western? Is she interested in a particular breed of horse? Will she primarily be riding for fun, or is she eventually going to want to compete in, for example, jumping events or a Western trail class?

Even if the show ring is an ultimate goal, your priority now should be on securing the best foundation instruction you can find.

"For beginning riders, you want someone whose focus is on building good basic skills rather than on winning ribbons," advises Katie Phalen, who instructs at Waredaca Farm in Gaithersburg, MD. The ideal beginner's instructor, she notes, offers a holistic approach to horsemanship that includes understanding, handling and caring for horses properly, rather than simply riding.

Where to look. With your child's goals in mind, seek information through:

Other parents. Ask friends or acquaintances with horse-involved youngsters whom they recommend. You can also inquire through your local 4-H horse group (via your county extension agent; check the white pages of your phone book) or Pony Club (www.ponyclub.org).

Listings. Check the yellow pages under riding stables (also called training barns, equestrian centers, riding academies). Check listings in local equestrian publications, often available free at your local tack or feed store (see below). Google "horseback riding instruction [your hometown]" and see what comes up online.

Tack/feed shops. Visit local equine outlets to pick up regional publications and to chat with sales personnel, who likely will know of instructors in your area.

Local horse shows. If showing is an eventual goal, attend a local event and ask around. Look for groups of young riders who seem to be having a great time, regardless of how they're placing. Find out who they ride with.

Breed registries. If your child is interested in a particular breed, call the registry (or a local affiliate, often advertised in local equestrian publications) for a referral.

Next: What to Ask

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