• The desire to ride
• Muscle strength to hold the proper position in the saddle
• The balance to remain on the horse
• The ability to understand instructions and follow directions
• Sufficient attention span for instruction
• Neck muscles strong enough to support fitted approved protective headgear

The horse should be:

• Suitable for children with a quiet, calm nature
• Small enough to allow the child's legs to be under his/her body, and the foot to be half way down the side of the horse

The equipment should include:

• A saddle that fits the size of the child
• A saddle that fits the size of the horse

Did you know?

• No child should ride a horse without the appropriate skills and level of development for riding.
• No adult should ride double with an infant or child.

Then you'll need a qualified instructor who:

• Has experience and patience to work with young children
• Has appropriate discipline and control of the program
• Teaches in a fashion to allow progressive development of motor skills
• Has knowledge of riding skills appropriate for the age of the child
• Has knowledge of the horse to know its suitable for the child
• Has a requirement for well-fitted, secured, and approved protective head gear at all times when mounted
• Knows when a helmet is well fitted
• Has facilities with a small closed ring away from motorized traffic, other horses and disruptive activities
• Has a successful background of working with children in an equestrian program.

American Medical Equestrian Association
103 Surrey Rd.
Waynesville, NC 28786

OR Contact

Longacres Farm
31365 Fox Hollow Rd. Eugene, OR 97405
email: lessons@longacresfarm