Horse riding for kids: when can a child start and how to choose a school

Many parents ask at what age a child can start riding. Most children are ready for proper riding lessons around seven or eight, when they have enough strength and concentration and understand instructions.

Younger children can get to know horses through led horseback walks and groundwork: grooming, feeding and leading a calm horse. This builds trust and respect for the animal before riding itself.

Riding develops children's balance, coordination and posture, as well as responsibility, patience and confidence. Horses respond to calm, so children quickly learn to manage their own emotions.

When choosing a school, check whether the horse suits the child, whether the trainer works individually or in small groups and whether safety comes first: helmet, an enclosed arena and clear rules.

At Black Horse Ranch in Pušća, families can choose the trail riding preparation programme with Tom and horseback walks with Davor. Before the first lesson you are welcome to visit, meet the horses and see how we work.