09/03/2026
This is my policy to a “T”. I do not rush kids along - pushing them through the gears only sets them up for being discouraged and losing confidence.
If they can’t walk and steer, they can’t trot and steer.
If they can’t balance at the trot, they aren’t ready to canter.
If they can’t go catch their own horse, groom it, tack it up and take responsibility for it, how are they supposed to lead that horse from the saddle?
Going faster does not equal getting better. Strapping your kid to a horse and sending them into the arena isn’t making them better, it’s setting them up to get hurt.
You might think watching your kid walk circles isn’t exciting. You might think they should be cantering, jumping “doing more.”
But sometimes they’re simply not ready.
And respectfully — that’s why you hired an instructor. Because knowing how and when to progress a rider is our job.
We aren’t holding your kid back. We’re building the foundation that keeps them safe and makes them GOOD.
- Author Unknown
