re: Does anyone have kids that ride horses?

Thanks for insights everybody. Very helpful. Didn't know we had so many riders and people in the know.

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The stories I could tell about that one... We probably know each other then.

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possibly. I was there late 2005 - early 2007. I really did not get along w/ her at all. she would ask the other trainers/people about my horse's welfare. I asked her to speak TO ME if she had any concerns about him after the first time she did that. Continued to ask behind my back. but i digress. don't feel like getting riled up over her.

oooh I did not know that!

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Just wondering about your experience? How risky is it? English riding, jumping, etc.

Any injuries?

Everyone wears helmets now so I would think it's pretty safe?

Thanks for any insights or info on experience in advance.

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I've ridden English all my life and my sister is the Master of a foxhunt. Everyone will, at some time, fall off, and I know some people who have been injured. But, my mom rode until she was in her 70's as did my dad (and I think my Dad appeared at a hunt or two in his early 80's).

Jumping is fun and horseback riding is a good way to relax.

I've never had a major injury and neither has my sister (we both have had broken toes from her horses stepping on us, they are huge draft-TB crosses). If you get good horses, you'll do fine.

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But the absolute worst part is the bullshite horse drama. You thought women were bad enough already? This is a completely different animal.

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Horse show people in particular can be obnoxious. I don't notice it much in the foxhunting world, primarily in most hunts the Master of Foxhounds rules and will usually toss out people who don't act right. My sister has tossed a couple - one guy was really disrespectful to women (e.g. I'm not done talking, little girl).

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I like hearing from the folks that have had good experience. She got thrown off horse yesterday and was a pretty bad spill but is ready to ride today. Horse just got spooked.

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FWIW, I've been riding for over 20 years. I've been bucked off once. No major injuries- other than my pride.

I've ridden many competitions where kids particiapted. I've never seen a serious injury. A few falls, but nothing horrible. My opinion is that a lot of this depends on the horse you ride. A good one is worth its weight in gold. A bad one isn't worth the bullet you will want to shoot it with.

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where are the major expenses coming from?

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Owning a horse is expensive (if you're going to do it right). whether its feed, board, vet care, lessons, etc.- its all expensive. you just try to control the level as best you can.
As for entry fees, it depends on what level you participate and where you go. Local shows are reasonable. Regional and national shows can get expensive very quickly.
trailers and tack range from cheap to ridiculous. Again, it just depends on the level of luxury you want to buy.
You might want to see where the events you want to participate in are going to be held. If you have to haul a far distance to compete, its going to run up your costs. If you can stay close to home, not so much. Same thing with the trailer and tow vehicle.

in the end though, I wouldn't trade a minute of my time I've spent with my horses. Its always been rewarding. Most of the men and all of the women I know who are involved with horses feel the same.

One big mistake is getting a horse that is too "hot" for a beginning rider. There are plenty of horses that are fun to ride (that aren't plugs) yet won't get you hurt. My mom foxhunted an appaloosa until she was in his early 70's. I'd see other horses fall down, refuse to jump and act up but Freckles (the name of the App) just kept on jumping and going forward.

Riding a misbehaving horse or a horse you don't trust isn't fun at all.

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Save a horse, ride a cowboy

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meh...i've had more fun riding horses than the cowboys i've ridden.

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You're doing it wrong then

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I'm speaking of cowboys, not the general male populace.