re: Does anyone have kids that ride horses?

quote:

---

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.

---

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.

quote:

---

where are the major expenses coming from?

---

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.