Kids learning to ride, one hoofbeat at a time
Hi! We're a group of kids from around the world and here's where we tell our stories.
Before you can ride, you have to get your horse ready! Here are the 5 things every rider does β in order β before they ever climb into the saddle.
First we brush our horse all over. We use a curry comb to loosen dirt, then a body brush to sweep it off. It keeps them clean and helps us check for bumps.
We use a hoof pick to clean rocks and dirt out of each hoof. If you don't, the horse can get sore. We say "hoof please!" and they lift it up.
A soft pad goes on first, right on the horse's back. It keeps the saddle from rubbing and soaks up sweat. Always smooth out the wrinkles!
Next comes the saddle on top of the pad. We tighten the girth (the strap under the belly) slowly so it's snug but not too tight.
The bridle goes over the head, with the bit in the mouth and the reins in our hands.
You're done! Your horse is now ready to be ridden. Time to put on your helmet and climb aboard! π΄β¨
There are over 350 different horse breeds in the world! They come in three main groups, and each group is good at different things.
These are the horses most kids ride. They're fast, bouncy, and great at running and jumping.
Muscular, fast over short distances, and very calm. The #1 horse breed in the United States.
One of the oldest breeds β over 4,500 years old. They have a dished face and a high tail, and they can run super long distances.
The racehorse. Thoroughbreds are tall, lean, and the fastest horses in the world β up to 44 mph!
Famous for their spotted coats. Their eyes have a white ring around them, and even their hooves are striped!
A pony is just a small horse β under 14.2 hands. They are tough, smart, and perfect for kids.
Tiny and FLUFFY. Shetlands can pull twice their own weight β pound for pound they're one of the strongest horses alive.
Beautiful and bold. Welsh ponies are famous for jumping β they can hop over fences way taller than they are.
Always a golden color with a blonde mane. Haflingers live in the mountains and are great for both riding and pulling.
Made just for kids! This breed was started in 1954 by mixing an Appaloosa with a Shetland. They have spots like Appaloosas.
These are the biggest, strongest horses. They used to pull wagons and plows. Some are as tall as a basketball hoop!
The big horses in beer commercials! Clydesdales have long, feathery hair on their legs and can weigh 2,000 pounds.
The TALLEST horse breed. The world record horse, Sampson, was a Shire β he was 21.2 hands tall!
Almost always black or grey. Super gentle for such a huge horse β they're called "gentle giants".
Blonde mane, red-gold coat, and really, really strong. Big Jake, a Belgian, held the record for the world's tallest living horse.
Horses have their own special words for their body parts. Here are some of our favorites:
The long hair down the neck. We braid it for shows!
The bump between the neck and back. It's how we measure a horse's height.
The ankle joint above the hoof.
The soft triangle on the bottom of the hoof. (It's not an actual frog!)
The hair that falls between the ears, like bangs.
The back-leg joint that bends backward.
The nose and mouth area. Super soft β like velvet.
The bony top part of the tail.
π Fun fact: Horses are measured in hands. One hand = 4 inches. A 15-hand horse is 60 inches tall at the withers.
Every rider needs the right gear to stay safe. Here's what we wear every single lesson:
A certified riding helmet β NEVER a bike helmet. It protects our head if we fall.
Tall or short boots with a small heel so our foot doesn't slip through the stirrup.
Long pants that won't rub. Shorts are a big no β they'll pinch!
Optional, but they help us hold the reins when our hands get sweaty.
Things we've learned, goals we're chasing, and funny things our horses do.
"I was riding Coconut and she got spooked by the people working on the driveway. My stirrup fell out β but I didn't fall off because of my perfect posture!" β Ella (me), age 8
"I went to horse camp and rode a horse named Charlie. She tried to bite another horse's butt and I almost fell off!" β Ella (me), age 8
Click here to share something that happened with your horse.