Need tips on training kids

[3equines]

OK I am old and carmudgeonly, I need help speaking 'kid' and teaching kids to ride without being a grump or barking orders. Give me some pointers on breaking the communication barrier between myself, kids, and horses......

(got to run off to work today but look forward to reading this tonight!)

[Tiz]

Speak to the kid like you would want to be spoken to. I think as long as you're fair, all will be fine.

Remember, just because the same mistake is repeated, doesn't mean the kid is trying to aggravate you, or is ignoring you, or is dumb. Maybe that's just how they learn. Have you ever noticed how adults babble the same thing over and over, and over, when they talk to babies? I've wondered if that's an instinct for teaching speech, because everybody does it. Could be the same method is called for in the growing up years, for all things.

[walkinthewalk]

My little Arab was a lesson horse for children under 12 for years. He still gives babies and toddles happy horse memories.

I am an even older curmudgeon than you are and never have had much patience for "spoiled brats", so the first thing out of my mouth to their parent is "my horse, my rules or no lesson".

If the child was there for a lesson - there was no lesson until the horse got groomed. Lessons never exceeded an hour because children have short attention spans. Some held their interest in being taught longer than others, but never more than an hour because that's about all my Arab could put up with them - lol

Speak in short, simple sentences (according to the child's age) and do a lot of demonstrating --- while they are trying to grab the reins, leadrope or whatever you're showing them out of your hands:innocent:

Some children can absorb the "reading principle" quicker, others are little people that have to be shown and have the physical contact to grasp what they're trying to learn.

If we're talking toddlers, they don't need to hold the reins when in the saddle and this is the perfect age to teach them to balance by not letting them put their feet in the stirrups and "keeping their eyes between the horse's ears".

Even with an adult that is learning, if "thine eyes are wandering, so will the horse" :cowboy:

That all being said, some kids just don't want to be on a horse and won't absorb what you're telling them.

A perfect case-in-point are my niece and nephew. They only have contact with a horse when they travel the 1,100 miles to visit me with their parents.

My nephew spent an entire summer with me when he was around 10. I sent him to a wonderfully run summer horse camp that is every child's dream. He was in the barn everyday helping with chores and "working" with all my horses. He rode my little Arab, the ex-lesson horse, every day. He handled my 3 yr old gelding (who loved him) every day, even gathering enough experience to bath Sultan.

My brother, SIL and niece spent a week with us before leaving my nephew with me. I had taken small bit of time to work with my niece, who was only 4 or 5 at that time.

Two years later, when they all came down for Thanksgiving, my nephew had "forgotten" EVERYTHING he had learned:eek:

He was around 12 by this time and I could've strangled him because his sister, who was around 6 or 7 by this time had not forgotten any of the little things I had taught her when she was only 4 or 5.

She got right up on Streeter-the-Arab, looked at me and said "Aunt Judy, do I still keep my eyes between Streeter's ears?" I couldn't believe she retained that small piece of information, but her horse interest evidently runs much deeper than her brother's.

In summary - lol lol:

1. Talk to them at whatever their level of understanding is.

2. Don't teach too much at once.

3. Keep the lesson times according to what you think the child's attention span is, so they don't lose interest.

4. If they are really little and therefore no balance, tell the parent to wear appropriate clothing and shoes, to walk alongside the horse on the opposite side from you. That not only builds confidence in the child but is a protection in case the child starts to fall to the other side and the parent can help "right the listing ship" :cowboy:

Even if we're talking family or neighbors, parents should be actively involved, whether they like it or not when the children are very young. If they can't make that sacrifice, then you don't have time to risk accidents by giving Junior or Missy Jane a free ride on a horse.

I don't let anyone off the hook and if they don't like it --- well --- find someone else to teach your child - "my horse, my rules, or no lesson" :cool:

That was probably way more than you wanted to know, plus I am lousy at explaining things, so I hope it made some sense - lol lol

[Dakota Sunrise]

My neighbor and I have been teaching her granddaughter to ride since she was 3. She's 7 now and doing pretty well!:) The main thing is to be patient and don't push too hard. If it's not fun for them eventually they won't want to ride anymore, same goes for if they are forced to go faster or do something else before they're ready that scares them. But there's also a fine line to that because without a lot of encouragement and a little nudge some kids will stay in their comfort zone forever and never want to canter or climb hills or do whatever they think it scary.
My neighbor's granddaughter is like that a little bit, but with a lot of praise and encouragement she's learned that she loves to trot, she can trail ride without being ponied now, she can canter even if it's a little scary, and going up and down hills isn't that bad. When she does something right we tell her so and spend a lot of time high fiving.:) When she does something wrong we tell her that too, but gently, and then when she gets it correct we say "there you go, that's the way".
There is usually a constant stream of the same key points repeated over and over: "Heels down," "Both hands on the reins, slide your hands down and grab the knots," "sit up straight," "lean back going down the hill," etc, etc. But if you say it nicely and don't get frustrated with having to repeat yourself kids rarely mind the steady reminders, at least my neighbor's granddaughter and my little cousins never did. It is how they learn, and eventually you realize you're not repeating yourself as much as you were before because the kid is doing it right more times that not now.

Also, like walkingthewalk said- do a lot of demonstrating. Especially the stuff like how to hold the reins, slide your hand down to turn, how to whoa, etc. Actually showing them what to do instead of just saying it seems to help a lot. Once they can visualize it then it's more just a matter of helping them remember to do it.

I've really enjoyed teaching my neighbor's granddaughter. She's the sweetest kid and is so much fun, and absolutely loves horses. We spent a lot of time ponying her a long with us but she's doing so well now and rarely needs to be led. It's awesome to watch her progress as a rider.:)

[cowgirlup@idaho]

1. Talk to them at whatever their level of understanding is.

2. Don't teach too much at once.

3. Keep the lesson times according to what you think the child's attention span is, so they don't lose interest.



Remember you are teaching and don't take for granted that a child knows even the most basic of things that we don't even think about.

Keep it simple, too much verbal is lost attention from the student.

Lesson time should be mixed with leisure riding. If the lesson becomes too intense and enduring, a child may quit you (mentally and physically) it needs to be fun too.

Observe and listen to your student. Never expect a child to think/understand just like you do. Adjust to their pace of learning (patience, patience, patience)

If you become frustrated, become an actor! don't show it, and be ready to end a lesson if you need time ;) nothing is written in stone and that includes time.

Think of yourself as a mirror and look at your reflection (student) is your reflection what you want to see? If not, check your presentation, you need to have fun too :)

[XshadowfoxX]

Play lots of "games"

Follow the leader, Leap Frog Etc. The games will teach them steering, stopping, transitions and they wont even realize it!

Just my :twocents:

[outriding01]

I'm the equestrian director at a girl scout summer camp so I have more kid experience than I have ever wanted (I can't stand the little buggers mist of the time!). Like cowgirlup said, I become an actor, thank god for my 4 years of theater! The main thing is Tell, Show, Do. Tell them, as simply as possible, what to do. Show them how, then let them try. If you are telling them something over and over again and they just aren't getting it, find a new way to tell them. You'd be amazed at the difference in "toes up" vs. "heels down".... Biggest thing is praise! It makes them feel good and keeps them interested. Pretend like small things are a big deal. If you tell them to lower their hands, and they do, say "Perfect! Just like that, way to go!" Especially if it's something they tend to forget 2 seconds after you tell them.
One thing at a time. Toes up!.... (Wait for it to happen)... Good, now stretch up tall...... Excellent, now let's lower our hands a little..... and then the Perfect! Just like that, way to go!....
Sometimes it also helps to explain why, instead of just telling how. Why do we look where we're going? Because your heads weighs a lot and the horse can feel it and will follow where you turn it. Why do we keep our heels down? Because it helps our balance and keeps us from falling off. Still, #1 most important as far as I'm concerned, and what gets me the happiest, most attentive, willing and SAFE campers is praise. Even though I usually feel like telling them to get off and go back to the barn because I can't deal with how terrible they are ( I get up at 5 am for lessons and I am not a morning person, it gets frustrating....)

Eta: just read shadowfox's post and games are definitely a good thing! I do red light, green light, Simon says, mother may I and "barrel racing" (walking and trotting the pattern around overturned muck buckets ;)). They have fun and I don't have to work quite so hard.....

[Buckpoco]

Yeah, as said before, one concept at a time. I just speak to kids as honestly as I can and they appreciate that. Start also, with a list of what the rules are...if it's in written form, all the better, they seem to really respect the printed word.
As a former teacher I always found the teachers that the kids hated were the teachers that talked nonstop and threw concept after concept at them and expected them to remember all that was said...that's bad teaching!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Petra]

I didn't have the time to read all the responses, so I may be repeating what someone else wrote.

My son is not exactly a small kid. He is 14. But I have just started teaching him to ride this February and he is doing great.

I find that teaching something to a kid is not that much different than teaching something to a horse. Make them want to do better and they will try extra hard. Make sure not to confuse them. Be clear and reasonable. Pay attention to body language; it helps if the child isn't exactly talkative. :)

When I see the smallest improvement I praise a lot. If I see him doing something wrong I explain why is it wrong and I demonstrate a lot. Taking a videos or pictures of him and showing him what he did wrong helped improve his riding a lot. (Few days ago he actually managed to sit through a first heavy bucking and never came off!)
For my son is very important to understand why I want him to do something. "Because I said so" doesn't work with him. If I explain how it affects him and the horse he pays attention.

Being my son...he has his teenage moments; when he thinks he is smarter than I am. That is when I get mad. I am very strict, I do not tolerate back talking, ignoring me, or miserable attitude. I made it clear that if he irritates me, it will affect the horse and he'd create a dangerous situation. Those few times he was made to go home.

If I loose my patience and snap, after I calm down, I explain why that happened. That is when my son actually feels bad and apologizes. ;) If I didn't do that, he'd just think I'm mean.

For the most part we just have a lot off fun and a good time.

Good luck! :)

[3equines]

Great ideas everybody, I have really enjoyed hearing what your experiences are. The girl I am riding with is 10 years old going on 11 - a pretty big kid but still a kid. She is still a little scared of horses even though she is excited about riding (I remember feeling that way at her age). I am trying to build her confidence while keeping her 'fair' to Peach.

[shewasmyshadow]

I offered lessons for years on my Rashad. I might have been the one telling them what to do, but it was Rashad that did the teaching. Most well finished trustworthy horses are pretty good teachers IMO. I did like someone else suggested and gave the rider "assignments" which were really games and then they had to get Rashad to do what they asked. Barrels, cones, logs, flags and poles are all great lesson aids. I would say "Walk to the cones, circle it, trot to the barrel and retrieve the flag...(etc)" It was fun and helped them learn. Also, horse care and preparation for the ride were part of the lesson. ;) They had to get him from the pasture, brush him, clean out the hooves, retrieve the tack and saddle him up. They love it.

[natisha]

Charge 'em. I had a kid who I constantly had to remind about her heels. Finally I told her she owed me a penny for every time I had to remind her. It had to come from her piggy bank, not her mother. I would just say 1 cent, two cents, etc. during a lesson. The next lesson I happily took her 17 cents. Didn't take long before she owed me nothing-ever.

[3equines]

Charge 'em. I had a kid who I constantly had to remind about her heels. Finally I told her she owed me a penny for every time I had to remind her. It had to come from her piggy bank, not her mother. I would just say 1 cent, two cents, etc. during a lesson. The next lesson I happily took her 17 cents. Didn't take long before she owed me nothing-ever.


LOL that is great, and the age of my young friend is perfect for that (pre-teen).

We're going to have a playday Sunday on the 2 remaining horses (the other 4 are going bear hunting with fiancee). I will set up some obstacles around the farm. It will be good because I will be on Crystal, who is green and needs the schooling, and my young friend will be on Gizzy, who is old and cranky but can do it all when asked the right way ;) including sidepass, walk trot, and canter.

I'll be teaching her the basics of using a curb bit on Gizzy, who works beatuifully in a curb when rode right and doesn't seem to care too much if its rode wrong, she's had a lot of kids on her over the years.