The Green Horse and children

I have a very green gray and white Pinto mare who I have been letting my grandchildren ride, with either a halter and lead, or my Ponyboy bitless. Cloud is not spooky at all. She is sweet, gentle and non threatening to my grand kids. I let them ride her bareback, so they won't get caught up on something, or get a foot stuck in a stirrup should they fall. I think it helps them learn balance. The ones riding are ages 7-18. They always wear a helmet, and have been around horses for years. I recently got a lot of flack from someone who is not fond of me, saying i was putting my grand kids in danger, silly, and negligent, among other comments. Do you think I am wrong in letting the kids ride and care for this extremely sweet and kind horse? It seems to be a mutual admiration society when they get together.

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Permalink Reply by Geoffrey Pannell on August 22, 2009 at 8:47am

Hi Marty, Look, we all know that anyone can get hurt on any horse, there are some horses that are inherently quiet. I had one , well we still have her, she was having beginers on her (under instruction) a couple of weeks after I broke her in!! If your horse is anything like her , provided your being sensable about what they do with her , go for it . Let your grand kids have some fun on what sounds like a nice horse. I think we can run the risk of being over protective with our kids and grandkids in this day and age, Sounds like this other person has sour grapes for brecky!!

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Permalink Reply by Marti Langley on August 23, 2009 at 2:48am

Thanks so much for this post Geoffrey, I was beginning to think maybe I was being reckless, due to the other person yanking my chain. You are sooo right she has sour grapes for breakfast, lol. I have been putting off going on the "PonyBoy " forum today, I hate getting creamed by this lady.

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Permalink Reply by Fiona Hill on August 22, 2009 at 7:25pm

Hey Marti. Geoffrey is talking a lot of sense! :-)
Don't be swayed by what other people say - ultimately trust your instincts. As long as you know in your heart of hearts if your horse is likely to be a danger to your grandkids and you act accordingly that is all... Yes it's true, horses can be unpredictable and I've had advice from some very eminent people about not letting my horse be handled by kids, but I've seen him behave like an absolute gentleman when children have patted him in the exact manner guaranteed to make him behave like a lunatic if I did it. Trust your instincts Marti - your horse does! x

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Permalink Reply by Marti Langley on August 23, 2009 at 2:50am

Thank you Fiona, for your words. It is hard to trust my instincts sometimes. But Cloud is an exceptional horse. Very sweet, kind and smart. I know she wouldn't hurt a fly on purpose. My 7 yr old grand daughter can ride her beautifully. They have a real bond. Thanks again.

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Permalink Reply by Lallanslover on August 23, 2009 at 6:13am

Boo sucks to the party pooper who is causing you to doubt your own judgement. I totally agree with the other posters here who say you should trust yourself, the kids, and the pony. I don't think for one moment that you're putting anyone in danger. The way you're handling the pony, and the fact that the kids are kitted out with helmets, proves that you're being responsible.

Your grandkids trust this pony and she trusts them, there can be no better match, regardless of how well 'schooled' an animal is...x

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Permalink Reply by Marti Langley on August 23, 2009 at 12:35pm

Why thank you! I really appreciate the support from this forum!

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Lamm on August 24, 2009 at 12:17pm

I believe that someone with your experience and love for horses and grandkids would get the vibe yourself if it were dangerous or not and sometimes we ask the wrong place for opinions..... negativity and the earful you get from a dangerous person who is not happy that you are happy is worse for you than a sweet green horse... :) I know who you are talking about and I had to get away from that person so that her negativity is not in my ear when I am working with my horses...

Love ya marti, hugs to cloud and maggy. Jen

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Permalink Reply by Marti Langley on August 25, 2009 at 8:41am

Thanks, Jen, I am deciding myself whether to stay on that forum, or walk away. I will give myself a couple of days to think about it. Too bad two rotten apples can spoil the whole basket- ful! I will give Maggie and Cloud hugs from you. Give Oliver and Toby big ones from me, too!

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Permalink Reply by Leetta L. Marshall on August 25, 2009 at 11:17pm

Most of the time a green horse will fight an experianced hand on the reins,if they go forward the unexperianced child will just let them go and go easy on the quiding as long as the lead had the right direction the green one can take its time in learning and enjoy being riden without so much steady guiding to worry it.The less stress for the horse in the begining the less problems on down the road..stick with your instints..They work...