>>>> Gat is a great first pony BUT, if Alex hadn't taken riding lessons for some time before we purchased Gat I don't think she would've been a good choice for a first pony.
Good point, but another point is that probably NO horse or pony is good for a kid who isn't taking lessons - not unless the parents are VERY experienced, which you and I weren't at that point. And even if the parents are experienced, some things go better when taught by someone outside the family. If I ever have a grandchild, I'll pay get him/her lessons if the child has interest. I think I know enough now to give a few basic lessons, but I'd rather "outsource" that task. >>>> Gat is a calm, stoic mare but she can be opinionated in her own quiet way, plus she's very pacey which makes the typical English riding lessons with walk/trot/canter more 'interesting'. Another good point. Just because a horse has a temperament that fits, doesn't necessarily mean he/she is best for the task at hand, so we make choices. We stumbled and were basically in the opposite situation with our Arab, Thunder. He was too much horse for a beginner, but amazingly had talent for "English" pursuits. Thank goodness Emily is a good natural rider, was determined to stick it out, and thank goodness we found Shirley - no one got hurt. They synced up within a few months, but we had some bad moments along the way, especially at the very first. >>> After riding Gat for a year, Alex gained confidence and ability and now, at age 11 is a better rider than I am. She is able to ride Orri in an arena and he seems very comfortable with her...it is going so well that I think Alex will probably try him in lessons this fall. I hear ya! I think Emily was 8 1/2 when she started riding and by the time she was ten, we couldn't begin to approach her skill. I'm glad that Alex and Orri are doing well. I guess you'll have to get yourself a horse now...or is Gat yours? :) Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.11.8/940 - Release Date: 8/6/2007 4:53 PM
