How do I explain....

[Ferrah]

I found out a few days ago with casual conversation with one of our little 4-H'ers that she lets her friend ride her year and a half old Miniature Horse! (I am her horse junior leader in 4-H) The friend of hers weighs about 95 pounds. I told her that no one should be riding this horse until she is at least three years old and mostly finished growing and especially NOT a 95 pound girl. I put it as gently as I could explaining that she could be setting her horse up for a lot of serious problems if she continues to do this, especially at this horse's age. I helped her find and buy this mini but never thought once to tell her no one can ride her until she is older and to explain the weight limit for her horse. She has been taking riding lessons for a few years at a stable where they also learn about training and starting young horses, I thought she would have known better.

Anyway she was pretty upset with me and I want to help her understand why this isn't safe for her little horse. I don't want her to keep letting her friends ride her horse, but I want to help her understand without her getting defensive.

 

[Secret Hills Ranch]

Oooo, that's a tuffy. Some kids can be so stubborn.

I would explain to her it's like if her dad wanted a piggy back ride from her. That's a lot like what she's doing to her horse...

Good luck!!!

 

[Miniv]

That's a great comparison by Secret Hills!

I hate to admit it but I'd be rather abrupt and not so delicate with the 4-Her, probably because she was a youngster......

MA

 

[ChrystalPaths]

Excellent comparison Hills, I'd put it just like that and refer her to us!

 

[Magic]

I like Secret Hills' comparison too.

A year and a half old horse is NOT fully grown so shouldn't be doing ANY weight bearing at all. Tell the girl that it is exactly like making HER carry a fifty pound bag of feed.... poor mini!