Horse used for kid lesson?

Is it weird that my horse seems to let the kid do some things easier than he does with me? He gives me issues with bridling and yet when I asked the instructor if he did the same thing with the kid, she said he was perfect for the kid. Is that weird that he does better for kids than he does for me?

Nope. There are some horses who will walk on eggshells for kids, but put someone who's an adult/exp on, and they are fire and brimstone.

Some horses, just like people, like little kids. My old gelding Bubba was like that. Bubba had a semi-successful racing career, then went on to barrels. Then my dad bought him because he thought he had a nice color (he was a normal bay, but we had mostly chestnuts then). He wasn't looking for a horse, but was doing work at this barn.. and brought home the gelding haha. Anyways, if Mom or I got on him.. he was full of spice. But my little 3yo sister could ride him anywhere and do anything to him and he'd never flinch. There were times she'd crawl under him if we weren't watching her.. dang kids move quick... or hug a leg.. and he'd nuzzle her little helmet covered head.. it was adorable (I miss those days... she looked so cute with her little pink helmet and cowgirl boots lol. Now she's sassy and annoying and sarcastic and a teenager).

ETA: Dad is totally unhorsey.. that's why he though a bay was so.. EXCITING lol.

My gelding has started being used a couple times a week in lessons while I'm away at college. The barn needed a very quiet lesson horse they could put young ones on and I was extremely quick to offer him up. I've watched as many lessons as I can to see how things are run, and I couldn't be happier that he's getting the exercise, the experience, and that the kids are getting to learn on such a great horse. The instructor is very mindful about making sure he doesn't pick up bad habits, and even rides him to give him a little tune up if she has time after the lesson. It's all around a really great set up, and Gunner seems very happy. So as long as you know how your horse will be handled and think he is a good candidate, I think it's a great thing. There's nothing better than having a little girl come up to you gushing about how much she loves your horse and how amazing he is :)

Depends on a lot of things:

(1) Competence of the instructor and the level of his/her committment to "protect your horse" from mis-use by the kids

(2) Competence and nature of the kids involved

(3) The nature of your horse

(4) How comfortable/uncomfortable you are with someone other than you riding your horse. Every time ANYBODY rides your horse, there is "training" going on. It can be good training or bad training, but training is happening.

The list of folks who would be permitted to ride my horse is EXTREMELY small. Life's to short... I don't need that kind of stress when I can prevent it. I am my horse's advicate/protector and I will not willingly compromise my ability to fulfill that role.

But, that's just me....
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