Introducing Kids to Horses

I have a question about introducing kids to horses. My son has expressed an interest (for about a year now) in having a horse. We live in the country, but have never owned anything bigger than a large dog. I'm not sure we're ready for that type of commitment. I've had him reading a lot about horses, but I don't think that's an adequate way to decide if he's really ready for a horse.

How do I expose him to caring and working with a horse without making the commitment of adding one to our family? If I signed him up for riding lessons at a local stable, will he get an idea there? Maybe I should take lessons as well so that I can help him. (He's only ten.)

Thanks for any advice you might have.

First let me say I think its wonderful that your son has shown an interest in horses.
You are taking the right path in getting him some lessons. I think it would be great if you joined him. Horse ownership is a big responsibility and starting him at a stable will get him the knowledge he (and you) needs to make the choice of whether he wants to have his own someday.
At a barn, he will have the opportunity to be around other kids his age with the same interests. I think it will be a lot of fun for him.

Yes it would be great if you could join him up at a local riding school. If you took up riding too it would be a great help to him, but even if you didn't, you could be just as helpful by encouraging him from the ground.

Leasing a pony may be an option for you sometime in the future - that way if its just not working, you know that you don't have the huge responsibility of fiding a new home for the pony.

Someone at a local riding school or barn may be able to give you some ideas of whats available in your local community.

Yes, a riding school is a good first step, and if interested later, leasing (there are a lot of 'free leases' right now, at least around here) is a good idea before considering buying. You can even learn a lot by just hanging around a barn and talking/watching...most barn owners/managers wouldn't have a problem with that.

YAY that your son shows on interest!

I would say that the two of you guys taking lesson together would be a great idea!

Maybe also put a sign up somewhere near your town asking if anyone would like help with feeding/grooming horse (for free of course) and then bring your son over there and show him what taking care of a horse is all about!

Start off with lessons. Find a local barn and get your child involved there. I would not get him a horse because he has an interest. Unfortunately kids go thru phases and it wouldn't be right for you or the horse to go the buying and selling because your child had a short lived interest.
Find a local barn where he can take lessons. There he will learn how to do the basics of caring for a horse. He will be cleaning, brushing and tacking up his own mount.
Not to sound rude, but a single fall from a horse might be more than enough to stop that interest he had for horses.

If he is in a lesson program, has had a few tumbles but still shows that interest and dedication for horses, then I would possibly start looking for an old pony or horse for him :)

Good Luck

:) Wow. That is a fantastic collection of ideas for me to work on and think about. I never thought about leasing a pony or a horse to try it out.
I am leaning towards the lessons and probably together. Will keep you tuned in to our progress. Keep that encouragement coming, this is really new for me.

I also think taking lessons together would be a great idea...plus, that's a nice bond! :) Good luck, keep us posted.