The rule of thumb is the horse can carry 20% it's body weight, I'd never buy a mini specifically as a first pony for a child because of how quickly they'd out grow it, then what? Atleast for me I hate selling so would want something that would be useful for the longest amount of time. 12-13 hands is my favorite pony height for a child. Now if you had a very small child and already had a mini (just remember the 20% rule) I'd see no reason not to let the kid start out w/ it, but I'd never buy one just for that purpose. I really don't see it being that difficult to train one to ride, most kids are not going to be big enough to ride on their own during the time they ride the mini before they've out grown it.
None of my minis are trained to ride, one is trained to drive and another has been started. I have sat my 2 year old neice on each of these and know it would be very easy for me to get them riding for her. Already being trained to drive helps alot I'm sure.
None of my minis are trained to ride, one is trained to drive and another has been started. I have sat my 2 year old neice on each of these and know it would be very easy for me to get them riding for her. Already being trained to drive helps alot I'm sure.
