- It provides confidence in ways other sports can't. Watching your 5 yo control a 900 lb animal over jumps and around the ring is truly awe inspiring. Watching her learn how to navigate the arena around other horses with a pony that likes to bite other horses is an act of motherly bravery.
- It provides a sense of teamwork between animal and human.
- It develops cognitive abilities and problem solving skills. Learning a course is one thing. Figuring out how to position your animal to go to each jump and supporting it through the jump takes some planning.
- It develops responsibility. Riding isn't all fun and games. With work comes reward. PG has to groom, tack and cool down her horse. She also now has to clean her tack after each and every ride (saddle, girth and bridle). Horse care is also very important. There is nothing I love more than watching her independently put away a 1300 lb horse!
- It enhances trust skills. Riding is a true team sport. PG has to trust her pony and her pony has to trust her. If either are off....it just doesn't work. And the pony always knows what kind of day you are having. Ponies/horses are herd animals and survive by being highly attuned to the emotional state of those around them.
- Passion! It is fun to nurture your child's passion!! Many kids at this age don't have a "Thing" that is all theirs. I am so grateful PG does.
- It is fun bonding for mother and daughter! What is more fun than hanging with your kid, helping them tack and them watching them ride. Not to mention all of the fun trips to horse shows to hang out.
- It tends to eliminate tween-age drama! Boy troubles? Friends being mean? Go tell it to your horse and hang at the barn where no one will judge and every horse accepts you! (at least this is all what I hope will happen!)
- Nostalgia. What little girl hasn't experienced the desire to be around horses. I get to relive mine while fulfilling my daughters!
And I am sure there is much much more I have yet to learn that will engage and develop PG!
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