Would you let your daughter take up horse riding?
Discussion
What an utter liberty. I'd be incandescent if anyone in my extended family bought such a significant gift and commitment for a child of mine.
My own family (mother and sister's daughter) have horses, and they'd be very well advised to not even think of involving my daughter in the lunacy without my express permission first. That your wife's family have done so without your permission is an outrage, frankly.
What would your wife say if your parents bought your child a quad bike for instance without her permission? I'm quite confident I can predict the reaction to that one.
I'd be having this out with them and getting that pony withdrawn sharpish.
My own family (mother and sister's daughter) have horses, and they'd be very well advised to not even think of involving my daughter in the lunacy without my express permission first. That your wife's family have done so without your permission is an outrage, frankly.
What would your wife say if your parents bought your child a quad bike for instance without her permission? I'm quite confident I can predict the reaction to that one.
I'd be having this out with them and getting that pony withdrawn sharpish.
DoubleSix said:
What do people think of the link? Many of us, myself included, spurn motorbikes because of the relative risks. I love speed and adrenaline but on balance don't think the risk is worth it... so why is this different?
I think the link is written as many media stories are......considering the annual number of hospital admissions you could write a scary piece about ladders, stairs or even trousers without too much difficulty. That said, like motorbikes or rugby, you've GOT to be increasing the chance of one of the 'freak accidents' which leads to permanent injury. The problem for me, is that lots of awful things happen to people each year who AREN'T doing something high risk. Id feel pretty bad if i decided to shelter my child from what i perceived to be dangerous only for something else to happen - would seem like everyone lost all round there.I am a bit torn. We own a horse, and a few weeks back had 7 and 3 year old nieces over helping muck out and ride (or just run about holding a bit of rope shouting "we're trotting family" repeatedly.) to say they love it as a bit of an understatement - such excitement is usually reserved for post brightly coloured sweet binges. There are 5, 11-19 year old girls at the stables who are, without exception absolutely delightful - were i a parent id be proud of the mix of confidence and consideration. spending times with adults with shared interest and responsibility for something living seems to be a very good thing
[Like others poster have noted, however, the pony club set of activities is often the reverse with some truly horrific people involved. Id actually be more worried about that than the danger element personally and would want her to do normal stuff around normal riders were it me. I would genuinely flat out refuse to allow any child of mine to get involved with them)]
on the counter...my wife currently has a cracked toe where our gigantic idiot stepped on her, one lady has a broken leg where her horse fell over a fence and landed on her, and one has a couple of cracked ribs from being thrown into a jump pole. (there are only 25 horses at our yard!) but all will recover im sure. Its relevant to note, that the one lady who can no longer ride at all as she damaged her back too badly did it skiing...!
In the time it took to compose my previous post there were half a dozen other replies which set out many of the opinions I held back, it seems I am not alone in my distaste for the horsey set.
One of my objections was that my daughter was competing against people who not only rode a £30K horse but often had a spare or two for when one inevitably became lame. Way out of our league but hard to explain to a 12 year old.
We had to return a horse because we trusted the vendors vet report, then discovered it had been doped and had a suspected brain tumour. Sorting this involved lining the pockets of a solicitor and culminated in a refund and my wife being spat in the face by the mental/crooked (female) vendor.
The best horse she had tripled in value because of the points my daughter had earned on him but of course we could not cash in on this because of the sentimental attachment.
This ended when he died in agony with colic, total vets bill was edging five figures, the heartache suffered by my daughter was unbearable. Worst of all the OH and daughter were abroad at the time and I had to give the OK to put him down without consulting them first.
One of my objections was that my daughter was competing against people who not only rode a £30K horse but often had a spare or two for when one inevitably became lame. Way out of our league but hard to explain to a 12 year old.
We had to return a horse because we trusted the vendors vet report, then discovered it had been doped and had a suspected brain tumour. Sorting this involved lining the pockets of a solicitor and culminated in a refund and my wife being spat in the face by the mental/crooked (female) vendor.
The best horse she had tripled in value because of the points my daughter had earned on him but of course we could not cash in on this because of the sentimental attachment.
This ended when he died in agony with colic, total vets bill was edging five figures, the heartache suffered by my daughter was unbearable. Worst of all the OH and daughter were abroad at the time and I had to give the OK to put him down without consulting them first.
Put your fking foot down NOW ! or
your house and/or car will forever more skink of horse, your washing machine will give up the ghost and suffer a very short life due to horse rugs being washed in it several times a year, a task for which it isnt designed - no matter what you tell her she will still use it!
You will end up being roped in for very early mornings cleaning out horse crap and cleaning it from fields...you will also end up paying a bloody fortune in stabling and feed,saddles,shoes etc etc etc... and putting up with all the b
hy bullst when they dont get on with or fall out with another girl at the stables.
And never ever ever allow your daughter to buy a horse or buy her one unless YOU
are prepared to be respionsible for it and its lifelong expenses, horses live a hell of a lot longer than a goldfish or a dog - the poor sod who ends up with her will end with all this and half the ongoing debt and huge vet bills that come with an ageing horse who is now part of the family.... then she will end up frocing this all onto her own children and the endless cycle continues......
I speak from bitter experience.
your house and/or car will forever more skink of horse, your washing machine will give up the ghost and suffer a very short life due to horse rugs being washed in it several times a year, a task for which it isnt designed - no matter what you tell her she will still use it!
You will end up being roped in for very early mornings cleaning out horse crap and cleaning it from fields...you will also end up paying a bloody fortune in stabling and feed,saddles,shoes etc etc etc... and putting up with all the b
hy bullst when they dont get on with or fall out with another girl at the stables.And never ever ever allow your daughter to buy a horse or buy her one unless YOU
are prepared to be respionsible for it and its lifelong expenses, horses live a hell of a lot longer than a goldfish or a dog - the poor sod who ends up with her will end with all this and half the ongoing debt and huge vet bills that come with an ageing horse who is now part of the family.... then she will end up frocing this all onto her own children and the endless cycle continues......
I speak from bitter experience.
I would say it depends on the type of horse riding she gets into.
Seems that most injuries occur to seasoned jumping and galloping types, or to freak accident events.
Trotting round a field, if properly supervised, should present a very low risk.
Note a key part of the OP's linked article
Seems that most injuries occur to seasoned jumping and galloping types, or to freak accident events.
Trotting round a field, if properly supervised, should present a very low risk.
Note a key part of the OP's linked article
BBC Article said:
Lucy had come off a thousand times in her life. It was one of those freak flukes - nothing could have been done to prevent it."
Freak accidents can happen doing anything.I used to run a business doing R&D into riding safety equipment...
stats (from memory - late 90s / early 2000s in the states) were 20x more likely to end up in hospital from a horse than from a motorbike...
however the stats are very misleading - the reality is that the injury from a horse that lands you in hospital is far less likely to be life-changing / disabling / death-inducing as speeds are very different...
worst injuries from riding tend to be in eventing with rotational falls over solid fences - but this tends to be at international level (6 riders died in 1999 crushed by their horses) - but safety kit has moved on with air bag jackets / exos / etc. all helping
most common injuries are simply from dealing with a 350 - 500kg animal - bruised feet / muscle strains etc.
although male I have ridden from a child - had a lot of fun doing cross-country / jumping / dressage and playing polo there can be some very strange people in the horse world but most are extremely nice - what a lovely opportunity, better than all the dodgy things teenagers might get up to - if at 15 she is simply reading horsey books and dreaming of adventure!
stats (from memory - late 90s / early 2000s in the states) were 20x more likely to end up in hospital from a horse than from a motorbike...
however the stats are very misleading - the reality is that the injury from a horse that lands you in hospital is far less likely to be life-changing / disabling / death-inducing as speeds are very different...
worst injuries from riding tend to be in eventing with rotational falls over solid fences - but this tends to be at international level (6 riders died in 1999 crushed by their horses) - but safety kit has moved on with air bag jackets / exos / etc. all helping
most common injuries are simply from dealing with a 350 - 500kg animal - bruised feet / muscle strains etc.
although male I have ridden from a child - had a lot of fun doing cross-country / jumping / dressage and playing polo there can be some very strange people in the horse world but most are extremely nice - what a lovely opportunity, better than all the dodgy things teenagers might get up to - if at 15 she is simply reading horsey books and dreaming of adventure!
akirk said:
I used to run a business doing R&D into riding safety equipment...
stats (from memory - late 90s / early 2000s in the states) were 20x more likely to end up in hospital from a horse than from a motorbike...
however the stats are very misleading - the reality is that the injury from a horse that lands you in hospital is far less likely to be life-changing / disabling / death-inducing as speeds are very different...
worst injuries from riding tend to be in eventing with rotational falls over solid fences - but this tends to be at international level (6 riders died in 1999 crushed by their horses) - but safety kit has moved on with air bag jackets / exos / etc. all helping
most common injuries are simply from dealing with a 350 - 500kg animal - bruised feet / muscle strains etc.
although male I have ridden from a child - had a lot of fun doing cross-country / jumping / dressage and playing polo there can be some very strange people in the horse world but most are extremely nice - what a lovely opportunity, better than all the dodgy things teenagers might get up to - if at 15 she is simply reading horsey books and dreaming of adventure!
exactly stats (from memory - late 90s / early 2000s in the states) were 20x more likely to end up in hospital from a horse than from a motorbike...
however the stats are very misleading - the reality is that the injury from a horse that lands you in hospital is far less likely to be life-changing / disabling / death-inducing as speeds are very different...
worst injuries from riding tend to be in eventing with rotational falls over solid fences - but this tends to be at international level (6 riders died in 1999 crushed by their horses) - but safety kit has moved on with air bag jackets / exos / etc. all helping
most common injuries are simply from dealing with a 350 - 500kg animal - bruised feet / muscle strains etc.
although male I have ridden from a child - had a lot of fun doing cross-country / jumping / dressage and playing polo there can be some very strange people in the horse world but most are extremely nice - what a lovely opportunity, better than all the dodgy things teenagers might get up to - if at 15 she is simply reading horsey books and dreaming of adventure!
the main hazard with riding is the fact that you can;t put it down without literally having to 'put it down' - other activities if you stop the costs stop ...
DoubleSix said:
"Of course, what are you soft??!!"
Is the response I expect. But I'm not risk averse and am a big believer in the value of life experiences, especially those that get them out in the great outdoors etc
BUT, I have serious reservations about this one.
Background is that OH's family are horse mad, owning many of the beasts. They're already doing their best to indoctrinate her into a horse mad kid and she's only two ffs! They've bought her a pony already and make a big fuss about it when she goes to stay etc It's all just assumed she will ride and she will love it and it's all jolly good fun blah blah blah
But I'm thinking ahead a bit and thinking "hold on a minute, it's my job to protect this kid from undue risk" I don't want her spending her life in a fking wheelchair (I know extreme perhaps) just because I walked sleeping into a scenario of someone else's design. Would I actively encourage a boy to hop on a motorbike at 16?? 
hmm probably not actually.
Some of the statistics are pretty grim:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/sto...
So, I won't bleat on too much but would welcome some input on the issue. I'm tempted to put my foot down as once she's a bit older it won't be fair to hit reverse but I don't want to be a dick and let my fatherly instincts deprive the kid of enjoyment, but there is a balance to be struck here right?
Article published in 2007 "Riding is booming but so are the number of casualties - Yorkshire and Lincolnshire's two air ambulances have seen an increase of 65% in accidents over the past five years.Is the response I expect. But I'm not risk averse and am a big believer in the value of life experiences, especially those that get them out in the great outdoors etc
BUT, I have serious reservations about this one.
Background is that OH's family are horse mad, owning many of the beasts. They're already doing their best to indoctrinate her into a horse mad kid and she's only two ffs! They've bought her a pony already and make a big fuss about it when she goes to stay etc It's all just assumed she will ride and she will love it and it's all jolly good fun blah blah blah
But I'm thinking ahead a bit and thinking "hold on a minute, it's my job to protect this kid from undue risk" I don't want her spending her life in a f
king wheelchair (I know extreme perhaps) just because I walked sleeping into a scenario of someone else's design. Would I actively encourage a boy to hop on a motorbike at 16?? hmm probably not actually. Some of the statistics are pretty grim:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/sto...
So, I won't bleat on too much but would welcome some input on the issue. I'm tempted to put my foot down as once she's a bit older it won't be fair to hit reverse but I don't want to be a dick and let my fatherly instincts deprive the kid of enjoyment, but there is a balance to be struck here right?
Two things:
1. Find some recent data.
2. Find some recent data with a breakdown. What does "an increase in accidents actually mean?
PS. Make sure the sole reason you're objecting is safety and not inverted snobbery.
Anecdotally, my sister's Goddaughter and her 2 sisters have been riding regularly (multiple times a week) (and owned horses) for a combined 60 years approx. and none of them has had more than a broken arm from being thrown and that's only happened to one of them.
I'm actively encouraging my 10 year old soon-to-be-stepson to take up motorcycling as soon as he's able.
Edited by Pothole on Wednesday 18th March 14:40
DoubleSix said:
"Of course, what are you soft??!!"
Is the response I expect. But I'm not risk averse and am a big believer in the value of life experiences, especially those that get them out in the great outdoors etc
BUT, I have serious reservations about this one.
Background is that OH's family are horse mad, owning many of the beasts. They're already doing their best to indoctrinate her into a horse mad kid and she's only two ffs! They've bought her a pony already and make a big fuss about it when she goes to stay etc It's all just assumed she will ride and she will love it and it's all jolly good fun blah blah blah
But I'm thinking ahead a bit and thinking "hold on a minute, it's my job to protect this kid from undue risk" I don't want her spending her life in a fking wheelchair (I know extreme perhaps) just because I walked sleeping into a scenario of someone else's design. Would I actively encourage a boy to hop on a motorbike at 16?? hmm probably not actually.
Some of the statistics are pretty grim:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/sto...
So, I won't bleat on too much but would welcome some input on the issue. I'm tempted to put my foot down as once she's a bit older it won't be fair to hit reverse but I don't want to be a dick and let my fatherly instincts deprive the kid of enjoyment, but there is a balance to be struck here right?
Fate, she could be riding a horse on a day when she might otherwise get knocked off a moped Is the response I expect. But I'm not risk averse and am a big believer in the value of life experiences, especially those that get them out in the great outdoors etc
BUT, I have serious reservations about this one.
Background is that OH's family are horse mad, owning many of the beasts. They're already doing their best to indoctrinate her into a horse mad kid and she's only two ffs! They've bought her a pony already and make a big fuss about it when she goes to stay etc It's all just assumed she will ride and she will love it and it's all jolly good fun blah blah blah
But I'm thinking ahead a bit and thinking "hold on a minute, it's my job to protect this kid from undue risk" I don't want her spending her life in a f
king wheelchair (I know extreme perhaps) just because I walked sleeping into a scenario of someone else's design. Would I actively encourage a boy to hop on a motorbike at 16?? hmm probably not actually. Some of the statistics are pretty grim:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/sto...
So, I won't bleat on too much but would welcome some input on the issue. I'm tempted to put my foot down as once she's a bit older it won't be fair to hit reverse but I don't want to be a dick and let my fatherly instincts deprive the kid of enjoyment, but there is a balance to be struck here right?
My in-laws have previously owned and ridden. There was a time in recent years where MIL was taking her youngest daughter for lessons on a Saturday for the pair of them just for something to do. Thankfully they both lost interest.
I've just sent this to my wife as a result of reading this thread...
"Just in case someone suggests a horse for any children we already have or may have in the future....;-)
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... "
I've just sent this to my wife as a result of reading this thread...
"Just in case someone suggests a horse for any children we already have or may have in the future....;-)
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... "
DoubleSix said:
Background is that OH's family are horse mad, owning many of the beasts. They're already doing their best to indoctrinate her into a horse mad kid and she's only two ffs! They've bought her a pony already and make a big fuss about it when she goes to stay etc It's all just assumed she will ride and she will love it and it's all jolly good fun blah blah blah
Presumably they discussed this with you first before buying your daughter a pony. Surely that would have been the time to raise your concerns? Bit late now. I probably would, My wife had a horse as a kid, his sister still does, my Son has ridden.
But I know statistically it's stupidly dangerous, far more than Mountain Biking (which is my pastime which gives the wife kittens because of the crashes I've had).
All life is risk though isn't it.
But I know statistically it's stupidly dangerous, far more than Mountain Biking (which is my pastime which gives the wife kittens because of the crashes I've had).
All life is risk though isn't it.
My daughters are 5 and 7.
They both ride and absolutely love it. It gets them out in the fresh air, it teaches them discipline, responsibility & focus and it gives them a sense of competitiveness.
Yes, there are risks but there are risks in most things; how wrapped up in cotton wool do you want them to be
They both ride and absolutely love it. It gets them out in the fresh air, it teaches them discipline, responsibility & focus and it gives them a sense of competitiveness.
Yes, there are risks but there are risks in most things; how wrapped up in cotton wool do you want them to be
P-Jay said:
I probably would, My wife had a horse as a kid, his sister still does, my Son has ridden.
But I know statistically it's stupidly dangerous, far more than Mountain Biking (which is my pastime which gives the wife kittens because of the crashes I've had).
All life is risk though isn't it.
Could you share some stats which gave you this 'knowledge'?But I know statistically it's stupidly dangerous, far more than Mountain Biking (which is my pastime which gives the wife kittens because of the crashes I've had).
All life is risk though isn't it.
Ari said:
DoubleSix said:
Background is that OH's family are horse mad, owning many of the beasts. They're already doing their best to indoctrinate her into a horse mad kid and she's only two ffs! They've bought her a pony already and make a big fuss about it when she goes to stay etc It's all just assumed she will ride and she will love it and it's all jolly good fun blah blah blah
Presumably they discussed this with you first before buying your daughter a pony. Surely that would have been the time to raise your concerns? Bit late now. However, the pony in question was called 'hers' when she was still a baby so I wasn't really fussed. Just seemed a harmless bit of fun and still is in some senses. But I'm looking ahead here and picking up on conversations that are only emerging as she is getting older and more conscious of what's 'hers' and what isn't...
Pothole said:
P-Jay said:
I probably would, My wife had a horse as a kid, his sister still does, my Son has ridden.
But I know statistically it's stupidly dangerous, far more than Mountain Biking (which is my pastime which gives the wife kittens because of the crashes I've had).
All life is risk though isn't it.
Could you share some stats which gave you this 'knowledge'?But I know statistically it's stupidly dangerous, far more than Mountain Biking (which is my pastime which gives the wife kittens because of the crashes I've had).
All life is risk though isn't it.
I firmly agree with those who are saying that the risk of injury is the least of your worries.
My parents bought me a brand new 50cc Honda motorbike for Christmas when I was 6 years old for Christ sake. It would do in excess of 30mph and me and my brother would use scaffolding planks and bricks to build ramps in the fields with and see who could jump the furthest, Evil Kinevil style...
People worry far too much about their children being injured whilst enjoying themselves.
What should terrify you though is the sheer costs involved.
And the smell. Oh god the smell. Unless you insist on ALL clothing and equipment being kept at the stables or in an outbuilding away from your house, then be prepared for a wretched stench to be present in your home at all times.
Make no mistake, Horses are an absolutely wallet-destroyingly expensive hobby, that will put most forms of amateur Motorsport to shame.
I have had the misfortune to date 2 girls who were horse enthusiasts, and it was frankly dreadful. They were always totally skint, had no time for anything but horses, and despite being very clean individuals, they still reeked of that awful smell because it was in their cars and houses.
I can't comment too much on the people from the horsey scene, but after attending a couple of Balls and competitions, I got the impression it was a really 'bhy' passtime.
It's only a fun hobby if you are loaded to the point of being able to have your own stables on your own field, and employ someone to look after/clean out the animals for you, wash the horse transporter and prepare things for events. If you can't afford that kind of thing then don't bother IMO.
My parents bought me a brand new 50cc Honda motorbike for Christmas when I was 6 years old for Christ sake. It would do in excess of 30mph and me and my brother would use scaffolding planks and bricks to build ramps in the fields with and see who could jump the furthest, Evil Kinevil style...
People worry far too much about their children being injured whilst enjoying themselves.
What should terrify you though is the sheer costs involved.
And the smell. Oh god the smell. Unless you insist on ALL clothing and equipment being kept at the stables or in an outbuilding away from your house, then be prepared for a wretched stench to be present in your home at all times.
Make no mistake, Horses are an absolutely wallet-destroyingly expensive hobby, that will put most forms of amateur Motorsport to shame.
I have had the misfortune to date 2 girls who were horse enthusiasts, and it was frankly dreadful. They were always totally skint, had no time for anything but horses, and despite being very clean individuals, they still reeked of that awful smell because it was in their cars and houses.
I can't comment too much on the people from the horsey scene, but after attending a couple of Balls and competitions, I got the impression it was a really 'b
hy' passtime.It's only a fun hobby if you are loaded to the point of being able to have your own stables on your own field, and employ someone to look after/clean out the animals for you, wash the horse transporter and prepare things for events. If you can't afford that kind of thing then don't bother IMO.
Edited by NinjaPower on Wednesday 18th March 15:22
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