On the Fence: A Parent's Handbook of Horseback Riding

If your child is an aspiring horse rider, this is a must have book for you, the parent even if you have a bucket full of cash. This can be an expensive endevor but it does not have to be, you can do a little at a time. The book is very easy and enjoyable to read and has tons of good ole common sense advice and information.

So, your child wants to ride a horse. Here then, in comprehensive detail, are answers to the multitude of problems and questions you will face. Learn how, where and when to best get started--how to find appropriate resources while keeping within an affordable budget for this expensive sport. The author has thoroughly researched and provided answers to every question you or your child will have in beginning, sustaining, and enjoying this very special endeavor. This book provides an unique opportunity to learn all you need know while saving endless time and recurrent difficulties. You'll savor it!

This book by Janet Barrett demonstrates an insiders knowledge of a child learning to ride. What is particularly helpful is that Ms. Barrett knows what is going on in the child's head. Thus the parent knows what to expect when the child suddenly wants to buy a horse or stop lessons for a while. This is a great manual that takes the parent step by step through the process from casual interest to wanting lessons, finding a stable and performing in shows. I would recommend it highly to any parent who hears those words for the first time: mom, I want to ride a horse!"

I can't imagine any parent starting their son/daughter in the sport of riding without reading and owning a copy of this book to refer to continuously as they go. It is not only informative on a day-to-day basis, but it is a valuable resource in understanding your child's progression through the sport from the first lesson onward (and yours from even before that!) Throughout, as your child moves from beginner, to intermediate and beyond, the information is explicit and clear. I suggest that anyone whose child wants to ride get this book and keep it as their "bible"!

This book starts with the one's child saying: Mom, I want to ride a horse! Overwhelmed by fears of what you don't know and the expense of an activity you are afraid your child will give up too quickly (or not quickly enough), this book addresses all the questions parents face as they face them. Very easy to read and nicely laid out, this book provided the answers we had as our daughter was deciding if this was "the sport for her". As I knew little to nothing about horseback riding and nothing about stables or lessons, this book helped me make the right decisions at the right time and kept me from rushing into buying more equipment than I needed. Before you go down this path, read this book!