Tips for Horseback Riding With Kids

Imagine your kids giggling atop a gentle horse, sunshine filtering through the trees on a warm Texas morning.
Summer is the perfect time to introduce your children to the joys of horseback riding. Not only is it a fun outdoor adventure, but it’s also a wonderful way for families to bond and create lifelong memories.

As a professional riding instructor (and a parent myself), I know that horseback riding with kids can feel a bit daunting at first. Don’t worry – with some preparation and the right mindset, you will ensure an excellent experience for your little ones and the entire family.

In this guide, we’ll cover all the essential tips for horseback riding with kids in the summer, from safety and gear to keeping things fun. Let’s saddle up for a fantastic family adventure!

1. Safety First: Preparing Your Child for the Saddle

Regarding riding horses with kids, safety is the top priority. A bit of preparation ahead of time will go a long way in reassuring both you and your child. Start with some basics before you ever leave home:

• Talk to your kids about how to behave around a horse.
• Explain that horses are friendly but big animals that can be startled by sudden yelling or running.
• Teach your child how to approach a horse by speaking softly.
  Always follow the instructor’s directions.

Additionally, consider your child’s age and comfort level. Very young children (toddlers or preschoolers) might not be ready to handle a horse independently, but they can often ride led by a guide.

Every child is different, and you know yours best. If they’re nervous but still eager, start with a pony ride in a fenced arena or a brief ride around the barnyard. As they gain confidence, you can progress to longer trail rides.

2. Dress for Success: Summer Riding Gear and Essentials

One of the best tips for horseback riding with kids is to dress them in the right gear. The proper horse riding outfit will keep your child comfortable and safe during the ride, especially under the Texas summer sun.

Start with the basics: long pants are a must, even in hot weather. Long pants (like jeans, leggings, or riding breeches) protect your child’s legs from the saddle and brush. They’ll prevent the dreaded “saddle rub” and also shield skin from sunburn or any scrapes if you pass close to a tree or fence.

Footwear is equally important. Closed-toe boots or shoes with a small heel are ideal. A boot with a low heel (even a rubber-soled cowboy boot or a sturdy hiking shoe) helps keep your child’s foot from sliding through the stirrup.

Helmets are non-negotiable for kids. Make sure the helmet fits snugly and sits level on your child’s head (it shouldn’t wobble or tilt back).

3. Planning a Kid-Friendly Riding Adventure

Successful horseback riding with kids starts with smart planning. This means tailoring the adventure to your children’s ages, interests, and the summer weather.

First and foremost, choose the right time of day for your ride. In the Texas summer, early mornings or late evenings are much cooler than midday. An 8 AM trail ride might still be in the comfortable 70s or low 80s (°F), whereas by noon it could be in the mid-90s. The cooler hours will keep everyone happier.

Next, consider the length and difficulty of the ride. A short, easy trail, such as a one-hour ride, is best for young or first-time riders.

It’s also important to pick a family-friendly location. For instance, at Touch of Chrome Paints, we cater our trail rides to all ages and skill levels.

4. Keeping Kids Comfortable & Engaged on the Trail

Once you’ve prepared and planned, the day of the ride arrives – now it’s all about keeping your kids comfortable and engaged during the adventure. Start off on the right foot (or hoof!) by ensuring everyone is at ease.

As you begin the trail, go at your child’s pace. Most family trail rides will stick to a gentle walking gait, which is perfect. If your child seems a bit nervous initially, riding right next to them on your own horse (or walking beside them on foot if that’s an option) can be very reassuring.

Keep an eye on your child’s comfort level as you go. In summer, that often means checking if they’re too hot or thirsty. It’s perfectly okay to ask the guide for a quick pause in the shade to have a sip of water. In fact, experienced trail guides with kids along usually plan a break point where everyone can rest for a minute. Use those opportunities to ask your child how they’re doing. Sometimes kids won’t speak up to an unfamiliar guide, but they might tell you if the helmet is itching or if they need to adjust a stirrup.

To keep kids engaged, let them feel involved in the journey. Kids love feeling like they’re really riding their horse. If the trail guide says it’s okay, let your child have a bit of independence, like lightly holding their own reins (even if an adult is leading the horse by another rope for safety). They’ll be thrilled to think, “I’m steering the horse!”

5. Make It Fun: Building Confidence & Lasting Memories

For kids, the difference between a one-time ride and a lifelong love of horses often comes down to how fun and positive their early experiences are.

One big tip: end the ride on a high note. If your child has ridden for a while and you sense their attention or energy waning, it might be time to wrap up before they get too tired. Finishing while they’re still happy means they’ll remember the experience fondly.

After the ride, celebrate the small victories. Did your normally shy kid bravely sit up on a big horse? That’s huge! Did your energetic kid manage to listen to the guide and follow directions? Fantastic! Make a big deal of these accomplishments.