Young People Need Horses: As Told By Pony Moms
We find these truths to be self-evident that all horses are good for people… Now more than ever.
The best thing you can do as a parent is get your kid around horses. In these modern times, where young people are chronically online, physically inactive, and increasingly reliant on AI, it’s hard for them to know what the real world actually is. Being around horses for 20 years now, there’s no doubt in my mind that horses are the #1 antidote to screens. Despite the unfortunately exorbitant cost of equestrian sports, parents willingly pay for their kids to have horses because it makes them better people.
Horses are extremely real-world. They engage all five senses, and they command your attention and awareness in the present moment. Dealing with large animals has a way of snapping the human brain into focus. Our nonverbal communication with the animals is deep and grounding, plus, to a kid, a pony means sticking to a routine, caring for a living being, learning to trust and be trusted by an animal, physically hard work, and getting back up when you fall. Barns and horse shows also create environments of camaraderie and teamwork, which is less and less common in our increasingly isolated world.
In my eyes, every time a kid gets a pony, that kid has a better chance of becoming a great adult, and that means there’s hope for the future of the human race. With the state of global unrest these days, it’s hard to develop strong, present, compassionate individuals… so, I’d get my kids around horses if I were you.
But you don’t have to take my word for it - I talked to some wonderful mothers who have raised or are currently raising kids in the horse world, and you can read these firsthand accounts from them.
Joey Wolffer
Entrepreneur, CEO, Amateur Grand Prix Rider, mother of pony jumper/hunter & children’s hunter riders Evie and Nell:
The benefits of riding and being around horses in general are abundant for kids. Horses and horse sport teach kids real-world things that will benefit them forever.
Discipline
Focus
Confidence
Resilience
Empathy
Nature
Keeping kids off screens
I work hard for my money and don’t have extra to spend, but despite horses being so expensive, I will invest in my kids’ riding because it’s healthy for them, and the longer I keep them riding, the longer I keep them away from screens.
Camille Duvall
Relator / Former Professional Water Skier, mother of Gabrielle Hero, professional rider/trainer at Back Country Farm:
Raising Gabby in the horse world has been one of the greatest gifts of my life as a mother. Watching Gabby grow up with horses showed me who she really was. The sport taught her resilience, empathy, and responsibility in a very real way. As her mom, I couldn’t be more proud of the woman she’s become. I came from a competitive sports background, so I understood early on that success comes from discipline and showing up every day ready to do the work. Gabby has been a working student for most of her life, so it was never about having a string of horses or an easy path. She had one horse and made it work. Through that, she learned responsibility, empathy, and real partnership with the animal. The horse world can be demanding and sometimes heartbreaking, but watching Gabby grow into a strong, resilient young woman who does what she loves every day makes me incredibly proud.
Tracey Hisler
Mother of two current teenage daughters, Cassidy and Sadie, competing in Jr Hunter & Jr Jumper divisions:
There are so many teachable moments. Moments that teach your kids that not everyone deserves a medal for just showing up. It’s OK to fall. In fact it’s good to fall. What matters most is how you get up. Riding and competing teaches communication, resilience, patience and empathy for an animal that has a mind of its own, but to also learn to truly work as a team. They build confidence that only comes from being humbled and still wanting to put yourself out there again and again. There is something magical about watching my two horse who have incredible resilience and grit. I couldn’t be more proud.
Alex Welles
Amateur Grand Prix Rider, mother of two current pony kids, Anderson and Adeline:
Being at the barn when I was a little girl was so impactful for me in so many ways. My friends and I took care of our own ponies, often bathing them together the day before a show and spending hours just being together with the animals. Andrew and I have always said it doesn’t matter to us if our kids ever ride “seriously” so long as they love and appreciate the animals and what we do. Their favorite thing to do is clip their pony and paint its toes, and most of the time when they ride, we are all in the ring as a family. Anderson started really working at her riding this winter and felt so much pride when she went to the show, but the camaraderie is her favorite part (and ours!). I don’t know where their riding will go, but watching them enjoy their little white pony and hearing their giggles in his stall makes the little rider in me very happy.
Kim Land
Professional Rider/ Trainer, mother of professional rider/trainer Taylor and amateur rider Frances Land:
Adolescence can be a tough time, and horses are good listeners. They are herd animals who seek connection and respond positively to attention. They like to be groomed, and they like to share adventures (trail rides, competition). A barn can be a safe haven; the smell of hay and the sound of horses chewing is relaxing.
Horses give consistent feedback; they are honest and speak clearly if one learns to listen well. Horses are an opportunity to focus on another sentient being who needs attention every day, even on your birthday or a day you are not feeling great.
Horses teach you to pay attention to details, notice slight changes in behavior or movement. They teach you to care in a way that develops maturity and lifelong skills, like watching what is going on, and learning that small problems can turn into big ones if you are not diligent.
Horses teach strength. They are 1200 lb animals that will follow the lead of an 80 lb girl if that girl acts like a leader. This is powerful for the child who embraces the challenge. Horses are led best with tact and patience, not force.
In conclusion, if you’re wondering if you’re doing the right thing by spending so much money, time, and emotional investment on horses, it’s a resounding yes.