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[quote=Anonymous]My 12-year-old started weekly group lessons at age 8. It's ~$60/lesson, plus ~$80 for a helmet and boots.  Until last year, she just did one lesson a week and loved it.  It was so good for her -- it has taught her independence and assertiveness, given her a chance to move from a total beginner to a leader in the barn (helping younger kids learn how to groom and tack), and just gives her so much joy.  Plus the athletic benefits of balance, core strength, etc.  During the pandemic, the barn was closed for a month (sad kid) but after it re-opened it has truly been a highlight of this crappy year.  She's taking two lessons a week now, and also practicing with the low-key show team twice a month, although she's not sure she'll actually compete once the team starts attending shows -- she's not a real competitive person, but has enjoyed the casual shows that the barn has for their students each year.  I've also started taking weekly lessons this year for the first time as an adult, and it's been a great experience -- not sure if I'll keep it up once life gets busier again with commutes and other weekend obligations, but it's been great this year for my health (physical and mental) and for bonding with my kid.  I did fall off (the horse in front of me spooked and startled my horse), and my kid has fallen off, but we are both fine, even if we felt a bit shaken up.  We talk casually about leasing a horse since it's something we would both enjoy, but so far we're able to enjoy our riding without sinking that big cost.

So my bottom line -- if your kid is interested and you can afford weekly group lessons at a barn that has an established program for beginners (because they will likely have rock-solid beginner horses), then it is worth trying.  By the time your kid would be moving up to jumping or other riskier riding, you will know more about the barn and the safety aspects and what you are comfortable with.  It doesn't have to turn into an expensive competitive sport; it can remain a (not cheap, but not outrageous) hobby and still provide a lot of benefits.  [/quote]

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