Finding the First Horse

A child’s relationship with his or her first horse can make or break the rest of their equine careers.

- CHARLIE COLE

Finding a safe, enjoyable mount that’ll serve the needs of a young, inexperienced rider is a tall task, though. Just how broke does a kid’s horse need to be, what type of training should he have, and what degree of soundness issues can you manage?

Charlie Cole, of Highpoint Performance Horses in Pilot Point, Texas, is an American Quarter Horse Association Professional Horseman. He’s helped hundreds of riders get their start in the arena, and he knows a thing or two about gentle horses. Here are the elements he demands in a kid’s first horse.

Safety First