One of the benefits of having an older, well-broken in horse to ride is that anyone can ride him. We confirmed that last weekend when we threw the Kid up on our foster horse, Sinbad, and handed him the reins.
It would be a better story if we could tell you that the Kid had been begging us to ride, jumped up there with no hesitation, and took to horseback riding like a duck to water, but the truth is, he was a bit reluctant. In fact, we tricked him into going outside, where the horse was waiting, and coerced him into getting into the saddle. Then we told him we’d hold the horse the whole time he rode, only to let go of the bridle once the Kid had gotten more comfortable. Shame on us! But the good news is, he was in fact able to control Sinbad, and by the time we went up the road a little ways, turned around and came back to the barn – with Sinbad under the Kid’s direction the whole way – he admitted that horseback riding was fun after all.
Hopefully, this was the first of many rides. We have little hope that riding will replace video games in the Kid’s world, but maybe someday he can add it to the things he enjoys doing. We’d better get another horse, just in case. 
After all of these years of thinking that Hopalong Cassidy was my hero, I now have a new one. Way to go!!! You look great up there!!!
Gramps
I used to LOVE the pony rides. I love how you guys are envloving your comunity! I wish I could do the same !! Great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!:):):)
Caroline
Congratulations kid!! Now you need a 4th horse so the kid can ride with a friend.
Way to go kid and parents. I can’t wait till we get enough ridable horses so that my kid and I can ride. We currently have the “older, well-broken in” mare and a half-wild 10 yr old gelding. We thought he was a ridable horse. We will get there soon. Good luck to the kid. Maybe you could get involved in the local 4-H club. Ours has a separate riding club. If you go, take him. He may see it is fun.
Good luck
That is so great that the Kid is riding. I bet you are really excited to go on some trail rides with the whole family. That is kind of funny of how you tricked The Kid into riding Sinbad.
I have found that I have to “trick” my youngest into riding sometimes, too. She is very much a fair-weather rider and will only go out to the barn with us if the sky is blue and the temperature is perfect.
We went ahead and leased a horse for the year for her – a “bomb proof” older guy that is turning out to be a real sweetie. It sure will be hard to give him back when the lease is up!
I hope it words out that the Kid gets more and more interested. That would be cool.
Breaking a new rider in on an older, more experienced horse is no doubt the way to go. Even though you had to trick the Kid, maybe it will help capture his interest.