Why Kids Benefit from Groundwork Lessons Before They Ride

When most people picture riding lessons for kids, they imagine little boots, shiny helmets, and the excitement of sitting in the saddle for the first time. While riding is an amazing goal, we believe the journey starts on the ground.

We introduce younger students (under 7 years old) to groundwork lessons before they ever put a foot in the stirrup - and here’s why it matters:

1. Safety Comes First

For kids, horses can feel huge and a little intimidating. Groundwork builds confidence in handling a horse safely from the ground - leading, stopping, backing, and standing calmly.

It also teaches kids something every parent wants: how to stay safe around such a big animal.

We show them where it’s safe to walk (and where it isn’t), how to stay mindful of their own feet around hooves, and how to read important horse “signals” like pinned ears or swishing tails.

These early lessons aren’t just good horsemanship, they’re essential for keeping kids safe.

2. Building a Strong Foundation

Horsemanship isn’t just about riding, it’s about communication. Groundwork teaches kids how horses think and respond. By learning to read body language and give clear signals, children understand their horse long before they ride.

3. Age-Appropriate Skills

Young kids don’t always have the balance, strength, or focus to ride right away. Groundwork keeps them engaged and successful while meeting them at their level. It isn’t all work - we make time on the ground fun with goal-oriented games like weaving through cones or gathering rings, all while staying mindful of their horse’s presence. These activities build confidence, coordination, and awareness in a way that feels more like play than practice.

4. Bonding Before the Saddle

When a child learns to connect with their horse on the ground, the bond they form is priceless. That trust carries into the saddle later, making the first rides smoother and more enjoyable.

5. Setting Kids Up for Success

By the time they’re ready to ride, groundwork students already know the basics of horse care, handling, and communication. This gives them a head start, making the transition to riding both safer and more rewarding.

At Unlimited Learning Equestrian, we believe every rider, no matter their age, deserves a strong start. For kids under 7, groundwork lessons are more than a placeholder; they’re the beginning of a lifelong partnership with horses.