Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2011 | Page 102

the rider

Island Life - February/March 2011

Above: Indie Webb

Above: Jay Jay Rand

Starting Young
We are very

over react to the inevitable mistakes

Lawns later in the year. Jay Jay even

lucky on the

made while learning. The problem with

at such a young age takes her riding

Island to have so

ponies is that they are clever and the

seriously and shows determination and

much beautiful

best of them can learn a few tricks with

is always watching and learning.

countryside and

novice riders so it can help to have a

also one of the

more experienced rider to keep them

Bossy last year having decided his

highest density of

on the straight and narrow from time

aim was to ride in the Ashey Scurry

horses and ponies

to time. As the rider improves with

this year. Indie lacked nothing in the

per square mile in

balance and confidence they are able

enthusiasm or bravery department

the UK. Together with plenty of riding

to get a much better tune out of their

and after realizing riding circles,

schools, livery facilities, pony and riding

ponies and there comes a time for

doing transitions and sitting correctly

clubs with regular shows and activities

those who wish to progress to more

actually are important he has formed

it is the ideal environment for children

advanced riding or competing when a

a great partnership with Bossy and

to take up riding.

bit more horse power is needed, but to

won Brickfields Star Of The Future

much horse to early can put a child off

Trophy 2010 and the points trophy at

for pleasure or to later pursue a

and also teaches them to ride on their

the children’s Christmas show. He has

competitive or professional career in

hands rather than seat and legs.

even been seen competing in the odd

By Robert Booth

Starting young whether just

horses has to be an advantage.
Riding must be fun for children and

Indie, 11 came to me with his pony

Two aspiring riders that I am helping

dressage test. I am sure there is a lot

at the moment are Jay Jay Rand and

more to come in the future from these

as with most things in life ability and

Indie Webb. Jay Jay aged 9 has already

two talented young riders.

confidence levels vary enormously

spent a couple of years showing ponies

between individuals. Finding the

with great success, winning the national

the saying and I couldn’t agree more.

suitable childs pony can be a minefield

first ridden final at Malvern and

In these days of Health and Safety

and good ones are hard to find. To

qualifying for The Royal International

we must remember that riding and

begin with the quieter the pony the

Show 2009.and is now concentrating

handling ponies correctly is essential

better as these ponies teach children

on jumping with her two ponies Flixie

for safety and well being of horse

to ride forwards with balance and

and Emmerald and is competing in the

and rider, but what a lovely way to

confidence. They allow riders to take

Stepping Stones under 10s national

get children out in the fresh air and

time to learn basic skills and will not

qualifiers aiming for the final at Weston

countryside, exercising and having fun.

102

Good horses make good riders is

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