8 Fun Confidence Building Tips for Young Riders

Young riders under 12 often experience nervousness around ponies, especially after scary incidents or if paired with a mischievous pony. Many ponies have their own clever ways to test a rider's patience, sometimes leading to falls or scares that can shake a child's confidence. Addressing this gently and effectively helps rebuild their trust and joy of riding.

Below are eight thoughtfully designed tips to nurture young riders’ confidence, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and excited to continue their equestrian journey.

1. Safety First: Equipment Check and Supervised Riding

Safety is the cornerstone of confidence for any young rider. Ensure that both the child's and pony's tack meet current UK safety standards with proper fitting saddles, bridles, girths, and stirrup leathers. Always supervise the child closely, especially with ponies that have a playful or stubborn streak. Wearing a correctly fitted hard hat is essential to protect the rider from injury and ease parental concerns, which also contributes to the child's sense of security.

Building a partnership based on trust, where the rider feels physically secure, allows them to focus on learning and enjoying their rides rather than fearing accidents.

2. Returning to Basics After a Scare

When a child has a frightening experience, forcing them back on the pony too quickly can cause setbacks. Instead, encourage involvement in stable activities like grooming or mucking out, which rebuilds their bond with the pony while developing responsibility and familiarity. Organising group activities such as horsey quizzes makes learning fun and social, reducing fear and increasing engagement.

Restoring mutual respect between rider and pony takes time and patience, but this foundation is key to fully regaining confidence.

3. Balance Building Through Bareback Riding

One of the best exercises to enhance balance and confidence is bareback riding. Riding without a saddle, while safely led on a quiet pony, challenges young riders to strengthen their core and feel movements more clearly. This practice develops a solid seat and body control, which are crucial for confident riding. Always ensure safety helmets are worn and that this exercise is supervised closely to prevent falls.

4. Host a Miniature Show With Rosettes

Creating a mini show where children can participate in showing their ponies in simple classes encourages goal-setting and achievement. Winning a rosette, no matter how small the event, is a powerful confidence booster and makes riding rewarding and fun. These events also foster camaraderie among young riders, building a supportive community atmosphere.

5. Mini Dressage Course and Learning the Bow

Inspired by the popularity of dressage post-Olympics, introducing young riders to a simple mini dressage course can be very motivating. Focus on walking, halting, and basic figures like the figure of eight to help riders improve precision and control. Learning to bow at the end of the performance adds a sense of ceremony and accomplishment, reinforcing positive feelings about their riding skills.

6. Engaging Horseback Exercises Without Stirrups

Fun activities such as "round the world" exercises and basic pole work without stirrups develop balance and strengthen confidence in the saddle. Older children may also benefit from lunge lessons without stirrups, further enhancing their seat and independence. These varied exercises keep lessons exciting while improving essential riding skills.

7. Organise a Picnic Ride

Combining two children's favourites—riding and picnics—creates a joyful experience that fosters positive memories with ponies. A group picnic ride, ideally in a safe, scenic location, offers social interaction and a relaxed setting where children can bond with their ponies and peers. This enjoyable atmosphere reduces apprehension and builds eagerness to ride again.

8. Spa Day: Bathing the Ponies

Hosting a playful bath day for ponies can strengthen the rider-pony relationship through gentle care and teamwork. Children enjoy washing their ponies, often leading to giggles as everyone inevitably gets splashed. Afterward, encouraging kids to write or share stories about their experience enriches communication skills and reflects on the fun, enhancing their emotional connection to the sport.

Conclusion

Recovering confidence after a fall or scare is as much about fostering fun and trust as it is about practising skills. Rather than rushing, the key is creating a nurturing atmosphere with safety and enjoyment at its heart. When mutual respect flourishes and riding remains an exciting, rewarding activity, young riders naturally regain joy and confidence in the saddle for years to come.

For those seeking ponies suitable for young, nervous riders, riding ponies for sale are a great option to explore, ensuring you find calm, reliable mounts to support learning and confidence-building.