Cherry Hill - Cherry Hills Horse Care for Kids

Cherry Hills

HORSE CARE for KIDS

Cherry Hills

The mission of Storey Publishing is to serve our customers by
publishing practical information that encourages
personal independence in harmony with the environment.

Edited by Deborah Burns, Anne Kostick, and Eileen Clawson
Cover and text design by Wendy Palitz
Art direction by Meredith Maker
Text production by Susan Bernier and Leslie Tane

Front cover photographs: (clockwise from top left) Shelley Heatley, Lesley Ward, Benson Photography, Shelley Heatley; Back cover of paperback edition: (top) Giles Prett/Storey Publishing, (bottom) Richard Klimesh; Back cover of hardcover edition: Giles Prett/Storey Publishing; Back flap of hardcover edition: Richard Klimesh

Interior photo credits: Benson Photography:

Illustration credits: Jim Dyekman:

Indexed by Susan Olason, Indexes and Knowledge Maps

2002 by Cherry Hill

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages or reproduce illustrations in a review with appropriate credits; nor may any part of this book be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or other without written permission from the publisher.

The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author or Storey Publishing. The author and publisher disclaim any liability in connection with the use of this information. For additional information please contact Storey Publishing, 210 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247.

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Printed in the United States by Versa Press
20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Hill, Cherry, 1947

Cherry Hills horse care for kids / by Cherry Hill.

p. cm.

Includes index.

Summary: Explains how to choose, understand, handle, feed, groom, shelter and pasture, and care for the health of a horse.

ISBN 978-1-58017-407-7 (paperback); 9781-58017476-3 (hardcover) (alk.paper)

1. HorsesJuvenile literature. 2. HorsemanshipJuvenile literature.

[1. Horses. 2. Horsemanship.] I. Title: Horsekeeping. II. Title.

SF302 .H53 2002

636.1'083dc21

2001049814

To my horse buddies all over the world

human and equine! Have fun. Be safe.

I am so excited for you! I think that horses are the most wonderful interest you could possibly have. Horses have given me so much enjoyment that I have spent my whole life learning about them. Now Id like to help teach you how to care for your pony or your horse. Books are great sources of information about horses, but in order to become a really accomplished equestrian, you also need two special mentors.

What is a mentor? A mentor is a wise and dedicated teacher. One of your mentors should be a person who has had a lot of positive experiences with horses and loves and respects them, someone who works safely with horses and can describe to you how and why you should do things a certain way. This person could be old or fairly young. He or she could be a professional horse trainer or riding instructor, your aunt or grandfather, your next-door neighbor, the man who works at the feed store, or your 4-H or Pony Club leader.

If you find a mentor who is willing to share knowledge with you and teach you about horses, you are very lucky. Do everything you can do to show your mentor that you are serious and want to learn. Pay attention when he or she is explaining something. Never arrive late or miss a scheduled meeting or lesson with your mentor. Be respectful and polite. A mentor is a great treasure for you to find. Think of things you can do to show your appreciation. Offer to do something that will be helpful, like cleaning a few stalls or soaping and oiling some bridles.

The second mentor you need is a well-trained, trustworthy horse. In , Ill give you some specific advice on how to choose the right horse one that will be safe and fun for you to handle and ride. Look for a patient, well-trained, experienced horse that has already taught other young people how to ride. Usually such a horse will be old and wise but might not be a beauty contest winner. Ive found that no matter what a horse looks like, if he is kind and safe and willing to teach you how to ride, you will love him dearly.

Even though riding is probably the main reason you have your horse, dont forget that your horse depends on you for proper feeding, health care, and exercise. I like to think of riding as my reward for a job well done. There is nothing quite like tacking up a healthy, happy, squeaky-clean horse and going for a ride on a trail or in a show. But to get there you have to do your horsekeeping homework first. And thats why I wrote this book especially for you to help you learn how to take the very best care of your horse buddy.

T here is something about a horse that is good for the heart of a child. I can remember that as a preschooler when I had the opportunity to groom and ride a horse, I did not want to wash my hands for fear of losing that wonderful smell. I encourage you to support your childs interest in horses.

The rest of my comments to you are going to sound like a bunch of dos and donts. They are! I hope you take my advice to heart so your childs experience will be safe and will add to the development of his or her character.

Most children who are six to seven years old have the motor skills, confidence, and attention to learn to ride a horse safely. If you start your child too young, you could risk frightening him or her. Dont push your child into the show ring. Emphasize wholesome, safe fun before competition and show your child that conscientious horse care and good sportsmanship are the signs of a real winner.