Bit of a hitch.....

So, 9yo girl rider was on for the second time and all was going well. Happy, happy, joy, joy, rainbows and puppy dog tails.

Then pony spooked badly and 9yo fell off. Pony did not freak out, just stood there. Which was very lucky. Anyway after deciding there were no broken bones she hopped back up and went off again. Took a bit to get her to trott again but she did and she was tougher for it.

It is difficult as a parent to get kids to do stuff with the realisation it might hurt them. It was a genuine spook from the biocycle outflow and any horse would have done it.I usually have it turned to the orchard when on the arena but forgot.

So, do I persist?

If she wants to ride yes. But, I will not force her to ride.