How many trainers/owners are having a hard time finding pony riders?? Seems there are way too many ponies being bred and started under saddle. Not near enough young riders taking interest in riding. I know myself and several others who have NICE ponies and we are begging for riders. Catch riding is not ideal but I have resorted to it from time to time. I think catch riding puts too much pressure on young riders to ride perfect and win on a pony they have never seen before. Not to mention it is the owner/trainer that pays the entry fees knowing that there is no way for the young rider to "learn" that pony in a few minuites or less. It is frustrating to have nice ponies and no riders.

Excellent points that you bring up. Question though, do you think that kids are not interested in riding anymore or maybe kids are being advanced to ride horses younger now? I know I've seen kids I think are too small to be riding horses in the show rings more and more. I think it's dangerous if the kids are too little to control the animal in some type of emergency situation like getting stung by a wasp or bees when in the ring for example. I've seen it happen, and think injuries would have been minimalized if the size of the rider was more suitable to the size of the animal.

Seems that kids do want to ride in "today's world" of riding but want instant results similiar to playing a video game. Click, Click, click and by magic they are now accomplished riders!! No one seems to realize the work and time that must go into riding to become experienced. Parents also tend to let their "brillant" child overextend in all kinds of activities instead of having them vocus/commit to one or two at the most. Beginners riding in one lesson a week do not progress quickly!!!! But many think they do. I also see a trend for instructors to overface riders by putting them on mounts that are either too big or are just too much for them to handle. Drives me CRAZY. It seems to be the new status symbol........see if your small child can ride a big horse Yes, some children do outgrow ponies physically rather quickly but then that is why many owners/trainers offer leases!! No matter how quiet the horse is, it is a dangerous situation to have that little rider up there.

I was in Cape May at a friend of mines about 2 weeks ago. It was so nice to see her pony kids riding. They are not polished show riding kids...but a group of kids that love to ride...and want to learn. The ponies get really well started there. They learn how to be kid proof and have a pleasant start to their careers. I dont think there are a lot of places like this around here anymore.

I jusy have to say, my 12 yr. old daughter loves the catch rides, more than our own ponies.....and she does a great job at it!