Siblings' semi-private lessons

[PrettyCandles]

I have 3 dc, 10, 8, and a very big 4yo, and am wondering whether it is possible or reasonable to try and have them all in one private lesson. They are all beginners, though the elder two have trotted on holiday hacks and the youngest has only ever been lead.

[marialuisa]

DD's instructor would class all 3 of your children as complete beginners; the problem would be that the older 2 would probably progress very quickly compared to the youngest as it's often easier for older kids to get the basics in a short time. DD

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

initially, yes. as Maria says, they may grow apart quite quickly. if you only have an hours lesson, could you maybe let 4yo have 20 minutes, then let the older 2 have the rest? or, let the 4yo have a lesson one week, and the other 2 the next?

[PrettyCandles]

Thanks, I suspected it might need a 2&1 split.

I hadn't thought about effectively having a 20min private lesson for dc3, and 40min semi-private for dc1&2. Probably better than a long lesson for all three, as I imagine it must be quite tiring.

I shall have to talk to some riding schools. There are several in the area. Any tips on choosing one?

[horseymum]

You may struggle to get one which will take a four year old, not all do. Choose one where you find the coaches engaging well with the kids, you can get the same caoch most weeks within reason, the ponies look safe but fairly willing and matched to the ability of the kids, there is a programme for training the helpers so that the teenager dragging/leading your youngest round is fairly on the ball.

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

Tbh, if I ha a 4yo again, I'd probably just be going for general handling and preparation and just plain miles in the saddle. Hacking out on a lead, learning stop, go, left, right, rising trot, getting a good grounding in the basics. You could do that yourself.

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

Just read the thread! My last post would only work if you had your own pony! Sorry.

[Pixel]

My friend's dds have a shared lesson. One of them will have a half hour lesson in the school and then the other one will have a short hack out for the other half hour (freelance instructor so only one pony available). The following week they swap.
Maybe you could have a similar arrangement where the older two have some instruction and then the youngest goes for a little ride on the leadrein for the last 15 mins or so?