Nowadays a large number of children and young people are active in riding sports, training and competing at riding schools or on their own with a coach. Behind these children and teenagers there is an even larger group of parents and other supporters ...
Nowadays a large number of children and young people are active in riding sports, training and competing at riding schools or on their own with a coach. Behind these children and teenagers there is an even larger group of parents and other supporters: ‘pony parents’.
Even in riding school, committed parents are a necessity if things are going to work both from a practical and an economic viewpoint. There is, however, a big gap between the effort and energy many parents put into their children’s sports, and the actual knowledge that those same parents have. But with proper guidance and some background knowledge, parents can create conditions for a lifelong interest for riding and competitions by their children. With greater knowledge, many conflicts and poor self-esteem can be avoided.
The book is divided into three parts: one which is aimed primarily at parents with children going to a riding school; one for families who are thinking of looking after a pony, becoming a part-owner or actually owning their own pony; and one for parents with children who have their own pony and want to get seriously involved in competitions.
Anna Schager has worked many years as a riding instructor. She owns two horses herself, and takes part in riding competitions. She has previously written a handbook about buying a horse.
Louise Haaga is riding instructor, mental trainer/adviser, competition-course builder and a teacher at the Swedish national riding centre at Strömsholm. She has been very successful in show-jumping competitions.