A Parent’s View with Emma Richardson

This article is from the December 2020 Horse Deals magazine.

Behind every child rider, there is a parent who supports their child’s chosen discipline. Any sport a child is involved in takes a commitment in time and money to realise the child’s dream. Add horses into the equation and the commitment in time and money doubles!

So who are the parents behind the child rider? What are their thoughts on the benefits and life lessons that horses and riding provide to their child? In this series, you will find out about the parent’s view from behind the scenes and at the sidelines.

What are your children’s names and how old are they? I have three kids – Angus (16) and Annabelle (10) that are interested in horses and Charlie (20) that despises them.

How did your children commence their riding career? Having lived on a farm, horses, cattle and sheep were a natural part of everyday life. Angus grew up loving old cowboy movies, dressing up as a cowboy and riding an old Shetland around the farm. Annabelle attended her first royal at ten months old. From then on, her horse obsession began (some might say like mother like daughter).

What were your initial thoughts when you realised they were into horses? When I first realised, they had the horse obsession in their blood I thought oh boy I’m going to need to rob a bank! I have moments when I wish they played netball and football.

Did you have experience with horses prior to your children’s interest? I have been involved with horses for a long time! I started competing in the showring well before children arrived and have always loved showing ponies. Over the years I have really enjoyed breeding and all aspects of the Riding Pony.

Does your own personal experience with horses have an impact on your children’s sport? Yes, I feel it does have an impact on my children’s sport. From experience, I’ve learnt that it is so important to find the right horses to suit the child’s personality and ability. I was very fortunate to have wonderful opportunities growing up to develop my knowledge that I can now pass on to my children.

What were your expectations of your child’s first pony and what did you end up with? We were so lucky to acquire a lovely Welsh A pony called Blush. Both children learnt to ride on her and both of them had her as their first pony in the showring. Blush taught them so much about horse husbandry and the beginnings of ringcraft. An ideal first pony is something that is safe and reliable but at the same time teaches them to start developing their riding ability.

How do you juggle your time for horses between the rest of your commitments? I am fortunate enough to have family and friends around me who share my passion and together we make a great team. We all contribute to the responsibilities and day to day jobs of owning show horses. When we head away together to compete, I am lucky enough to have support back at
home who hold down the fort.

What are the life lessons and benefits of your children being involved with horses? Angus and Annabelle have learnt many valuable lessons growing up with horses. It has taught them to be compassionate, independent, resilient, receive instructions and hard working. I feel that the children learn to have a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility, which can be carried through to all other aspects of their life.

As a family what sacrifices have you had to make in order to fulfil your children’s passion? If you were to speak to my husband or eldest child, they would have you believe that I had to sacrifice time with them! Whilst this may be true, I believe it to be an opportunity for Angus and Annabelle to fulfil their passion.

Horse riding is known as high risk, how do you come to terms with the risk factors? There are risks with anything you do in life, all you can do is try to minimise them by buying quality, safe horses and ensuring they are well prepared for the riders. Having a teenage boy can be challenging at times, keeping him safe involves a lot of reinforcing the helmet rule.

What enjoyment do you get out of watching your children ride? My biggest enjoyment of having kids compete is spending time with them and friends. We have made lots of wonderful friends over the years and enjoy spending time together at shows.

What advice can you give to other parents whose child maybe interested in riding? My advice to other parents would be yes, it’s expensive, yes, it’s time-consuming, however, if you are in the position to provide your child with this opportunity, the joy you get from watching your children fulfil their dreams is priceless. Just go for it and enjoy the ride!

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