Let me start with the disclaimer: I'm not a parent. By choice. And I will certainly never assume to tell you how to parent. But if you are totally non-horsey, and somehow a recessive horsey gene resurfaced in your kid, I have a few thoughts for you. And that's because I was that kid of non-horsey parents who since age 3 wanted nothing more than to learn to ride and have a pony, yet didn't get to do it until after grad school and my first decent job that allowed budget for weekly lessons.
There are several real scientific studies examining the benefit of horse riding, from physical to mental and emotional, and the answers are unanimous: It's great exercise, it teaches responsibility, self-discipline, increases confidence and ability for teamwork and continuous learning. And as any of us who are truly horse people can attest to, it gives us a sense of bliss that is hard to match. And I can tell you that the teenagers that I see daily at the barn are some of the most trustworthy teens you can find. The sense of shared passion, goals, sense of humor and community, looking out for one another is what you'd want any kid to experience and embody.
Ah yes, of course there is risk. It is certain that in the process of learning and in any odd circumstance, riders can and will fall off. Most of the time that's no big deal, but, as you'll notice when you sign the 12-page waivers at any barn you'll set foot on, it can lead to serious injury or worse. The dangers of riding are most effectively mitigated by a suitable learning environment.
Firstly and most reassuringly, you don't have to BUY the pony. Yet. Possibly never. You need to get your kid into a good (and that will take some research and diligence on your part to determine) lesson program. Not a pony ride at the farmer's market. Not a trail ride. Not your co-worker's Quarter Horse. A real teaching institution. You'll find out pretty quickly whether there is some real burning desire to learn to ride or just some fleeting interest.
Yes, riding is expensive. But if your kid turns out to be talented and dedicated, there are ways to offset costs as working students etc. And if not, don't be afraid to re-channel that interest somewhere else. Never forget that riding involves an animal who doesn't have a whole lot of choice in the matter. He doesn't need someone on his back without the dedication to do one's best to be a good rider and the compassion to put his interest before one's own. How will you know? Oh, you'll know. If your kid sustains interest, steps up to other responsibilities in order to keep the riding privilege, it's worth every ounce of your effort to support it. In my humble opinion. Your biggest challenge (at least here in the US) will be finding a competent and safe riding school to start, but check with your local Pony Club for referrals.
