• Sampling the sport, including package deals that give your child exposure without necessitating a commitment
• Choosing a stable, riding style, instructor, and course of lessons
• Comparison shopping to save on equipment and apparel
• Proceeding through more advanced training
• Participating in horse shows or other competitions
• Buying a horse (or not)

On the Fence gives you the inside scoop on how to help your child get started and progress as a rider. It shows you how your child can enjoy horseback riding in a way that suits her, your family's lifestyle, and your budget.

1 So, Your Child Wants to Ride a Horse.

One Sport,Many Choices.

Introducing the Horse.

First of All, Riding Is Fun.

Benefits of Riding.

Any Drawbacks?

When to Begin?

Getting Acquainted with Riding.

What's Next?

2 First Steps Toward Riding.

Finding a Stable.

Good Stables and Not So Good Ones.

Stables for Every Taste.

Calling Stables.

Types of Lessons.

Checking Out the Stable.

Meeting the Instructor.

Special Considerations for Your Child.

Scheduling the First Lesson.

3 The First Lesson.

What to Wear.

Should You Watch?

What to Expect at the First Lesson.

Spotting a Poor Lesson or Instructor.

How Much Can You Judge from One Lesson?

4 Continuing with Riding.

The First Few Lessons.

The Right Horse—or Pony—for Your Child.

A Small Investment in Equipment.

No Coaching from the Sidelines, Please.

Learning to Communicate with Horses.

5 How to Survive in an Expensive Sport.

Keeping Lesson Costs in Check.

Finding Equipment to Fit Your Budget.

Making Shows Affordable.

To Buy or Not to Buy a Horse?

Keeping the Reins in Your Hands.

6 Walk, Trot, . . . and Now Canter.

What You're Both Learning Now.

Getting a Little Nervous?

Equipment Considerations at This Point.

Keeping It Fun.

Being an Interested, Knowledgeable Parent.

7 Starting to Jump.

Is Your Child Ready to Jump?

Is It Too Soon to Jump?

Starting Slowly.

Safe Jumping.

Beginner Jumps.

Understanding Jumping.

When to Slow the Pace.

8 Your Dedicated Rider.

Living with a Rider in the Family.

Increasing Benefits of Riding.

Keeping Watch over Schoolwork.

Equipment Considerations at This Point.

9 Getting Involved in Horse Shows.

Is Showing for Your Child?

More Than Ribbons: Benefits of Shows.

Types of Shows.

Can You Afford Showing?

When Is Your Child Ready for Showing?

10 Your Child's First Show.

What to Expect at the Show.

What to Expect from Your Child's Instructor.

How You Can Help . . . and Hinder.

Equipment Considerations at This Point: Show Clothes.

11 Looking to New Ventures.

Will Your Child Continue Riding?

Adding More Learning Opportunities.

Getting a Solid Foundation.

Expanding Options: Deciding Where to Go Next.

The "Horse of My Own" Bug.

12 Buying a Horse for Your Child.

What about Co-Owning?

It’s Not the Purchase Price, It's the Upkeep.

Involving Your Trainer.

What Makes a Good First Horse?

Vetting before You Buy.

Life with a Horse in the Family.

13 Riding—A Family Affair.

APPENDIX: THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAMS.

What Can Be Achieved?

Is Therapeutic Riding for Your Child?

Choosing a Facility.

Beginning a Program.

Parents as a Part of the Therapeutic Riding Team.

GLOSSARY OF HORSE AND RIDING TERMS.

INDEX.