Charlie Cole, Pilot Point, Texas, owns Highpoint Performance Horses where he has trained more than 50 AQHA World Champions. He’s also an AQHA, APHA, and NSBA Judge.
A child’s relationship with his or her first horse can make or break the rest of their equine careers. Finding a safe, enjoyable mount that’ll serve the needs of a young, inexperienced rider is a tall task, though. Just how broke does a kid’s horse need to be, what type of training should he have, and what degree of soundness issues can you manage?