If you give a girl a pony ride, she’s going to ask for a lesson.
If you get her a lesson, she’s going to want to do more lessons
If you do more lessons, the trainer is going to say “your daughter is a natural, you might consider getting your own horse”
She’s going to want a pony
If you give a girl a pony, she’s going to want to do a show
If you do a show, she’s going to want do do more shows
If you do more shows, she’s going to want a bigger horse.
Test ride pictured below. Didn’t end up buying this guy, but may be on the hunt for a perfectly behaved perfectly sound beautiful healthy jumping horse for an unrealistic low price.
On one hand I’d say don’t let your kids get into horses, it’ll damned near bankrupt you. On the other hand, I’ve never seen my kid happier than when she’s on her horse, and the community is made up of fine people. Worth it.