There are a few good ponies, but ponies, especially small ones, are really hard to train because they're too small for a big rider to ride. They end up not knowing anything but being yanked around by kids who don't know anything.
Good ponies cost a lot of money, and they are worth their weight in gold.
Horses can be great with kids. Most are naturally good with kids. It's just important to keep in mind that a child is not near strong enough to really control them.
Have you done lots of lead-line rides with Okie and SL? How old are the kids?
By lead lines you mean walking with a rider on? They are 4 and 5 and will be taking lessons this summer. Sarah a funny little girl. She's horse crazy. She tells me she wants a little horse ever since she saw Pony. Thanks a lot lol. My instructor says she is a "natural" whatever that means. I was thinking maybe for Christmas but I didn't know which would be easier and safer.
Oh and is that really too young? One of my horse books says 8 but they start at 4 around here.