The veterinarian for the Barnum and Bailey Circus once told me that the most dangerous animal he handled was the horse-not because a horse is inherently dangerous, but because we never trust other animals like we trust horses. We would never consider climbing on a tiger's back, for example.

In spite of the risks involved, a child who properly cares for a horse can learn responsibility, dedication, and what hard work is all about. My daughter, Amanda, who is now 25, is a prime example. Amanda was entertaining the idea of acquiring a large four-legged monster she could train and ride when she was 12 years old.

I thought her desire for an animal that can bite, kick, and throw you off his back onto yours was not smart. When I grew up on a farm near Macon, I had a horse that seemed to enjoy biting, kicking, and throwing me off when I least expected it. I wasn't anxious for my daughter to endure the same hardships.

Little did I know then about training, horse shows, and professional horse trainers. So, it seemed I had no choice but to relent to Amanda's desires (and her mother's) and enjoyed her enthusiasm in learning to tame and ride a beast that weighed ten times as much as she did.

With assistance from other kids, their parents, and trainers who really know something about horses, she became a capable rider. Her horse, Scooter, and Amanda became one in the show ring as she donned her English and Western outfits to ride Scooter as if she were in the English countryside or in the foothills of the Rockies.

Amanda met many other children who shared the same equine interests. She learned to handle a large animal that didn't always agree with her riding desires. Scooter sometimes wanted to go backwards when Amanda wanted to go forwards.

In the long run, through rigorous riding and consistent training, Amanda became an accomplished rider. She seemed to know what Scooter wanted to do before Scooter even thought of it. I watched my daughter ride her horse through elementary school, middle school, high school, and finally graduate to riding thoroughbreds for the University of Indianapolis riding team.

Now Amanda is my veterinary practice manager. I attribute much of Amanda's dedication to her job to her learning about how to train and ride a horse.

I have seen the same results in other children her age with their horses. What a pleasure it was to see so many children learning to handle large, potentially dangerous creatures, and with hours and hours of training, learn about delayed gratification-that serious time spent pursuing an activity can result in personal rewards of knowing that your efforts were successful and worth the time spent in the activity.

Now, in spite of the inherent risks involved in horseback riding, I heartily endorse parents to consider teaching their children to ride. A dedicated trainer who understands both horses and children is essential. They are not too difficult to find, and only require a parent to ask around.

A POA (Pony of America) horse is an ideal way to begin, and most areas have clubs in which a youngster can find the assistance needed to become a good rider. Eulah Gahweiler, of Decatur, has trained many children like Amanda to ride and train their horses. Naturally, if a child is not enthusiastic about learning, then don't go there. It requires as much work and dedication on the part of the parent as it does the child. And there are financial considerations as well.

But if you are looking for a hobby that can teach dedication and hard work, while allowing a child to develop confidence and skills that are not necessarily easy to master, then learning to ride and show a horse might be his or her ticket to long-term success in life.