The way I (and the characters in "Sam (a pastoral)" rode our horses would strike horror into any riding instructor today.
First of all, no crash helmets. Often no saddle. Occasionally no bridle. Once or twice, no reins. At night, when it was too hot to ride in the daytime.

I certainly don't recommend doing this to any kid today. It is really hazardous.

'Mark my words, one of these days that horse is gonna kill that girl,' said my neighbors. It never happened.