Have you been considering taking horse riding lessons? While it seems simple in theory, riding a horse can be intimidating, especially when just beginning.
Yet, it’s worth it, as horseriding is a fun, exciting, and satisfying activity that allows you to bond with an animal. If you’re interested in getting started but don’t know where to begin, we’re here to help.
Below are four tips and strategies to start your journey on learning how to ride a horse for beginners, so continue on!
1. Wear Your Safety Gear
If you want to learn how to ride a horse, you first need to have the proper safety gear and equipment.
Choose your helmet, long pants, and boots with small heels. Small heels on your boots will prevent your heels from getting caught in the stirrups, which could result in you getting dragged if you fall from the saddle.
Generally, the training center you take your lessons from will provide the saddle, reins, and of course, the horse.
2. Get To Know the Horse
While horseriding is a popular activity amongst humans, it’s essential to recognize that you’ll be riding a living, breathing creature. Horses have feelings too, and they generally care if you take a moment to get to know them before expecting them to carry you around.
Learn its name, approach it gently, and allow it to lick or smell your hand. Allow it to get acquainted with you as well, by petting it and possibly offering it an apple or sugar cube.
This can set up your relationship, so when you’re riding, you can trust the horse, and the horse will trust you as well.
3. Practice Mounting
Mounting the horse may be something you’re nervous about, which is entirely normal. It will take practice before it feels comfortable.
While you’re learning, the horse may become impatient and attempt to move around or walk away. Your trainer will most likely be there to hold your horse still, so you can take your time to get it right.
To mount your horse, place your foot in the left stirrup, set your weight on it, and swing your leg over the horse as smoothly as you can. While it’s easier to say than do, with a bit of practice and perseverance, you’ll be an expert in no time.
4. Gradually Begin Walking
Once you’re on your horse, you’ll probably want to start running around and having fun. Yet, you’ll need to start slowly, first learning the proper technique to begin walking.
To begin walking, you may slightly put pressure on the reins, speak a voice command, lean forward, or gently squeeze with your legs. Most trainers use the reins, allowing you to move the reins right to direct the horse right and vice versa.
If you do use reins, remember they are attached to the horse’s mouth, so you should always be as gentle as possible.
Once you master walking, you can begin trotting, participate in pole exercises, and become a horseriding expert!
Use This Guide to Learn How to Ride a Horse for Beginners
As you can see, learning how to ride a horse for beginners requires a good amount of preparation, knowledge, and practice. Once you get comfortable, you’ll be able to enjoy all of the fun that comes with this exciting sport.
Are you looking to learn something else today? Browse through more of our blog, and you’ll be sure to find an article for you.