Horse Riding - The Basics
It is thought that horse riding is just about saddling the horse and you riding it. Well there is much more to horse back riding. Before you ride a horse you should understand some basics about horse riding. Developing a bond with the animal will make your ride and for the horse an enjoyment.
Horse Back Riding - Basics
Be confident while approaching your horse. They can sense if the rider is nervous which can affect their behavior. Always stay out of the way of the horse to avoid any accidents. Taking horse riding lessons will help you. Decide whether you would like to do English or western riding. Learn to mount, dismount and balance saddles.
Mostly horses are trained to walk depending on the pressure applied by the rider’s legs. While riding keep your legs still and use them only to signal to the horse. You may confuse the horse otherwise. To steer your horse use its reins. To make it turn right pull its reins to the right and for a left turn pull the reins to the left. You may also need to put pressure with your legs to give direction to the horse. To stop the horse pull its reins back and say “Whoa”.
Wear clothes that do not get entangled in anything. Do not wear purses, scarves, dangling earrings or necklaces or anything that can get caught in the saddle or the horse’s mane. Tuck in your shirt before mounting the horse to avoid it from flapping and getting caught. Wear proper riding footwear, an equestrian helmet and cotton /lycra breeches. Do not wear shorts as you might get scratched. If you are riding in winters then wear sweatshirts and hiking jackets. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
Principles Of Horse Riding
There are some principles which you must understand and know before you ride your horse. Do not blame the horse for whatever happens to you while you are riding it. If you fall off the horse it could be due to various reasons like it may have got scared. It is up to you to understand the stress signals of your horse.
Respect your horse and other riders as well. Give your horse adequate rest in between his training to ensure best performance. You must walk the horse the first and last fifteen minutes of a ride. Do not ride the horse for more than a walk on hard roads. Your horse might get laminitis if you trot him before he gets the circulation back in its feet by walking. If you happen to come across other riders while riding your horse it is better to walk past them instead of galloping with them. There may be a shy horse or an inexperienced rider in the group. Galloping along might scare the horse which can lead to a bad fall for the rider. Horse riding is a fun sport. Understanding and respecting your horse will help you be a better rider. Following a few basic tips and principles of horse riding can make your riding experience a satisfying one.