To begin with, it’s important to remember that everyone has been in your shoes before. Even the most skilled cowboys and rodeo stars once found themselves in the same position you’re in now. However, it is worth noting that they didn’t have the advantage of having access to this list of tips for Western horseback riding.
Tip 1: Looking like a cowboy or cowgirl will improve your confidence
If you dress appropriately, you will have the matching feeling. Wearing loose sweatpants or a snug skirt or very high heels should be avoided. Otherwise, you will seem and feel uncomfortable and foolish, and possibly not be permitted to mount a horse.
In order to maintain the same meaning, let’s rephrase the text by thinking step by step. It is necessary to wear a pair of comfortable jeans, a comfortable shirt (with the option of adding extra layers according to the level of cold outside), and finally, a pair of cowboy boots.
In order to facilitate easy lunges, it is desired that the jeans possess sufficient elasticity, resembling the movement experienced while mounting and dismounting a horse.
Layers are crucial in cold weather as they can be easily removed one by one. You can either tie them around your waist or store them in a saddle bag if you start to feel hot.
If you don’t have cowboy boots, you have two options when considering footwear. The second option entails checking if you possess a pair of boots with a slight heel.
Tip 2: Get comfortable with Western lingo
In order to actively participate and enhance your learning experience, it is important to grasp the meaning of conversations involving various horse gaits, different components of tack, and different horse colors. This understanding will enable you to engage, contribute, and immersively immerse yourself in the subject matter.
The experience of speeding unimpeded across a level field with no obstacles is entirely distinct.
Tip 3: Try your best to keep nerves to a minimum
Your emotions are detected by horses exceptionally well.
Horses have the ability to detect your emotions, distinguishing if you are afraid or anxious, or calm and content. As herbivores, horses do not typically view themselves as frightening since they are prey animals and are hunted by other animals in their natural habitat. Hence, they do not consider themselves as the cause of your uneasiness.
In turn, your horse will become scared because it will perceive the presence of something frightening nearby.
Due to being predominantly flight animals, horses feel the need to run when they are nervous.
If you are nervous, it will cause your horse to become jumpy, flighty, and generally less compliant.
Tip 4: Assuming the “pro” riding position
Once you’ve been riding for a while, sitting in the saddle will gradually become familiar and effortless. However, until that point, you can confidently pretend until you develop the necessary skills.
To ensure a deep connection with the saddle, it is important to visualize your body sinking into it due to the laid-back nature of Western riding.
You should let the weight of your legs drop heavily into your feet and continue down to the stirrups.
In order to experience your horse’s movements, it is important to connect with them through your hips and allow your body to synchronize with the natural rhythm of the horse. It is crucial not to attempt to control your horse’s movements solely with your hips, as the horse may become uncomfortable with the abrupt shifts in weight on its back. Instead, focus on harmoniously flowing with the horse’s motion as smoothly as you can.
Despite being relaxed, it is important to stay attentive and avoid slouching. Try to visualize yourself as one with your horse and consider the type of rider you would prefer if you were the horse.
Make sure to maintain a balanced posture by avoiding leaning excessively to one side, leaning too far forward, or leaning too far back. Aim to keep your body centered.
Tip 5: One hand only ladies and gents!
If you have experience with riding English, you must disregard everything you know about holding reins because it is completely different in Western. The position of your thumbs doesn’t matter, you don’t have to hold a rein in each hand, you can have looser reins, and your arms don’t have to be raised. Additionally, your horse’s head can be lower and more relaxed compared to the English style.
Rather than adding new information or removing any existing information, acquire the skill of performing tasks with a single hand and with a loose grip on the reins, also known as “neck reining”.
To go left, hold the two reins in one hand and move your hand slightly forward and left. To go right, hold the two reins in one hand and move your hand slightly forward and right.
To assist your horse, incorporate more leg and hip movement when turning. For better communication, gently rotate your hips in the desired direction, which trained horses will understand as a signal. Additionally, apply pressure with the opposite leg to guide your horse away from it.
Tip 6: Double check you and your horse are a good match
The person responsible for operating the ride or the owner(s) of the horse should possess adequate knowledge when assigning a horse to you.
If this is your first ride, they should provide you with a horse that is thicker, slower, and generally calm.
Remember the story I mentioned earlier? It is advisable not to start off too quickly within the first few minutes of getting on. It is preferable to prioritize caution, even if you have previous riding experience, especially when you are in an unfamiliar facility with unfamiliar horses.
If you observe any signs of restlessness, jumpiness, or inexperience in the horse you have acquired, do not hesitate to voice your concerns.
Speaking up now is less embarrassing and potentially safer than not being able to control the horse during your ride.
Tip 7: Don’t forget to be affectionate!
It is essential to remember to shower your horse with affection, as they have the ability to sense your attentiveness towards them. Therefore, make sure to bestow your horse with the treatment befitting a princess, regularly patting and praising her for being a well-behaved and good-natured companion.
Absolutely! Don’t hesitate or feel ashamed to converse with your horse. It is common for horse owners and enthusiasts to engage in constant dialogue with their equine companions.
Before beginning, it is important to familiarize yourself with your horse’s name and use it frequently during the ride. This will assist in developing a bond between the two of you. Additionally, consider bringing treats such as whole carrots, apples, and sugar cubes. However, ensure that you consult the owner or trail boss regarding whether your horse is allowed to have them. Similar to humans, some horses may not tolerate treats well or may follow specific dietary restrictions.
Tip 8: Ask questions and be social
Interacting with fellow riders and the ranch or establishment owners that you ride at is wonderful. Gaining knowledge about the functioning of the ranch, horse care practices, and the caretakers will enhance your understanding of horses. Additionally, it will help you decide if you wish to continue riding there.
Tip 9: Learn about Western events & competitions
If you have knowledge about various Western competitions and rodeo events, it can be intriguing and provide a topic for discussion. To find out about such events close to your location or the ranch where you are riding, you can simply conduct a quick search.
If you are interested in training or competing in these at some point in the future, it is even more important for you to search for them!
If you are interested in learning more about these types of events and competitions, feel free to leave a comment below and I will write a post about them.
Tip 10: Most Importantly – Have Fun!
If you have fun, your horse will sense it and therefore they will be more likely to relax, enjoy themselves, and interact with you. Presumably, the main motive behind your choice to try Western riding is to acquire a new and enjoyable experience!
The importance of enjoying oneself surpasses the significance of any individual Western horseback riding tip.
BONUS: 10 TIPS FOR A SAFE TRAIL RIDING EXPERIENCE
Trail riding on horseback may seem simple, but if unprepared, it can quickly become a disastrous experience. To ensure a safe journey for yourself, your horse, and your companions, it is important to remember several key factors.
1. Ensure you have at least one friend accompanying you for the ride.
When riding in a wild environment, there are potential dangers for both horses and riders. For instance, a horse may become frightened by an unexpected animal or a small puddle, causing it to run away and potentially throw the rider off. It is not uncommon for riders to become lost in such situations and remain unaccounted for several days. However, having a fellow horse enthusiast to ride with can be life-saving, as they may help in critical moments or vice versa.
Ensure that your horse exhibits appropriate behavior when in a group.
To protect your safety, it is not advisable to ride a trail alone. Thus, it is important to ensure that your horse is at ease when in the company of other horses. Certain horses prefer taking the lead and guiding the herd, while others prefer staying behind and following. You can assess your horse’s behavior in a group setting by riding with friends in a safer environment such as an arena. Once you are confident that your horse can comfortably interact with other herd members, you can embark on trail rides together.
3.) When considering the fitness of your horse for trail rides, it is important to assess their endurance and strength. Your horse should be capable of walking long distances in varying temperatures and have the ability to navigate hills, cross rivers, and overcome obstacles encountered on the trail. If your horse is not sufficiently fit for a challenging trail, they may become fatigued and you could encounter significant difficulties far from assistance. To gauge your horse’s fitness, you can evaluate their performance near the barn by riding them on gentle inclines and testing their ability to jump various cross-country obstacles.
1.) Familiarize yourself with the surroundings and make sure to assess the current weather conditions. 2.) Have a thorough understanding of the area and ensure to verify the present weather status. 3.) Acquaint yourself with the territory and be sure to examine the prevailing weather conditions. 4.) Understand the lay of the land and be diligent in checking the weather forecast. 5.) Get to know the region and always verify the weather situation.
Before embarking on a trail, it is important to have knowledge of certain details regarding the location. This includes being aware of any significant obstacles, cliffs, rivers, or dense forests, and planning your route accordingly based on the terrain. It is also crucial to check the weather forecast in advance, as this will help you be prepared for any potential incidents. In the event of a rainstorm, it may be wise to delay your ride. However, if only light rain is anticipated, bringing along a poncho and saddle cover could be considered. Furthermore, excessive heat can lead to fatigue and sunburn for both humans and horses, so it is essential to carefully select the optimal time and weather conditions for your outing.
5.) Etiquette for Using Trails
It is important to learn the trail etiquette in order to have a safe trail ride. It is important to remember that you may not be the only person using the trail, as there may be hikers and bike riders enjoying the same trail. Since many of them may not have knowledge about horses, you should be vigilant and observe them to ensure your horse remains calm. When bikers approach from behind, your horse may become aggressive and start bucking. When you notice someone approaching from behind, you can simply guide your horse off the trail and turn him either left or right so that he can see what is coming. This allows the person to pass by and allows you to continue your trail ride without any disruptions.
