When preparing for an afternoon of horseback riding in the western style, it is important to have confidence in yourself and your horse. These beginner horseback riding tips will provide guidance on how to mount a horse, suitable attire, and the necessary equipment for an equestrian.
7 Western Horseback Riding Tips For Beginners
Tip #1: Wear Proper Clothing
The ideal outfit for horseback riding consists of comfortable pants and a good pair of boots. Your pants should be both durable and flexible, allowing easy movement, while your boots ought to have a slight heel. This heel helps keep your foot in place on the stirrups while riding. While any closed-toe shoe can be worn, boots with a heel are recommended for easier maintenance of proper posture.
When considering what to wear while around horses or using equipment, it is advised to steer clear of any clothing or accessories that may hang down and become entangled. Wearing scarves and necklaces that can be caught in the reins poses a significant safety hazard, and can even startle a horse if they flutter in the breeze.
If you are going to be outside, especially in cold weather, it is advisable to dress in layers and wear riding gloves. Whether you are an experienced rider or a beginner, it is always recommended to wear a helmet.
Tip #2: Relax Before You Ride
Your horse is aware of your emotions, including when you are happy or stressed. If you arrive to ride feeling nervous or fearful, your horse will sense it and might become jumpy, anxious, and harder to communicate with. To avoid this, take a moment to calm yourself and ask any questions you may have about your ride or lesson before approaching your horse for the day.
Tip #3: Show Affection The Right Way
When interacting with your horse, it is important to engage in conversation, offer affection, and appreciate their presence. By speaking to your horse, you can establish a bond and allow them to familiarize themselves with the sound of your voice. Additionally, they will be able to recognize your approach even from a distance. Express your enthusiasm to see your horse and do not hesitate to address them by their name, as horses are capable of recognizing it. However, exercise caution when approaching an unfamiliar or new horse, as excessive excitement can cause them to become timid. When introducing yourself to a horse for the first time, remember to proceed carefully.
- Speak softly.
- Extend your arm in greeting.
- Offer the horse the back of your hand to sniff.
- Watch his signals to see his reaction-if he touches you with his nose, he’s ready for you to pet him.
Tip #4: Mount With Confidence
If you are feeling nervous, remember to take deep breaths and don’t hesitate to ask someone to hold your horse as you mount it. Keep in mind that horses are typically trained to be mounted from the left side.
- Lift your left foot into the left stirrup.
- Hold the reins in your left hand.
- Use your strength to lift your right leg up and over the horse’s back.
- Be careful to settle yourself slowly, avoid “plopping” down into the saddle.
Tip #5: Ride In The “Pro” Position
You’re wondering what the advantage of horseback riding is? The aim is to imitate the appearance of an authentic cowboy while riding. Western riding is intended to be a laid-back and cozy experience for both the rider and the horse.
- Sit up straight but let your weight be distributed deeply in the saddle.
- Allow your hips to move with the movement of your horse.
- Keep your back relaxed.
- Relax your arms and hold the reins gently.
- Remain centered in the saddle.
Tip #6: Hold your reins in the Western style
When riding in the Western style, it is necessary to hold the reins in only one hand. This practice promotes a more relaxed control of your horse’s head and allows you to ease the tension in your arms.
In order to achieve success, it is important for you to hold both reins in one hand. When you intend to indicate to your horse to turn, you can easily do so by slightly moving your hand forward and towards the desired direction of your horse’s movement. Additionally, you may also adjust your body slightly in that same direction in order to provide a clear instruction to your horse.
Tip #7: Use Your Tools Properly
When you start riding, it is crucial to have the appropriate tack and equipment. The key to success in horseback riding lies in having the right gear. It is important to ensure that the saddle is well-suited to your horse and the stirrups are of the right length. Moreover, the type of bit and the length of reins also play a significant role.
If you would like to learn how to properly use a riding crop or whip, Wonder Whip horse whips are a great option. These whips are designed to assist horsemen in communicating with their horses effectively. They can be used during any stage of training, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. Wonder Whip horse whips are usually constructed with a fiberglass core, which is covered in a braided poly material to provide comfort. Additionally, they can be purchased with or without a wrist strap for convenience while riding.
Bonus Tip: Have Fun!
The key aspect of horsemanship is truly enjoying oneself. Western horseback riding is meant to be a pleasurable and calming experience for both the rider and the horse. It is normal to feel overwhelmed as a novice, but with practice, this feeling will diminish. Remember that everyone starts as a beginner and take pleasure in getting acquainted with your horse while embracing the process of learning.
The Basics of Showing in Western Pleasure
Most breed and open circuit horse shows incorporate Western pleasure classes. Horse owners seeking to enhance their experience with their horses often choose the pleasure class as their initial endeavor in the show arena. Despite its seemingly straightforward routine, novice participants often feel bewildered and dissatisfied with their early achievements. This article will outline the fundamentals of Western pleasure competition and the attributes that judges seek in a champion. Contrary to popular belief, Western pleasure is not as straightforward as it may appear.
Similar to dancing and gymnastics, horsemanship requires a considerable amount of time and study to understand and evaluate the differences among couples on the dance floor or gymnasts performing their floor exercises. Judging a ‘simple’ class like Western pleasure is actually quite complicated. In a Western pleasure competition, each horse and rider team perform three gaits going one way in the arena, then reverse and repeat the same three gaits the other way. Additionally, they are required to back up at some point. The three gaits include walk, jog, and lope. Scoring this may seem easy, but Western pleasure is actually quite technical. Many riders compete in Western pleasure without truly grasping what the judge looks for when selecting winners and placing riders from first to last. It’s essential to note that in a pleasure class, only the horse’s performance is judged, whereas riders are evaluated in horsemanship and equitation classes.
When looking at each horse’s journey in the pleasure class, a judge typically asks several questions. If you are unclear about the meaning of any of these questions, it indicates that your horse may not be performing correctly. In such cases, it is advisable to conduct research on the specific topic or seek assistance from someone who can explain it to you.
The attributes that the judge seeks in a winner are what the judge looks for.
Are the horse’s gaits authentic? Is there an indication of shoulder elevation in the horse’s movements? Is the horse’s performance consistent, with each stride resembling the previous and subsequent ones? Does the horse demonstrate a smooth and collected manner of movement? Does the horse’s appearance present a pleasing image, with a consistent frame and natural positioning of the head, neither too high nor too low? Does the horse move with a relaxed and natural gait or does it seem like the gaits are forced? Comparing a class with outstanding participants to a class lacking a clear winner can be easier to evaluate. How would you differentiate between a horse that fails to execute all three required gaits and one that attempts to buck or bolt with its rider? Which one should be ranked higher than the other? Sometimes, good behavior can be the deciding factor between finishing in fourth place or winning first place. While it is important to be knowledgeable about the regulations, it is insufficient to guarantee a victory. Enjoy the process. Attend a few practice shows and volunteer to assist a judge as a ring steward at a local open show. Every world champion began as a beginner. Best of luck and have fun!
