With centuries of existence, horseback riding has had ample time to resolve any issues, implying that if there is an accepted method today, it likely stems from past experimentation.
If you begin riding as a child and continue riding regularly and/or competitively for 10 or 20 years, it is easy to forget the important lessons you learned early on. When you change trainers and advance to higher divisions at horse shows, you may suddenly realize that you have started to forget these lessons. Therefore, for amateurs like me who struggle to remember the fundamentals, here is a quick review.
8 Beginner Riding Lessons You Should Never Un-Learn
1. Mount the right way.
If you haven’t seen a slow-motion video of what happens when you mount a horse, search for it on Google. It is important to use a mounting block, hold onto the reins, turn your toe away from the belly, and gently swing into the saddle as instructed by your pony camp instructor. By doing so, not only will you protect your horse’s back, but you will also avoid accidentally dismounting.
2. Shorten your reins.
For certain riders, this is an ongoing challenge, regardless of their level of experience. As a beginner, using shorter reins allows you to navigate away from other horses and remain within the riding area. As time passes, you will appreciate the skills gained from this practice as you refine your contact in the ring.
4. Pass touching left hands.
Whether you practiced by giving high-fives to your fellow students in the training area or applied it in a crowded horse show schooling ring, it is essential to adhere to the “rules of the road” no matter the level.
5. Keep enough space between you and the other horses.
Although horses are herd animals, each horse has its own specific preferences. It can be easy to overlook this when riding multiple horses. Ensuring that your horse has sufficient space to exercise and ponder will not only ensure its happiness but also guarantee the safety of both you and the horse.
6. Be a horseman.
It is essential that your learning process as a rider doesn’t stop once you leave the saddle, whether you are a beginner or an advanced rider. Becoming knowledgeable about the proper care for your horse and expanding your knowledge beyond the stable through reading, watching videos, engaging in fitness training, and attending clinics will greatly contribute to enhancing your skills as an athlete.
7. Expect the unexpected.
The advice from your trainer about having eyes in the back of your head was probably given for a good reason. As you spend more time in this line of work, the chances of knowing someone who has had a serious injury in an unexpected incident involving horses increase. The level of experience does not necessarily protect a person from such accidents. These accidents can occur whether you are mounted or unmounted, in any location, and with any horse. With the passing of time, it is easy to become careless and unconcerned, but it is important not to.
8. Pat your horse.
As a young rider, you used to pat your horse for simple tasks, such as stopping properly and not bolting when you landed awkwardly after a jump. Now, as you’ve grown and progressed, your expectations have likely increased. That’s why it’s crucial to still remember the lesson you learned back then. Whether you’re competing in the pony ring or the Grand Prix circuit, always remember to express your gratitude to your horse for executing his duties and ensuring the safety of both of you.
Western Horseback Riding Tips for Beginners
If you are currently reading this, it is likely that you are preparing to go on a Western ride in the near future. It is possible that you have already experienced a few rides, or perhaps this upcoming ride will be your first. Regardless, your objective is to enhance your appearance, behavior, and skills to resemble a seasoned rider.
No need to worry – you’ve found the right person! In this article, I will guide you through my top 10 recommendations for beginners who want to try Western horseback riding.
Tip 1: Looking like a cowboy or cowgirl will improve your confidence
If you dress appropriately, you will experience a sense of suitability. Avoid wearing oversized sweatpants, overly tight skirts, or extremely high heels. Otherwise, you may feel and appear uncomfortable and foolish, and there is a possibility that you may not be allowed to ride the horse.
Instead, opt for wearing a cozy pair of jeans, along with a comfortable shirt (with the addition of extra layers if the weather is chilly), and complete the outfit with a pair of cowboy boots.
In order to easily perform lunges, it is important for the jeans to have sufficient stretchiness, as it imitates the action of mounting and dismounting a horse.
Tip 2: Get comfortable with Western lingo
To actively participate and gain knowledge, it is essential to comprehend discussions about various horse gaits, different components of tack, and diverse horse colors. This will allow you to join conversations, offer comments, and enhance your learning experience as well as your overall engagement.
It is a totally distinct sensation to be rapidly moving forward without any obstacles on a level expanse that hinders your speed.
Horses generally have 4 different gaits:
- Walk: slowest, four-beat gait so each of the hooves hits the ground one at a time
- Trot: slightly faster, two-beat gait that’s usually the most bumpy
- Canter/Lope: faster, three-beat gait that has a left and right lead (think show jumping!
- Gallop: fastest gait with four beats (think race horses!)
he Basics of Western Tack:
- The bridle: halter-type appliance around the horse’s head that keeps the bit in place
- The bit: metal (or sometimes rubber) piece that sits in the horse’s mouth
- The reins: leather straps attached to the bridle at the edges of the bit that you hold
- The saddle: leather “seat” and accessories that sits on the horse’s back
- The stirrups: where you put your feet when you ride
- The horn: the leather protrusion at the front of the saddle
- The saddle pad(s): the pads that sit below the saddle on the horse and prevent sores
The Basics of Horse Colouring:
- Grey: pretty self explanatory
- Bay: brown body with darker brown mane and tail
- Chestnut: very light brown or auburn body, mane and tail
- Palomino: beige body with blond mane and tail
- Pinto: splashy! think of a cow and you’ve got black and white pinto colouring
- Appaloosa: spotty! either on the bum or across the whole body
- Roan: two-toned coat spread evenly throughout the entire body
Tip 3: Try your best to keep nerves to a minimum
Your emotions are greatly sensed by horses.
Horses have the ability to perceive your emotions, whether you are feeling scared and nervous or relaxed and happy. Due to being herbivores and prey animals, horses do not view themselves as scary, and therefore do not consider themselves as the cause of your nervousness.
As a result, your horse will develop a fearful reaction, assuming that something threatening is in close proximity.
As horses are primarily flight animals, they experience a strong inclination to run when feeling anxious.
If you feel nervous, your horse will likely become jumpy, flighty, and less compliant as a result.
Tip 4: Assuming the “pro” riding position
If you keep riding for a while, sitting in the saddle will eventually feel comfortable and become a natural instinct. However, in the meantime, you can just pretend to know what you’re doing until you actually get the hang of it.
When engaging in Western riding, it is important to envision your body sinking deeply into the saddle due to the overall calm and laid-back nature of this style.
You should allow the weight of your legs to fully transfer into your feet and then down into the stirrups in a heavy manner.
When riding, aim to sense your horse’s movements through your hips and allow your body to synchronize with your horse’s natural rhythm. It is important not to intentionally manipulate your horse’s movements with your hips, as this may displease the horse due to the unusual weight shifts on its back. Instead, focus on flowing as smoothly and effortlessly as you can.
Keep in mind that being relaxed does not imply being half-asleep. It is important to remain alert and avoid slouching. Simply envision yourself fully connected with your horse. Put yourself in the horse’s shoes and contemplate the type of rider you would prefer to carry on your back.
Tip 5: One hand only ladies and gents!
If you have experience riding English, it is important to disregard your knowledge about holding reins, as Western riding involves completely different techniques. Unlike English riding, you don’t need to keep your thumbs up, use a rein in each hand, or maintain a tight grip. You can have more slack in your reins and your arms don’t have to be held up. Additionally, it is acceptable for your horse’s head to be lower and have a more relaxed posture compared to English riding.
Rather than adding additional information or omitting any details, learn the art of accomplishing tasks using only one hand and allowing for some looseness in the reins, which is commonly known as “neck reining”.
To guide your direction, hold both reins in one hand and make a small forward-left movement to turn left, or a slight forward-right movement to turn right.
To assist your horse, utilize your legs and incorporate some movement from your hips when turning. Direct your hips towards the desired direction, and a well-trained horse will understand this cue. Additionally, apply pressure with the leg on the opposite side of the intended turn, as horses typically move away from such pressure.
