NOTE
You can’t learn how to ride a horse properly from a website, book, or video because it is not ideal. The best way to learn to ride a horse is with a competent coach or instructor who has what it takes to put you through.
A coach or instructor can catch bad habits before they become part of you, advise you of mistakes you may be making, encourage you, and offer advice to keep you safe and far away from hurting yourself. But these tips will help you understand what you’ll be learning once you’re on a horse. Here’s what you’ll need to have a clue about horse riding.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR RIDE
it is important to NOTE that you may not be taught actual riding skills. You may come across riding schools where you’ll simply get on the horse and start riding and some riding schools where you will learn how to associate with the horse first before any other thing. But learning to tie, groom and lead are essential skills that help you learn to understand horses, and increase your enjoyment. This is especially important if you plan to head out alone once you’re able.
SADDLE UP
With your horse safely tied and groomed, it’s time to SAADLE UP for your ride and enjoy the feeling of riding a horse. You must first learn how to put on your saddle because if wrongly fixed may lead to an accident. There are two (2) methods in which a saddle can be fixed
ENGLISH OR WESTERN SADDLE
BRIDLE
MOUNTING UP
With your horse waiting, after being groomed, saddled up, and ready to ride, you will be eager to test your riding skills! It’s important to understand how to mount your horse properly because if not mounted properly may lead to an accident and it’s also important to learn how to sit on your saddle after you have mounted the horse.
WALK ON
When you first begin riding, you will feel awkward and unbalanced because you are new to riding a horse. You may feel unable to make all your body parts do all the things they are supposed to at the same time. You may be using muscles not familiar with the job you are asking, and have difficulty remembering all you are supposed to do. But i tell you now that the key is practice, why? because practice makes perfect.
WALK, HALT AND TURN.
These are the first things your instructor will educate you on while undergoing your traing
How to Walk and Halt: The first thing your instructor will explain is how to cue the horse to walk. If you’ve never ridden before, it will take a little time to get used to the motion of the horse.
How to Turn (English): Most English riders will learn to use a direct rein to turn their horses.
How to Turn (Western): Most Western riders will likely learn to neck rein.
TROT OR JUG, CANTER OR LOPE
As your confidence and skill increase, it is time to learn to ride at faster paces. Challenge yourself, but never feel rushed. Learning to ride is supposed to be fun, not scary because when learning becomes scary you are prone to make mistakes.
Posting the Trot: Trotting can be a lot of work to learn, especially posting the trot. Again, practice is key. Soon it will become the natural thing to do.
Sit the Trot: Learning to sit the trot can be tricky. These tips can help get the bounce out.
Canter or Lope: The canter/lope is a lot of fun, and once you are secure almost easier than trotting.
RIDING SAFETY
These aren’t riding skills, but safety with horses is always the first priority. Your coach can help remind you of these safety tips as you ride because it can be difficult to remember so many new things and thats why it’s necessary for you to have an instructor by your side while you learn.
Arena Etiquette and Safety: Just like rules of the road prevent traffic chaos, arena etiquette prevents riders from getting too close or cutting each other off.
Safety on the Trail: Riding on a trail is an adventure that comes with a few hazards. Be prepared by knowing what to watch for.
Riding More Safely After Dark: If you get caught (or go out) after dark, extra caution is required.
Safety Riding Along Roadsides: Generally, horses and traffic don’t mix. But if you have to ride along roadsides, stay safe.
BEYOND THE BASICS
These skills go beyond the basics. Learn how to fall off and do an emergency dismount under the supervision of a knowledgeable coach because you may not know when that particular training may come in handy. Always wear a helmet and proper boots or safety stirrups. Consider using a chest protector and a mouth guard as well in order to avoid injuries.
Backing Up or Rein-back: There are lots of situations where backing up is handy.
Ride Bareback: Riding bareback is fun, and in the winter, warmer!
How to Fall Off: Emergency dismounts and falling the right way may help you if your horse bolts, bucks or otherwise misbehaves, although there is no sure way to prevent accidents and injury when riding horseback.
How to Do an Emergency Dismount: What your coach can teach you about getting off fast.
AFTER RIDE
Being a good horseman/horsewoman means you look after your horse even after its job is done. You don’t want your horse to be uncomfortable, and you don’t want it to think that being ridden is all work and no play. Here’s how to get out of the saddle and reward your horse.
CARE FOR YOUR HORSE AFTER RIDE
Dismount: Because we have other things to do, unfortunately, we have to get off our horses sometime.
Properly dismounting from your horse is the first step after you’ve finished your ride.
Look After Your Horse After Riding: A sign of good horsemanship is a horse that is not only ridden well but cared for well. Here’s how to cool down your horse and groom it after riding.
Reward Your Horse With Treats Safely: Reward your equine friend for a job well done. But do it safely.