Filed under: Horseback Riding
Riding a horse is a lot like driving a car. You need to know how to accelerate, decelerate, turn and stop. However, a car won’t buck, kick, chomp or lay down when you’re driving it. A horse might, which makes learning how to ride one very important.
Here are 7 steps to riding a horse.
1) Choose the right horse.
Never try to ride a horse that is untamed or easily irritated. The horse needs to be trained and broken. Also, make sure it is size-appropriate. A grown man should not ride a pony or miniature horse. The animal can be injured and the rider can fall off.
The right horse should always be a little taller than the rider.
2) Pay attention when you’re around the horse.
Don’t walk directly behind the horse or underneath it. If it gets agitated, it could kick or step on you. Horses have great size and mediocre vision, which can easily lead to a rider getting unintentionally hurt.
3) Attach the saddle properly.
Putting the saddle on right is very important. A loose saddle is like a loose seat in a car – if there are any jolts, bumps or sudden stops, the rider is going to be in trouble.
First put on the back pad, which goes directly under the saddle. This protects the horse’s hide from the pressure and friction that comes with saddle wearing. Next, attach the saddle. Make sure it is aligned properly and fastened tightly.
4) Mount the horse safely.
Most horses are mounted from the left side. This is a centuries-old tradition that has carried over to today’s trained animals. If a rider tries to mount a horse from the right side, the horse may try to kick or run away.
Always hold the reins as you mount. If the animal decides to take off, the reins will help you control it. It also helps to grab a large handful of the horse’s mane. This gives you direct pressure to the horse in case you lose your balance.
Place your inside foot into the stirrup. As you bring yourself up and over, swing your outside leg around so that you are straddling the animal.
5) Start slowly.
You need to sit in the saddle with a strong, upright position, keeping your core firm. Hold the reins tight. Gently kick your heels against the horse’s body; this makes the animal move.
Start slowly and progress gradually.
6) Understand the reins.
The reins attach to the horse’s head and are held in the rider’s hands. They are strong, usually made out of durable leather. The reins act as controls, directing the horse’s head, which in turn directs its body.
If the reins are pulled to the right, the horse will turn to the right, and if they are pulled to the left, the horse will turn to the left. If you pull the reins back, the horse will stop. If you continue to pull the reins, the horse will begin to back up.
7) Get to know the horse.
It’s important that you get to know the horse. Like people, horses have personalities, attitudes and preferences. Pay close attention to the things the horse likes and dislikes. Monitor its habits.
And always remember that the rider is in charge of the horse, not the other way around.
Horse riding is a fun, relaxing way to get in touch with nature and your animal. There are plenty of stores about romantic Italy honeymoons that include horseback riding through the vineyards or on the beaches. If you are safe and use common sense, you will find yourself having a good ol’ time.