Horse riding is one of the most fun and absorbing hobbies around. It provides a cardiovascular work out, improves posture, is sociable and great for anyone who enjoys being around animals.
Learning to ride a horse is very different from learning to drive a car. Horses have their own agenda and can decide whether or not to listen to the rider's commands. Learning the various cues, and understanding how the rider's movements and demeanor effect the horse, is key.
Anyone going for his first horse riding lesson should do some research beforehand. Here are a few tips to ensure the lessons go smoothly and safely.
What to Wear to a Horse Riding Lesson
Take lessons with a qualified and experienced instructor. He will be able to provide a horse suitable for beginners and give proper training in basic riding technique.
Most riding schools will have a selection of different sized helmets which beginners can borrow. A correctly fitting helmet should feel snug but not too tight, and have a secure chinstrap.
For footwear, a pair of boots with a one to two centimeter heel is most suitable. The small heel will prevent the foot from slipping into the stirrup. Knee length riding boots are ideal and will stop the stirrup leathers from rubbing against the rider's calf. Anyone taking regular lessons should invest in a good quality riding hat and boots.
Ideally, riders should wear jodhpurs. Jeans are not suitable for riding - they slide around on leather saddles and the seams dig into the legs.
How to Approach and Mount a Horse
Building a relationship with a horse is rather like building a relationship with a human. An air of calm confidence will help the horse respect and feel confident about the rider. Don't enter the horse's personal space too quickly, put your hands on its face or grab at its head. Aim for a calm, confident and friendly demeanor even if you are feeling a bit jittery.
Beginners should never walk behind a horse - contrary ones are liable to kick! It is best not to approach horses from directly in front or behind. As their eyes are positioned on the side of their head, horses have a blind spot in front of them and directly behind. To avoid startling them and getting off on the wrong foot, approach from the side and stand near the horse's shoulder.
Riders always mount from the left hand side. Beginners will find it easier to use a mounting block rather than mounting straight from the ground and this method puts less strain on the horse's back.
The Correct Position for Horse Riding
A good riding position will aid balance and help the rider to stay in the saddle. Good horse riders are always in harmony with their horse's natural movement, so poise is a big part of successful horse riding. Bad posture will impact on the horse's natural movement and will increase muscle soreness for the rider.
Aim to lengthen the upper body from the pelvis and engage the stomach muscles. Sit up straight and resist the urge to lean forward! Keep the spine nice and straight and seat bones tucked underneath in a neutral position (not tilted forwards, not tilted back).
Keep the head upright and look out between the horse's ears in the direction of travel. Tilting the head or looking down at the ground will cause the rider to put more weight on one side of the horse and throw it off balance. A good tip is to think about keeping both ear lobes parallel and level with the ground.
It is important to keep your heels down in the stirrups. Doing so will help maintain balance and stop the foot from getting caught in the stirrup. Viewed from the side, the rider's ankle, hip and shoulder should form a straight line. This will be easier to achieve when the stirrups are at the correct length - ankle length when the legs are hanging down loosely.
How to Hold the Reins
These act as both the steering wheel and the brakes. They are connected to a metal bit which rests in the horse's mouth.
Riders should always have good contact with the reins - they should not become slack or it will be difficult to control the horse. At the same time, do not pull at the horse's mouth or use the reins to balance.
Pick up the reins - one in each hand and run them between the third finger and the little finger. Curl the fingers gently around them and place the thumbs on top (with thumbs facing upwards).
Beginners should try and relax and avoid tensing up the body. Instead, concentrate on absorbing the horse's movement and sitting up straight. Horse riding uses muscles most of us do not use on a daily basis so take a hot bath after a lesson to ease sore muscles!
