Practical Advice for Beginner Horse Riders
Let me guess, you love horses right? As a little girl you read all the "The Black Stallion" books, couldn't wait to watch the latest rerun of "My Friend Flicka" and you just knew that if your parents would just buy you a horse your life would be perfect., right? Now, as an adult, you want to make that dream come true.....
I've been there and had some bumps along the way. I was excited, afraid and worried all at the same time. Now I'm a happy horse owner. I wish I had this information when I started to save me some of the heartache and struggle.
Beginner horse riding is wrought with disappointment and heartbreak if you don't do your homework first. Read on to learn the the 3 top tips for beginner horse riders.
I've been there and had some bumps along the way. I was excited, afraid and worried all at the same time. Now I'm a happy horse owner. I wish I had this information when I started to save me some of the heartache and struggle.
Beginner horse riding is wrought with disappointment and heartbreak if you don't do your homework first. Read on to learn the the 3 top tips for beginner horse riders.
Beginner Horse Riding Lessons
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Beginner Horse Riding Tips
Lessons
1. The first step for someone new to horses is to find a reputable facility with people who know what they are doing. One of the best ways to find one is to attend an event that focuses on the discipline you are interested in and ask around (by discipline we mean what activity you would like to do on horseback, i.e. jumping, barrel racing, dressage etc.). Most people are very quick to refer you to someone that they feel is an expert in the discipline in question. When first looking at a prospective facility, observe the condition of the stalls, horses and make arrangements to watch a few lessons. Does the riding instructor seem engaged in the lesson? Or is he or she talking on their cell phone, ignoring the students? You are paying for this and deserve to actually learn something. Do the people in charge follow safety guidelines? Horses are often unpredictable at best and safety for beginner riders should be foremost in the trainer's mind..
Safety
2. Ok, so you have settled on a lesson barn and are ready for your first ride. You should be put on a horse that is quiet and suitable for beginners. If at any time you don't feel safe or feel that you and the school horse are not evenly matched, speak up. You are not going to learn anything if you are paralyzed with fear. Horse rider fear is nothing to be ashamed of and you should be able to speak openly with your instructor about it. The two of you should be able to come up with a solution. If you find that you are still afraid even after discussing it with the trainer, then perhaps your trainer would be willing to allow you take horse care classes on the ground. This will help build confidence around horses that will translate to confidence in the saddle. There's no time frame here. If you are happy with your progress and want to take it at a slower pace, then feel free to do so. Don't let fear take the fun out of it for you.
When to Buy Your First Horse?
3. Horse ownership is not cheap and shouldn't be taken lightly. You shouldn't consider choosing your first horse until you have had a few lessons under your belt and feel confident that you know what you're doing. Choosing your first horse is exciting but should not be done without the assistance of a professional. Take your time and do your homework. You might be anxious to own your own horse, but be patient. Taking the time now will spare you a lot of cost and heartache in the future.
1. The first step for someone new to horses is to find a reputable facility with people who know what they are doing. One of the best ways to find one is to attend an event that focuses on the discipline you are interested in and ask around (by discipline we mean what activity you would like to do on horseback, i.e. jumping, barrel racing, dressage etc.). Most people are very quick to refer you to someone that they feel is an expert in the discipline in question. When first looking at a prospective facility, observe the condition of the stalls, horses and make arrangements to watch a few lessons. Does the riding instructor seem engaged in the lesson? Or is he or she talking on their cell phone, ignoring the students? You are paying for this and deserve to actually learn something. Do the people in charge follow safety guidelines? Horses are often unpredictable at best and safety for beginner riders should be foremost in the trainer's mind..
Safety
2. Ok, so you have settled on a lesson barn and are ready for your first ride. You should be put on a horse that is quiet and suitable for beginners. If at any time you don't feel safe or feel that you and the school horse are not evenly matched, speak up. You are not going to learn anything if you are paralyzed with fear. Horse rider fear is nothing to be ashamed of and you should be able to speak openly with your instructor about it. The two of you should be able to come up with a solution. If you find that you are still afraid even after discussing it with the trainer, then perhaps your trainer would be willing to allow you take horse care classes on the ground. This will help build confidence around horses that will translate to confidence in the saddle. There's no time frame here. If you are happy with your progress and want to take it at a slower pace, then feel free to do so. Don't let fear take the fun out of it for you.
When to Buy Your First Horse?
3. Horse ownership is not cheap and shouldn't be taken lightly. You shouldn't consider choosing your first horse until you have had a few lessons under your belt and feel confident that you know what you're doing. Choosing your first horse is exciting but should not be done without the assistance of a professional. Take your time and do your homework. You might be anxious to own your own horse, but be patient. Taking the time now will spare you a lot of cost and heartache in the future.
Beginner Horse Riding Information
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Even though you love horses they are big and can be intimidating. This guide is packed with sound advice on things that concern beginner horse riders:
What should I wear to my first lesson? You'll avoid the embarrassment of showing up in the wrong shoes!
I want to ride but I'm so nervous Overcome that first time nervousness, leaving you open to learning!
What are some of the costs? Know up front what you can expect to pay, that way you can budget!
What does it mean when the horse does that? Handle yourself with confidence when a horse does something unexpected!
What shouldn't I wear while riding? Know the clothing you should avoid to stay safe and confident while riding!
And much more! Horse riding for beginners can be a scary prospect. The more knowledge you have the more confident you will be.
Summary
Horse riding when approached correctly and thought out can be very rewarding. Following these simple guidelines will insure that your childhood dream of bonding with horses turns out just how you always imagined it to be. Do your homework and you can reap the rewards of being with horses. Click the link below for more information you need to know!
Horse Riding Saddles
Bought your first horse and now you need tack? Visit Horse Riding Saddles for a large selection of saddles and accessories.
- Horse Riding Saddles
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