Horse Riding How To

If you want to ride but don't know how this is the place for you!

But, in general... if you follow the instructions you find here, you will be able to ride (from a technical standpoint) .. if you are the type of person (as I am) who can read and visualize to the point of the equivalent of actually riding!

Then all you will have to do is RIDE!!!

I will do my best to put up as much information here as I can and will continue adding, so that there will be the most comprehensive stuff here, ever!

Photo Credit: opgirlslearntoride.com

Before you ever ride it's a good idea to buy a book (even for small children) with horse basics in it.

Read it, reread it.

If you prefer a video, then do that.

There are some really nice horseback riding videos out there.. and there are other types of programs as well.

(I will put a link to a couple "learn to ride" packages that are on the market now, but you can find some on Amazon, as well).

Trail riding is nice, but if you really want to ride, it's better if you take lessons from a reputable horseman, preferably one that is qualified to teach.

You will need to decide if you want to ride English or Western style.

Both are nice, but it really just depends on your own tastes.

You can always do both, too! (I personally ride both).

It's a good idea to have a mental picture of what you have to do already in your mind.

The way you do this is by visualizing when you read (or watch the video) about it.

Picture yourself doing every move.

Image yourself mounting the horse and sitting high and holding the reins.

(I am going to put plenty of videos here to help you out).

I want to remind everyone who loves horse and wants to learn how to ride... it's never ever too late!!!

It doesn't matter how old you are... you CAN RIDE!!!!

horses.about.com/od/learntoride

Check out this very thorough step by step on how to mount a horse.

(This was taken from WIKIHOW) and there is a link below that will take you there for more information)...

1) Check your horse's girth. Always check your horse's girth before mounting. The girth should be snug, but loose enough to allow two fingers to fit between the girth and the horse's side. Riding with a loose or tight girth is dangerous for you and your horse, so it's very important to check your horse's girth before riding.

2) Halt your horse. Put the reins over his head so they'll be in the correct position when you mount. If you're a beginner, ask a friend to hold your horse for you while you mount.

3) Stand on your horse's left side. This is the side that riders traditionally mount from. Holding the reins in your left hand, turn the stirrup towards you using your right hand. Put your left foot into the stirrup.

4) Hold the waist of the saddle with your right hand. Have your left hand on your horse's withers. Gently bounce once or twice on your right foot, and then spring up off it.

5) Swing your right leg up and over the horse's back. Be careful not to kick your horse with your toe! Since all your weight is on the left stirrup, ask a friend to hold onto the right stirrup.

6) Lower yourself into the saddle. Land gently - don't flop or slam into the saddle and take up the reins in your hands. Gently pull on the reins to tell your horse not to move forward and put your feet into the stirrups.

Mounting Using a Mounting Block

1) Place the mounting block to the left of the horse. Ask a friend to hold your horse in place, if necessary. Climb onto the mounting block and hold the reins in your left hand.

2) Put your left foot in the stirrup. Spring off your right food and swing your right leg up and over the horse's back, being careful not to poke your horse.

3) Lower yourself gently into the saddle. Gather up your reins in your hands and put your feet into the stirrups.

Mounting by Getting a Leg Up

1) Put your right hand on the saddle. Hold the reins in your left hand. Your friend will hold up your left leg.

2) Decide when your friend will lift up your leg. For example, you could count to three. While your friend propels you up, lift yourself with your arm into the saddle.

3) When you're level with the saddle, swing your right leg over it. Gently sit down and gather your stirrups, while you straighten your back and put your feet into the stirrups.

(And there is a video as well.. so go and check out this site!)...

TIPS

* After saddling your horse, walk him to the arena before mounting. Some horses will take a deep breath while you saddle them, so the girth is loose; walking the horse and then tightening it will ensure that it's snug enough.

* If your horse starts to move while you're mounting, tell him "Whoa" and pull gently on the reins.

* If the horse consistently evades being mounted, break down each step and praise the horse when they stand still.

* Have an experienced rider or instructor watching you if you are an inexperienced rider. Never ride alone, in case you fall off.

* Be careful when mounting a frisky or green-broke horse, or a stallion. If this is the situation, you can always have another person with you to help.

* Use common sense whenever handling a horse.

WARNINGS

* Always check your girth!

* Remember to wear boots with a heel and an ASTM/SEI certified helmet when riding.

* Some horses are very sensitive. After you swing over the saddle, you may want to stay standing in the stirrups, or in two-point for a second.

* Never just plonk yourself in the saddle, always lower yourself slowly into it.

wikihow.com/Mount-a-Horse

Photo Credit: horses.about.com/od/learntoride

There are some things you will need to have for your own safety when you ride.

Now, some of this will depend on what style you are riding, but, if you are a beginner, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Riding Helmet (Yes, in Western style riding the cowboy hat is the gear of choice, but a riding helmet is safer)

Low heeled shoes or boots (see the picture).

Comfortable, bendable pants and a comfy shirt to ride in.

Gloves (preferably leather riding gloves) for safety (not imperative, but they certainly make your life easier).

Lightweight jacket (particularly if you are going for a trail ride.. you don't know when the weather might take a turn for the colder).

(Click on the image to go to HORSELOVERZ where you can get all this stuff)

Photo Credit: yourhorse.co.uk