Be A Better Horse Rider By Following These Seven Tips
Horse riding is a great hobby for all ages and it is never too late to learn. It is more than a really interesting sport to get involved in. It’s the perfect way to learn a new skill, gain confidence, and meet new people. But if you’re a novice, you may not know where to start. The following 7 tips are aimed to help anyone who is new to riding:
1. Many beginners don’t realise that they need to approach their horse with care. You should always approach your horse from the side near their shoulder. Horses are easily startled, so by slowly reaching out and patting it on its shoulder you will be able to reassure it that you mean no harm.
2. When riding, good posture should be maintained by sitting up straight and making sure your shoulders are back. Feet should be placed a third of the way through the stirrup so that your weight is on the balls of your feet and your heels are kept down. You should also keep your shoulders back, back straight, and elbows at your sides.
3. Getting on and off the horse is the first issue new riders have to overcome. Starting with a mounting block will enable you to get the hang of how to correctly get on and off without distressing it. You will need someone to hold the horse while you are learning how to mount and dismount. To dismount, you need to take your feet out of the stirrups and swing your right leg over the back of the horse, lowering yourself gently to the ground whilst holding onto the saddles and reigns.
4. Gaining your balance when riding is the next big hurdle to overcome. It is something which needs to develop over time. Having good posture and sitting in the correct position will help you achieve this so that you can go with the horse rather than being left behind.
5. Looking ahead will help you improve your balance. New riders have a tendency to look down which can make them feel disorientated. As tempting as it is to look down at the horse, don’t. You should be looking where you’re going to keep both you and the horse safe.
6. Controlling a horse comes with practice but you will need to know the basics first. To start with you need to hold the reigns correctly. You will need to hold the reigns using both hands. Keep your thumbs on top, and position them in between your little finger and third finger.
7. For your comfort and protection you should ensure that you are wearing the correct attire. You must ensure that you are wearing an appropriate safely helmet when riding, along with riding boots and jodhpurs. Gloves can help you get your grip on the reins, too. When riding on the roads, high visibility clothing will help motorists spot you and slow down in time.
Any new rider should take onboard the above tips before trying to progress further. It is best to seek the help of a professional trainer to ensure you get off to the best start and enjoy your new hobby. Safety is of paramount importance for both you and the horse.
Find out more about the horse racing industry and precisely how you can get involved, either through working with horses or being a racehorse owner.
