Best Ways to Ride a horse

While you may be itching to get on a horse and try your hand at riding, you have to make sure you are wearing the appropriate attire for horseback riding. You should always wear long pants to keep your legs protected and closed-toe shoes. Boots are the best option. A helmet is also necessary. For those taking classes, your instructor should provide a helmet for you. However, if you are attempting to ride on your own, acquiring a well-fitting helmet is a priority.

If you are riding with a horse for the first time, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the horse through a touch, pat, or back rub. Just like dogs and cats understand us, the horses are often used to physical affection.

Pat the horse gently on the neck and stay around the animal for a while. Getting on the horse too quickly, will not make much of a difference but spending some time with the horse will let them know who is riding them.

The horses are trained in Western or English riding styles. By looking at the saddle of the horse, you will be able to know if you will be riding the horse the Western or the English way. If the horse has a smaller saddle that covers the back and a little part of the sides, the saddle is an English One. If the Saddles are large, heavy, and covering a lot of body area, the saddle shows that the horse understands Western commands.

English Style

The English style will require you to turn the reins to make the horse turn. Start with gently pulling the horse’s reins towards the side you want the horse to turn to. If the horse doesn’t turn, pull a little harder. Don’t pull too hard as it might hurt the horse’s mouth. 

Western Style

The commands depend on how the horse is trained. Some horses are trained to take a turn in the direction of a pulled rein while others are trained to understand the riders signals. A well trained horse can understand the slightest signals of the rider. To turn a horse, you will have to turn your shoulders to the direction you want to turn. If you want to turn the horse to the right direction, move your right leg away from the horse’s body and squeeze in your left leg towards the horse’s body.

If you are wearing anything that might fall, get torn, or get dirty while riding, change it. If you have long hair, wear them in a braid and secure with a ponytail. Wear long boots that can fit into the saddle’s stirrup. If you are a beginner, wear a helmet. 

To ride the horse, you and the horse should be comfortable. Adjust your weight on the saddle and your hips should be relaxed. Keep your back straight and do not lean forwards or backward.

If you will be riding the horse in western style, hold the reins in one hand to allow the horse to move easily. The other hand should fall naturally to your side. In English style, reins are held in both hands. Your elbows should be relaxed and not pulling the reins. 

When you are all set up and ready to ride the horse, gently squeeze the sides of your horse with your legs to signal it to move. An English horse is more dependent on your touch and control so gently kick with your heels to prompt the horse.