Horse riding is fun and once you get the hang of it, you'll be riding with ease and confidence. Whether you're excited or nervous the first time you ride a horse, there are a few considerations to take into account. Horses are not totally predictable but by following some general guidelines, you can make your first ride a success.
Instructions
1. Dress for the event. You'll need a comfortable pair of loose pants or jeans. If you can't lift your leg, you can't get on the horse. Make sure you can move with ease. Resist wearing shorts to ride a horse, even in hot weather. The rubbing of the horse against your bare knees and calves will be very uncomfortable.
2. Add additional safety items. Boots with a short heel will prevent your foot from sliding all the way through the stirrup and a pointed toe will allow your foot to slip out easily should you fall. A riding helmet provides head protection. Additionally, a pair of well fitting, thin leather gloves will keep your hands from chaffing.
3. Follow strict horse safety guidelines. If you're taking a riding lesson from a trainer, he or she will instruct you in approach the horse for the first time and mount. Take your time, if you're frightened, the horse will sense it.
4. Choose a calm horse for your first riding experience, the calmer, the better. You can always choose a more spirited horse next time, after you familiarize yourself with the basics of riding.
5. Hold the reins together in the palm of one hand, leaving equal tension on each one when the horse is walking in a straight line. When you want him to turn, move your hand to either side, pulling the horse's face in the direction you want to go. Control the horse's head and his body will follow.
6. Apply downward pressure with your feet in the stirrups to keep from bouncing up and down in the saddle. You can even stand up occasionally to relieve pain. An inexperienced rider may suffer with a bout of saddle-soreness after the first ride.
7. Help take off the horse's saddle, blanket and halter after riding and assist in brushing him down. Part of learning to ride a horse is learning to care for him. As an added benefit, you'll become more comfortable around the horse.
Tags: first ride, ride horse, with ease, your first, your foot