Learning how to ride a horse can seem so overwhelming when you are just starting to learn. But, if you take it step-by-step, it makes things so much easier. Below you will find a guide on how to learn horse riding that walks you through all aspects of learning to ride a horse, including the best clothes to wear.
First things first, if you haven’t already gone out and bought a horse, don’t. Not yet anyway. There are some people who start riding and decide that they just don’t enjoy it, it’s not for them. A horse is an expensive animal to buy and the upkeep is expensive too. So, you don’t want to spend that kind of money just to find out you don’t enjoy it.
The best thing for a beginner to do is to find an instructor or riding school to train them how to learn to horse riding.
Styles of horse riding
There are mainly two styles of riding. The English style and the Western Style. The concepts behind these two have similarities – but there are quite a few differences too.
Each country usually has a preference for what they teach. The Engish style can be found more around places like France, Germany, and the UK. While the Western style is highly popular in Canada and the U.S.A.
Finding an instructor or riding school
You need to think about why you are wanting to know how to learn horse riding. What I mean is, do you want to learn to ride so you can compete? Maybe you just want to ride for the sheer pleasure of it.
Some instructors specialize in certain disciplines, but most don’t. One of the best ways to find an instructor or school is to go to your local tack shop and ask around. If they can’t help you then do an online search in your area. Go and visit the riding schools and ask a lot of questions – communication is important.
Group lessons or private lessons
Both riding schools and instructors will usually offer either group or private lessons . The main difference between these two is the cost. Private lessons cost a bit more.
Group lessons are considerably cheaper since there are more people to share in the cost.
Although group lessons are cheaper, private lessons are better for beginners. Being in a group, everyone learns together which can slow you down if you’re a fast learner.
What to wear
To begin with, you don’t want to go out and buy expensive riding clothes for the same reason you don’t want to rush right out and buy a horse yet. Once you decide you want to keep riding, then buy whatever clothes for riding you want.
It honestly doesn’t matter too much the clothing that you wear just make sure that it’s not something that fits too tight or too baggy.
If you’re riding English style, for pants you might want to wear jogging pants or jeggings, something that doesn’t pinch your skin.
If your style is Western then an old pair of comfortable jeans will do simply fine.
Best footwear
For your feet, it’s exceptionally important what you wear to ride. You need footwear with a low platform, covered toes, smooth soles and small heels so it doesn’t slip completely out of the stirrup. If you have riding boots, that will be perfect. As it is, it will take you some time to find a position that is comfortable for your feet and legs.
Helmets
In some countries, it isn’t mandatory to wear a helmet but usually, a riding school or instructor will insist on it simply for your safety. Don’t go cheap when you buy your helmet. You can usually borrow one from your instructor until you are sure you want to stick with riding.
When you decide to buy one, go to a tack shop, they will aid you in choosing one that is right for you.
Getting ready for your first lesson
For the most part, you can’t learn to ride without being on a horse. But there are things that you need to learn before getting on one.
Muscle strength
Before you start your lessons it would be a good idea for you to work on strengthening your core muscles. It will aid you in keeping your balance and using good posture.
The best exercise to accomplish this is the leg and arm reach. Kneel on the floor, put your hands on the floor. Stretch out your left arm and your right leg, hold for ten seconds and then repeat on the opposite side. Do this twenty times a day for one week and you’ll be able to hold your posture and balance better on your very first riding lesson.
Mounting the horse
There are two ways to mount a horse – either from a block or from the ground.
Mounting from a block
Be sure that the block is in a perfect position, under the left stirrup.
Take the reins in your left hand and apply just a little pressure on your horse’s mouth.
Step up on the block, put your foot in the left stirrup. Make sure that the ball of your foot has rested on the stirrup then slowly move your weight to that foot.
Carefully swing the right leg around the back of your horse (be careful not to kick him).
Sit carefully in the saddle and grab the reins gently with both hands.
Mounting from the ground
Make sure to always mount your horse from the left side. If you are mounting from the ground, your instructor will hold the horse steady for you.
Take the reins firmly, make sure not to pull too hard. Use just enough pressure so your horse knows that he needed to keep still.
Place your left foot in your stirrup. Once you have it in place, put your weight down on the ball of your foot.
Just as you swing the right leg over, pull yourself up at the same time. if you’re having trouble doing this, the instructor can help you.
Slowly sit down in the saddle, making sure your right foot slips into the stirrup.
If your stirrups aren’t the perfect length then adjust them or ask your instructor to show you how.
The correct way to sit on a horse
There is a correct way to sit on the horse to make sure you are balanced, the horse is comfortable, and you are able to give him the correct signals to indicate when to go, stop and turn.
Your head
Make sure that your head is up, and you are looking straight forward between your horse’s ears.
Your arms
Close to your torso, bent at the elbows and relaxed.
Your hands
Level around the front of your saddle without resting on the saddle.
Your shoulders
Keep your shoulders up and back
Your back
Make sure that your back is straight, lined up with your shoulders and your hips.
Your legs
Depending on your riding style, your knees and your thighs should gently rest against your saddle.
Your feet
Keep your toes pointing up and forward and your heels down.
Holding the reins
This is extremely critical since the reins help you guide your horse and also to stop him. You need to make sure that you are holding the reins correctly.
English reins
The proper way to hold the reins is to pass them between your little finger and your ring finger, over your index finger, and hold them in position by lightly squeezing them between your thumb and index finger. Your wrists should be about four inches apart, relax them.
Western reins
The proper way to hold the reins is with whichever hand you are more comfortable with, needs to form an upright fist, the reins should come up through your fist at the bottom and come out at the top, between your index finger and thumb. The excess part of the rein should be opposite, and you hold it in your right hand and rest that hand against your leg.
Keep your balance
To keep your balance when your horse starts to move takes some getting used to. It’s even more difficult if you are scared or nervous.
When your horse moves, his weight shifts, and this causes you to shift too.
Relax and don’t try to keep yourself still. Move from your hips with your horse. If you try to fight and keep still it makes your horse struggle to counteract your move. Relaxing makes it easier to keep in balanced motion with your horse.
Making your horse move forward
Use your calves to squeeze the horse gently and calmly, softly ask him to “walk-on”. If that doesn’t work then click your tongue. If that still doesn’t work, do not kick him! Tap him gently with your heels.
Keep the same amount of slack in your reins by moving your hands with your horse’s head movement. If you’re riding Western style, you shouldn’t need to worry about this step because there should be plenty of slack.
Stopping the horse
Make yourself rigid by tightening your stomach muscles. If you do the opposite of relaxing then it will alert your horse, so he knows that he will need to be stopping soon. Tighten your thighs and knees against your saddle while carefully tightening your grip on the reins.
When you put pressure using your legs it alerts your horse that you’re going to issue a command. Make sure that you apply the pressure gently.
Gently pulls the reins back to you slowly, about an inch or two, but keep your hands around the same level.
When your horse stops, relax your body and relax the grip on the reins then pat your horse.
Turning your horse
Now it’s time to learn to turn your horse. You will use your entire body in this movement. Look in the direction you want your horse to go. If you are wanting to turn right then you need to move your left leg forward slightly and your right leg back just a little, squeeze gently with both legs. If you want to turn your horse left, then do the exact opposite.
Using your hands is also needed but how it’s done depends on your riding style.
English
If you want to turn left then use your left hand, slowly and gently pull it back towards you, pulling to the left with the left side of the reins. Do the same when turning right with the right hand.
Be careful not to pull too hard or too sharp, that will hurt your horse’s mouth.
Western
To turn right, move your hand to the right, letting the reins touch the horse’s neck on that side. To turn left, do the same but on the left side.
Getting off the horse
At the end of the lesson, you need to dismount your horse.
Pull your feet from the stirrups, relax them.
Take the reins in your left hand, keep them a little tight to keep your horse from moving.
Put your hand on the neck of your horse, above the withers then lean forward.
You’ll need to swing your leg, the right one, over your horse.
Then lower yourself to the ground carefully, bending your knees.
When you’re down, hold the reins and bring them over your horse’s head. Put your right hand on the reins near the bit, put your left hand further down and walk to lead your horse to the stables.
Conclusion
Remember that everyone learns at a different speed. Take your time learning to make sure you know everything you need to know. Once you learn these things really well you will be on your way to picking up the speed and learning some new skills.