How to Ride a Horse
Most of us have watched a horse and rider galloping through a field enjoying the ride and wondered for a moment what it would be like. Learning how to ride a horse is not difficult, but it does require kindness and respect for your horse. With a little bit of teaching you can learn how to approach a horse, calm away fears and ride.
- Let a stable hand or a teacher recommend a horse for beginners. It is especially important that you learn how to ride a horse on a gentle horse that is use to riders and accepts commands easily.
- Learn how to establish a re-pore with each horse. All horses have different personalities and likes and dislikes. Always speak to the horse in a soft voice and get to know it. Face the horse where he or she can easily see you. Horses are smart and will be studying you for signs of nervousness or aggression. Pet the horse around the face and the shoulders to show it there is nothing to fear. Never walk behind a strange horse, especially if it shows signs of nervousness. You are liable to get kicked.
- Allow the teacher to tack up your horse for you or show you how. Ask them to explain the process, what they are doing and why. This will help you gain experience about horses and learn the proper methods for saddling one of your own.
- Walk the horse gently by the reins over to an area for mounting. Mounting blocks can be useful if you do not feel comfortable mounting from the ground or you need additional height. Check the girth prior to mounting. Your teacher will show you how it should be adjusted. Always mount and dismount from the left side of your horse.
- Prepare to mount your horse. The first time or two it is advisable to have a horse handler holding the horse while you mount to keep it calm. Stand to the left side of the horse and place the reins in your left hand with a little bit of mane. Put your left foot into the left stirrup. Place your right hand on top of the saddle while swinging your right leg above and over the horses rear onto the saddle. Hold the reins and saddle and learn how to make adjustments to the stirrups if required.
- Walk the horse slowly and learn to get a feel for it. Remain calm and do not jerk around and cause the horse to become scared or agitated. Direct the horse left or right through the use of the reins. Your lower legs pressed against the horse’s sides will signal it to increase speed or slow. The first day out learning how to ride a horse should probably be kept to a walk for new riders not familiar with horses.
- Learn how to ride a horse gradually. Start with saddling, walking, and learn how to post and trot and then you can proceed to canter.