Tips for Riding a New Horse
The excitement of buying and taking care of a new horse often over-shadows the need to understand a few things about riding this new horse. Taking ownership, caring and riding a new horse is much like getting to know a new person in your life. There should be a time of getting acquainted followed by structured riding to understand expectations you have for the horse and the horse has for you.
Grooming and Spending Time Together
Grooming a new horse is a wonderful way to bond with it. Take your time and make your touch is gentle but firm. Talk to your horse constantly. When a rider and horse bond in this manner, the sound of your voice is something that will sooth it if it comes upon a stressful situation. When you groom your horse, make sure you touch all areas especially down its legs. The horse legs are a good indication of its acceptance of you. If it is easy to touch them and you do not see or feel it flinch, if you are able to pick up its hooves for cleaning without stress or hesitancy, you are will on your way to gaining your horses trust.
Taking the First Ride
When you feel that your horse has accepted you and trusts you, it is time to saddle up and take that first all-important ride. Saddle the horse as normal, making sure that the saddle is cinched tight and the bridle is set properly. By now, you should have learned the walking, trotting and cantering basics. If you are riding western there is no need to learn posting, if you ride English posting is necessary.
How you hold the reins to your mount is critical, especially in the first several rides. This is how the horse comes to learn your style of riding. You need to have a firm grip on the reins to control the horse. Here are some tips for holding the reins:
- Grip reins with both hands
- Firmly hold the reins, but allow the horse his head.
- A good hold is to allow the rein to run through your pinky and ring fingers and allowing the rein to loop out over the thumb and index finger.
Proper Carriage in the Saddle
Always remain alert with a new horse. Let the horse know you are there and in control. You can do this by proper positioning in the saddle. Sit upright, straight back and shoulders keeping your eyes forward. Keep your heels down in the stirrups.