Tips on How to Ride a Horse

Horseback riding is a skill that takes a lot of practice and patience.  Whether you ride for show or pleasure, riding a horse can be a very exciting and thrilling experience.  There are many different styles of horseback riding, but no matter which style you are learning, there are some common guidelines.

• Start horseback riding by learning English-style riding.  This style of riding is easy to learn, and provides a good foundation for learning future styles.


• Find a good instructor to give you riding lessons before ever getting on a horse.  There is a lot of skill and knowledge of horses involved in riding, and a certified instructor will help you to learn to ride a horse properly.


• Be persistent.  Patience is the key when learning to ride a horse.  Sometimes you will feel like you are making progress, and then the next day you will feel out of sync and uncoordinated.  Stick with it and continue to practice, and riding a horse will soon come easy.


• Treat your horse with respect, both when riding and when on the ground.  A “bond” will form between human and horse, and the horse will be increasingly willing to work with you and obey your commands if it knows it can trust you.


• Wear protective gear at all times when horseback riding.  The most important part of safety equipment is your helmet.  Falls can happen easily and in a split second, and a helmet and safety gear can save your life.


• Keep your heels down when your feet are in the stirrups.  This keeps your foot secure and will prevent them from being caught in the stirrups if you fall off the horse.


• Sit straight up and do not lean forward.  Keep your spine straight for the most secure riding position.  If the horse was to buck and you are leaning forward, you will be easily thrown to the ground.


• Keep your hands on the reins at all time.  The reins serve as the communication device between you and the horse, and by using the reins you keep control of movements, speed and turns.