Learning How to Ride a Horse

Learning how to ride a horse can be a lot of fun. Whether you want to ride for the feeling of freedom you get on a horse or you are just a horse lover, it can be very rewarding. With some basic equipment and a good teacher, you can be on your way to having hours of fun.

There are many different styles of horse riding that one can choose to learn. The two main horse riding styles are Western and English. Western style is easier to learn and not as strict or as difficult to learn as the English style. If you are just riding for fun, look for an instructor that will teach the Western style. However, if you think you might be interested in riding for show, it will probably be better to learn the English style. (Western style is used in rodeo events, trail riding and herding livestock, while the English style is used in dressage and show jumping.)

When taking riding lessons, make sure you let your instructor know that you are a beginner. This way they will put you on a horse that is well trained. It is important that you get a horse that is easy to ride, for both your safety and your confidence.

When looking for an instructor, it is best to ask around and see whom people recommend. Do not just respond to an advertisement. Some instructors, (usually professionals) will have teaching certifications and first aid training. Other instructors will have just learned from someone else and will be willing to teach you what they know. No matter who you choose, make sure they have a personality that you get along with. Also make sure that they teach the style you want to learn.

Safely should be your number one concern when learning to ride. Always be sure to wear a helmet in case you fall off. Many people don't wear a helmet when riding a horse, but it should be required apparel because it is over six feet from your head to the ground and depending on where you are riding, there could be large stones present. Also, depending on what you are doing at the time you fall off, you could get accidently kicked in the head by the horse. My dad has never seen a fallen rider stepped on by a horse, but he has seen them clipped by a hoof when the horse tries to avoid the fallen rider. You should also wear long pants so that you do not chafe your legs on the saddle and stirrup straps. It is also advisable to wear riding boots as they fit into the stirrups much better and they also provide strength to your ankles.

The equipment you need for riding the horse is called tack. This includes everything from the saddle to the reins, bridle and stirrups. This can be expensive to buy on your own. Usually the instructor can provide the equipment. It is important that you check over the saddle, bridle and reins before each ride for signs of wear and for a proper fit.

Learning to ride a horse can be a life changing event. It will give you a sense of responsibility, as well as give you a tremendous sense of freedom. By finding a good instructor and a calm horse, you are well on your way.

Remember horses are very powerful animals so always be sure to wear your helmet and ride with friends. Accidents can happen when you least expect them. Dad was on an exercise ride with a group of Royal Canadian Mounted Police recruits. They were going along a trail in the woods near the Ottawa River. The recruit ahead of dad turned around to look at the horse he was leading and didn’t see the low hanging branch in front of the horse he was riding. As he turned to look forward, the branch knocked him off his horse headfirst onto a large rock beside the trail. His helmet saved him from a fractured skull. Two or three seconds of inattention while riding could have been fatal if he hadn’t been wearing that helmet.

Until next time,

Teia

Buying a Horse

That’s my dad in the picture at the left. The picture was taken in 1961 when he was a recruit in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The horse he is on was called “Honey”. She was one of the horses used in the Musical Ride, so she was very well trained. Dad said she was so easy to ride that he often slept while she went through the correct movements associated with learning to ride a Mounted Police horse.

Having a horse is a major responsibility which should not be taken lightly. When deciding to buy a horse there are many factors to consider. It is a good idea to talk to current horse owners about their experiences and even take riding lessons so you are more experienced with basic horse husbandry.

There are many places where you can buy a horse. These can include auctions and private owners. No matter where you buy your horse from, it is important that you get a thorough history from the owner. As well, have a pre purchase exam done by a veterinarian. Doing these two things can save you a lot of money and stress.

When choosing the type of horse to buy, there are more than 350 different breeds of horses to consider. But the main thing to look for is the temperament of the horse. If this is your first horse, you should choose a horse that is calm. It would also be best to buy a horse that is already trained.

The age of the horse is probably not as important as the temperament. But the age is an important factor to consider. Horses can live up to 30 years. Choosing a horse that has had several years of training is probably the most important factor.

Once you have purchased your horse you have to decide on where to board it. If you are lucky, you have a farm to keep the horse at. But a lot of people will have to keep their horse(s) at a boarding stable which can be costly.

Another consideration you need to think about before buying a horse is how much time you have to devote to the horse. Horses need to be fed twice a day. Stalls need to be cleaned and training needs to be done. Having a horse, or any pet is a major time commitment. Please give this serious thought before buying any pet.

Money is a big factor in deciding to buy a horse. There are many costs that people may not think about before buying a horse. Boarding fees, stable fees, feed and tackle can add up to a big bill. Also, do not forget that if your horse gets sick you need to pay a large veterinarian bill as well.

These are just some of the considerations you need to think about before buying a horse. By doing research before you purchase a horse you can save yourself a lot of time and money.

Until next time,

Teia