Equestrian horseback riding is very fun and relaxing, but if it is not done correctly, it can be very dangerous not only to yourself, but also to your horse. There are several things to remember to ensure that you not only have a safe ride, but a fun one.
Head and foot injury are among the most common safety problems for new riders. A helmet must be used any time you ride a horse so that your head is protected in case of a fall. To prevent your foot being stuck with the stirrups, you need to put on proper foot wear.
Maintaining a good seat on the horse is the second most common problem one may encounter. You need to make sure that the seat is safe to use. First, check the bridle and make sure it is not broken. Second, make sure that the cinch strap is firmly attached to the Saddle and that the girth is tight so that the saddle does not slip while you are riding. Third, check the length of the stirrups to ensure they are suitable for your legs.
Horses may get scared at any time, even if you were a professional rider. Always ask someone to be with you when riding. Make it a rule not to ride a horse without the presence of people around you. In case of a fall or any other emergency, there will be someone to help you.
After you get on your horse there are a few things that you should keep in mind. The most important thing is to sit up straight and look where you are going. If you are leaning to one side or the other in your saddle you will cause your horse to be off balance and you will hinder his movement. By sitting up straight, you will allow your horse to move as freely and naturally as possible. You also want to make sure that you are looking where you are going. This is very important, especially if you are riding with other people because you do not want to ride into anyone. Also, if you are looking where you want to go your horse will stay straight and his body will be in the correct position when he is traveling.
To prevent your horse pulling back and ignoring your cues, you need to make sure it keeps moving forward. This can be done by putting more leg pressure on the bridle than hand pressure. If you keep pulling the reins, your horse will eventually not follow any cues you give him to stop or slow down and may start pulling back.
When you are finished riding, make sure that you always end on a good note and dismount on the left side. Un-tack you horse and groom him well. You want to make sure that your horse always has a good experience so that you and your horse will be happy and will want to ride again.
Learn how to ride horses without paying for expensive classes with the help of Jim Milton's horseback riding lessons. Visit Miton's horse riding resources page for additional tips and information.
