Beginner horse riders might feel overwhelmed by the thought of getting on a horse, not to mention riding one! If you are completely new to horse riding, we recommend that you seek the assistance of a skilled trainer at a reputable horse riding school who can assist you with practical advice, monitor your progress and give personalized feedback.
In this blog post, we have compiled a list of things you need to know before you head out to the training arena.
What to Wear
Riding a horse is no walk in the park and we suggest that you avoid dressing as if it were so. Avoid shorts and skirts and stick to full-length pants instead. Swap out your go-to cowboy hat for a hard horse riding helmet and don’t forget to wear a pair of low-heeled boots. Stick to the necessities and avoid accessories like scarves or heavily embellished outfits. You can find plenty of attractive options for riding attire at your local equestrian equipment store.
Meeting Your Horse for the First Time
The first time you meet a horse, carefully follow the instructions of your riding instructor. Stay calm when you first greet your horse. Avoid surprising your horse with sudden movements and approach it by moving within the horse’s field of view. Extend your arm and allow the horse to sniff the back of your hand. Once the horse feels comfortable, it will touch your hand with its nose. Congratulations on your horseman’s handshake!
Mounting Your Horse
When mounting your horse, carefully place your left foot into the stirrup and hoist yourself up by holding onto the reins and the mane with your left hand. Once you are in a standing position, carefully swing your right leg over and secure it in the other stirrup. This takes practice so listen to your instructors instructions carefully and observe the way experienced riders mount their horses.
Controlling the Reins
Once you are comfortably situated on your horse, keep your back straight and maintain your balance. Keep your elbows at right angles when you handle the reins and avoid tugging harshly. When you want to move to the left, gently tug on the left rein and the same goes for turning to the right.
Look Where You Want to Go
Riding a horse involves the use of your entire body to accurately send signals to your horse. Keep your head pointed ahead and look where you want to go. The position of your head shifts your entire balance so be mindful of your head posture.
Some Additional Tips to Make Your First Ride both Comfortable & Enjoyable
Always Stay Alert
Nothing will delay your progress like not paying attention. Keep your mind focused and be aware of your surroundings. Listen carefully to instructions, keep your posture and pay attention to your horse.
Handle the Reins Gently
Never tug the reins up above your head or pull harshly on them, this can hurt your horse. Keep your elbows bent at 90 degrees and handle the reins carefully. A gentle tug to the left or right will let your horse know which direction you intend to turn.
Progress Slowly
Don’t be in a hurry to move onto new skills when you haven’t perfected the basics. A good grasp of the basics will allow you to progress more smoothly and will prevent mishaps or accidents down the line.
The Best Place to Learn Horse Riding in Sharjah
Riders Horse Riding Stables in Sharjah is a horse riding school and equestrian center equipped with top-of-the-line facilities to train both young and older individuals who have a passion for horse riding. Improve your skills and enjoy the fascinating sport of horse riding in Sharjah with other horse lovers! We welcome both skilled riders and beginners to take part in horse riding classes, desert hacks and beach horse rides along beautiful trails in Sharjah!
