Four Tips for Beginner Horse Riders
If you have always had a passion for horses and admired them through art like this bronze horse sculpture www.gillparker.com , by watching equestrian events or by reading all about them, but have never been riding yourself, here are some things to do to prepare you for your first time riding a horse…
Make sure you have the right clothing and equipment
It is so important to make sure that you have the right clothing for riding. Riding clothes serve a purpose and that is safety. A helmet will be the most important thing to have, and it is something that could save your life. If you are going to a riding school, they will be able to lend you one and show you the correct fit, but if you are going to be committing to riding regularly, it is best to have your own. Footwear is also something that is important for riding – it should have a small heel, so wellies are fine, but proper riding boots are always best for comfort in the saddle.
Have the right posture – When you are on a horse, it is important to make sure that you are sitting correctly. Slumping and slouching are both things that you should avoid. Sitting up with your back straight will enable you to balance much better, and this is also great for your core muscles, so it is a good form of exercise too!
Look at where you are going – Something that many beginners do is get on the horse and look down, as it can feel quite high to begin with. Unfortunately, when you do this, you will not be able to balance as well, and this can make riding harder. Look at where you are going so that you can gain the balance quickly to enable you to ride with confidence.
Take it slow – There is no need to get on and instantly expect to begin running and jumping = these things take time and learning how to handle a horse and hold the reins, as well as getting your balance and familiarity with riding all should be done before you move onto anything more advanced. Like any skill, this is something that should be learnt over time.