Interested in learning how to ride a horse? This article will teach you all you need to know. It is filled with expert advice from qualified people–veterinarians and professional jockeys. In the next few minutes, you will discover how to ride a horse like a professional jockey even if are a first time horse owner.
Get Your Horse Ready
In order to ride a horse, it needs to be ready to be ridden. What does that mean?
Your horse should not have any injuries or medical issues. You will need a veterinarian’s approval before you can ride your horse again.
It is important that your horse does not have any weight on its back, so it has been eating well and doesn’t need to lose weight in the jockey’s competition. Your horse should also be in good physical shape with low cholesterol and low blood pressure.
If your horse is too heavy, you cannot control the speed at which it moves when you are riding it. If this is an issue, consult a veterinarian about how to get your horse into better shape for riding and racing.
Mounting Tips
Mounting is the first step in horse riding. Mounting isn’t a simple task, so you’ll want to prepare your horse before you get on. It’s best to have someone help you mount your horse.
If you are mounting your horse by yourself, place the left foot in the stirrup and grab the saddle horn with your right hand. Push up on the stirrup with the left leg while pulling up with the right arm, then swing your right leg over the saddle and settle into a sitting position. Be sure to keep your back straight during this process!
With a little practice, mounting will become second nature.
Riding Tips
You may have seen jockeys ride at the track or in a rodeo, but you might not know how to do it yourself. Well, we’re here to help. The following tips will give you everything you need to know about riding a horse like a pro:
Follow the rider ahead of you and listen for cues from them and your instructor.
- Stay in the saddle by bending your knees and holding tightly to the reins with both hands.
- Place your feet in the stirrups and keep them there throughout the ride.
- Avoid bouncing up and down in the saddle; this could lead to injury or discomfort for your horse.
- Keep your elbows loose and away from your body. This improves balance and helps prevent injury if you fall off of the horse.
What to Wear While Rides
The first thing you should know about riding a horse is what to wear. While it may not seem like a big deal, the clothes you wear will affect your safety and comfort while riding.
Here are some other tips on what to wear while riding:
- A helmet–it’s a good idea, especially if your horse bucks like mine does.
- Boots–stabilize ankles and cushions your heel if boot plants are flexible.
- Gloves–better grip on reins and fewer blisters, plus prevents potential injuries such as bruises and cuts.
- Riding pants/breeches–no restrictions while riding or running.
- Riding jacket/jacket vest–provides comfort and prevents wind burns during your ride.
Safety Tips
Riding a horse is an outstanding experience to share with friends, family, and loved ones. Like many other exceptional experiences in life, it’s important to follow certain safety tips.
- The first thing to keep in mind when riding a horse is safety. To ensure your own safety and the health of your horse, follow these simple rules:
- Always wear protective gear like hard boots, gloves, and goggles for eye protection.
- Check the condition of the saddle before each ride. If you notice any damage or if it doesn’t feel secure, don’t use it.
- Inspect the stirrups before using them. If they’re loose or not secured correctly to the saddle, don’t use them because they can easily come off during your ride and cause injury.
- Make sure you have control of the horse’s reins at all times. This will prevent any accidents from happening when mounted on the horse’s back.
Closing Thoughts
To ride, you need to get your horse ready. This includes feeding and grooming your horse, making sure they’re not too hot or too cold, and giving them plenty of fresh water. Next, mount your horse from the left side, holding onto the saddle.
Now that you’re on the horse, keep your head up and use a gentle hand. It’s important to signal to your horse with a slight squeeze of the reins when you want them to slow down or stop.
When you ride a horse, there are a few things to keep in mind about clothing and safety. Wear a riding hat and long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from the sun, and gloves to protect your hands from getting scraped. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes that grip well on the stirrups. Check with your doctor before riding if you have any heart or lung problems or have been told by a doctor to avoid physical activity.
Finally, be aware of other riders and pedestrians while you’re out on the trail.