Guide to Beginner Horse Riding

Beginner horse riding is something that takes time and instruction. There are several ways to go about beginner horse riding and important safety procedures to follow. Because horse riding isn't something you can simply teach yourself, it's best to find a school in your area where you can take lessons. Here are some other things to keep in mind.

You'll need some basic horse riding equipment. This includes clothes: long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, boots or hard-soled shoes and a hat or helmet. Don't be embarrassed to wear a helmet, especially as you're learning. Being thrown from a horse can be a very dangerous thing. For the horse you'll need a saddle, saddle pad, a bridle and a bit.

Get comfortable with your horse before attempting to ride her. Groom her, walk around with her and spend some time with her. This will make riding her much easier. If you're uneasy around a horse, they can sense it and it may make mounting and giving commands difficult.

Never walk behind a horse as the horse may kick back and hit you. A horse's kick is quite hard and can do serious damage or even kill you.
You'll have to decide what kind of horseback riding you want to learn. There are two main types: western and English. Western style horse riding involves more use of the reins than English. It's a more casual way of riding, though this doesn't necessarily make it easier.

To start riding, you'll have to mount the horse. To do this, stand on the left side of the horse and put your left foot in the stirrup closer to you. Your left hand should be holding the reins and your right hand will be gripping the horse's wither (the area where the base of the horse's neck meets his back). Next you'll hoist yourself up on top of the horse, swinging your right leg over the horse and resting it in the right stirrup. Now that you're in the saddle, check to make sure the stirrups are at an appropriate length for you. Your feet should be resting gently, your knees bent. If there's a problem, adjust the stirrups.

To get the horse to move you'll do one of two things, depending on how the horse was trained. You may either make a clucking noise with your tongue or you may squeeze the horse's sides, using your calves. You'll do the same thing to speed the horse up to a trot and then a canter. To get the horse to stop, release the pressure of your legs and give a gentle tug with the reins.

Steering the horse will also be determined by how the horse was trained. You may either move your hands in the direction in which you want to turn, letting the reins drape gently over the horse's neck. You may also give a little tug on the reins in the direction in which you wish to turn. A little leg pressure can also be used; sometimes the horse will turn with your pressure, while other horses will turn away from it.