Are you new to the world of horse riding or simply looking to improve your skills? Learning how to ride a horse properly is essential for not only your own safety but also the well-being of the horse. In this blog post, you will find a comprehensive guide on how to ride a horse with proper techniques, posture, and etiquette. So grab your riding gear, saddle up, and let's begin the journey to expert horse riding!
How To Ride A Horse Properly Table of Contents
Preparing to Ride
Mounting the Horse
- Approach the horse on its left side, known as the "near side."
- Place your left foot in the stirrup, holding the reins with your left hand.
- Hold onto the saddle with your right hand and push off the ground with your right foot, swinging your right leg over the horse's back and gently lowering yourself into the saddle.
Proper Riding Posture
Sitting Up Straight
- Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and head up, looking where you want to go.
- Your ear, shoulder, hip, and heel should all be aligned vertically.
Leg Position
- Keep your legs relaxed, with your knees slightly bent and your heels angled down.
- Your feet should be resting in the stirrups, with the balls of your feet making contact with the stirrup tread.
Hand Position
- Hold the reins comfortably, with a firm yet relaxed grip, and your hands at hip level.
- Your thumbs should be on top of the reins, with the other fingers curled around the rein underneath.
- Keep a straight line from your elbow, through your hand and the rein, to the horse's bit.
Basic Riding Skills
Walking and Halting
- Ask the horse to walk by squeezing your calf muscles gently against the horse’s sides and releasing the rein pressure.
- To halt, sit up tall, apply soft pressure with your hands and seat, and gently tighten your legs around the horse.
Trotting
- Transition from a walk to a trot by applying more pressure with your legs and maintaining your sitting position in the saddle.
- When trotting, you can either sit or post (rise and fall with the horse's movements).
Cantering
- To initiate cantering, apply more pressure with your outside leg (the leg away from the direction you are turning) and slightly move your inside leg forward.
- Maintain your balance and control by keeping your body upright and your hands steady, while following the horse’s motion with your hips.
How To Ride A Horse Properly Example:
Imagine you’ve just mounted a horse for the first time and are ready to begin your riding journey. As you sit up tall in the saddle, find your balance, and hold the reins in a comfortable position, you feel the horse responding to your new1found confidence. With precise leg and hand movements, you ask the horse to walk, then transition smoothly into a trot. As your muscles memorize and execute each of these motions, you soon find yourself cantering effortlessly around the riding arena, the wind in your hair and the feeling of pride in your heart.
Congratulations! You've just taken the first steps in learning how to ride a horse properly. As you continue to practice and develop these skills, you will soon find that horse riding is not just a fun pastime but a valuable skill that can lead to lifelong enjoyment and connection with these majestic animals. We hope you enjoyed this guide, and encourage you to share it with your fellow horse enthusiasts. If you're hungry for more knowledge on horse ownership and riding, explore our other informative guides on the How to Own a Horse blog. Saddle up and ride on!
