Horseback riding is always an exciting adventure. Like any physical activity, it has a learning curve and its nuances, but with the right knowledge, every ride can be fun and memorable.
At Touch of Chrome Paints, we want to share the joy of horse riding with all ages and skill levels, so if you’re at the start of your journey, we’ve prepared a guide with our top 10 horseback riding tips for beginners.
From riding basics to safety measures, our experts will cover it all. Read their top tips below!
Our Expert’s Best Horse Riding Tips for Beginner Riders:
1. Recruit Assistance from a Professional Guide
When learning any new discipline for the first time, not just horseback riding, having a professional guide or trainer is crucial, not only to learn the proper technique, but also safety instructions. Even if you’re only planning on going horseback riding once in a while, counting on expert assistance will keep you safe and have a good experience.
At Touch of Chrome Paints, for instance, we provide a teaching trail riding trip for first-time riders that includes instruction and a demonstration. It’s important for beginner riders to always listen to their instructor.
2. Dress Appropriately
Wearing the appropriate clothes and gear is essential for a comfortable ride, especially if you’re at a beginner’s stage. At our blog, we have a complete guide on choosing the best horse riding outfit. Still, some basics to keep in mind are the following:
- Opt for long pants and closed-toe boots or shoes.
- Wear protective equipment such as a helmet on your first ride.
- Choose clothes that allow for movement but aren’t too loose.
3. Always Say Hello & Thank You!
Good horsemanship includes treating your horse with kindness. When you build a bond with your horse, it becomes more reliable and stays calmer in unexpected situations.
You can begin each ride by calmly greeting your horse. A simple way to do this for beginners is to let the horse sniff your hand as a way to say hello.
At the end of a ride, it is also important to be grateful to your horse by saying “thank you” with a gentle pat on its neck or even a treat if your guide allows. This fosters a positive relationship with the horse.
4. Stay Calm & Confident
Horses are sensible animals, and they can tell —and feel— how you feel. Because of that, staying calm and confident is essential for horse riding. Take slow, deep breaths and keep your body loose. If you’re nervous, trust that your guide and horse know what to do as they’ve done it many times. By staying calm, you’ll help your horse remain calm too.
3. Maintain Good Posture & Balance – Avoid Gripping
Maintaining good balance is key to riding a horse, and it is achieved by sitting properly on the saddle rather than gripping it hard, like most inexperienced riders tend to do.
To stay balanced, you must keep a straight posture at all times by sitting tall with your back upright and your shoulders relaxed. Avoid slouching and sit on your seat bones rather than on your tailbone. Let your legs hang naturally against the horse’s sides and avoid gripping tightly with your knees. Keep your heels down in the stirrups to help with balance and prevent your feet from slipping.
5. Be Aware of The Horse’s Body Language
Communication is key when riding a horse, and it will do it through its behavior. By paying attention to your horse’s mood and body cues, you’ll be able to ride more safely and comfortably. Some crucial body parts to keep notice of are the ears and tail. Pinned-back ears or a swishing tail can signal irritation or nervousness, while forward-pointing ears and a relaxed tail mean the horse is at ease. If your horse seems anxious, speak softly or give it a moment to settle.
6. Be Gentle Rather Than Strict
As we mentioned before, horses are very sensitive. As a beginner, you might often feel the impulse to yell or grip the reins harder, especially if you feel you’re losing control. Still, horses respond best to gentle cues. Avoid kicking or pulling the reins too hard or speaking too loudly. If the horse isn’t responding, try again softly instead of becoming frustrated.
7. Coordinate Your Hands & Feet
A great tip for riding your horse is to always coordinate your hands and feet. Each movement is a signal, which is why differing movements can cause confusion, so try your best to avoid them.
Steering a horse requires using your hands and legs together. Your reins control the horse’s head direction, and your legs control the horse’s body. To turn left, gently guide the left rein to the side while applying light pressure with your left leg. To turn right, do the same with the right rein and your right leg. Stay consistent and avoid giving mixed messages.
8. Focus on Your Surroundings
As exciting as it is to ride a horse for the first time, if you lose sight of your surroundings, you are more prone to accidents. Focusing on what’s around you rather than the horse itself is safer for you, the horse, and other riders as well.
Look ahead between your horse’s ears toward where you want to go, so you can see the path and any upcoming turns or obstacles. Keep a safe distance (at least one horse-length) between you and other riders to avoid any kicking or crowding. Additionally, watch out for low branches, rocks, or wildlife on the trail and guide your horse around them.
9. Refrain From Holding Onto The Saddle Horn
If your saddle has a horn, you might be tempted to grab it when you feel unsteady – try to resist that urge. Gripping the saddle horn can actually throw off your balance because it makes you tense up. Instead, keep your hands on the reins and trust your legs and core to hold you in place. If you start to lose balance, sit deeper, tighten your core, and ask your guide to slow down if needed, rather than hanging onto the horn.
10. Dismounting Safely
Once your ride is over, proceed to dismount your horse safely. In order to do it, make sure the horse is fully stopped before you get off of it. Then, take both feet out of the stirrups. Lean forward slightly, swing your right leg over the horse’s back, and gently step down to the ground. If you need help, ask your guide to hold the horse or use a mounting block to make it easier.
Let’s Go Horseback Riding!
With the right gear, practice, and our expert tips, you can hone your horse riding skills and become a complete pro at horseback riding.
If you want to keep training and try your newly acquired horseback riding tips for beginners, you can visit our ranch in Crowley, Texas. At Touch of Chrome Paints, we offer wonderful trail riding experiences for all ages, including kids, and skill levels. Contact us today!