All About Horseback Riding, Proper Riding Techniques, and Riding Equipment

Whoa Nelly! Before you decide to take off to your nearest sales lot and buy a horse, be sure that you know how to handle one first! Horseback riding has been a part of human civilization since the dawn of time, and its a wonderful sport for everyone!

Horseback riding is a popular activity for all ages. Cowboys, policemen and women, and professional riders, such as jockeys, ride horses as a part of their work. However, most people ride for the sheer pleasure of riding. Certain breeds of horses have been developed especially for riding. They include the Thoroughbred, the Arabian, the Morgan, the quarter horse, the American saddle horse, the walking horse, and many others.

Any good rider should be able to ride bareback, but the average person who rides as a part of his or her work or for pleasure uses a saddle. A saddle varies in style, depending on the type of riding it is used for. Saddles are generally made of leather. It is placed in the middle of the horse's back and is secured by a wide band, called a girth or cinch, which is attached to each side and runs underneath the horse's body immediately behind his front legs. A strap, called a stirrup leather, hangs down from each side of the saddle. A metal loop with a flat bottom is attached to the end of each stirrup leather and is called the stirrup. The rider sits on the saddle and places his feet in the stirrups, which should never be so wide that the feet can slip through them.

The bridle consists of an arrangement of soft, flexible leather straps fitted around the horse's head and neck. The bridle straps include the crow piece, cheek pieces, brow band, throat latch, and nose band. The bridle includes the bit, which is a metal bar fitting between the front and back teeth. One end of the rein is attached to the bit on the right side and the other to the bit on the left side, with the loop between of a sufficient length to extend loosely across the saddle. The use of two bits necessitates a double rein. The rider holds the reins and uses them to help guide and control the horse.

Those interested in riding should take lessons from a skilled instructor. Horses differ in temperament, and the rider should study his horse's characteristics in order to establish a close relationship. The animal must respect the rider as its master through understanding rather than through fear.

Misbehavior, such as bucking, rearing, or running away, has many causes, among which are lack of exercise, overfeeding, a badly fitting saddle, or an inexperienced and inept rider. The history of the animal may divulge cruelty or bad training. A competent horseman will analyze the situation and take measures to correct it.

Sources:

www.ehow.com/how_10761_learn-ride-horse.html
www.mahalo.com/How_to_Ride_a_Horse
www.frontrangefrenzy.com/ridinghorses
www.horses-and-ponies.com/riding/index.shtml