How to Ride a Horse Properly

Horseback riding is a very fun activity. If you want to find something new to do, this would definitely be rewarding. It's important that you learn all you can about horses, and be around them awhile before attempting to ride.

When you are ready to learn to ride, you must have an experienced trainer along with you. You will have to be dressed properly with boots, helmet and other gear. You will have to saddle your horse before getting on him. While your horse is tied, you have to groom him. Brush his back removing any dirt that accumulated there under the saddle before. Saddling should be done from the left side, but can be done on the right, if necessary. If there are any wounds on the horse, do not put the saddle over them.

Next you have to put the blanket, or saddle pad on the horses back. Make sure that whatever you are using hangs even on both sides. There may be hooks or ties to help hold it in place, your experienced instructor can help you with this being your very first time. Next is placing the saddle on the horse. You want to put it on gently, and high enough so that it doesn't't scare horse by hitting him.

Check the blanket or pad underneath and make sure that it is smooth underneath. You want it positioned so that the horses hair is lying the way it grows-not opposite. Next, the girth has to be fastened underneath the horse, and then the buckles or straps must be done. Again, your instructor will be helping you with this. Once everything is on and attached, make sure there is no wrinkling in the horses skin. You do this by holding up the front legs, one at a time and stretching them.

Now you have to mount the horse. Hold on to the Stirrup and with the instructor helping you, stand on the left side and catch hold of the saddle horn. If height is an issue, you may need a box to stand on or a firm lift up. Put your left foot in the stirrup and pull yourself up sit on the saddle and put your right foot in the other stirrup. All you have to do is use your legs to stay up on the saddle.

The reins tell the horse which way to go. If you want to go forward, pull the reins forward. If you want the horse to stop, pull the reins back. Use your legs to gently kick the horse to go. Starting out, you will just want the horse walking. Depending on where you are, watch for objects that can knock you off the horses back. Once you are comfortable with moving different directions, making the horse stop and start only then can you move on to getting the horse to move at a faster speed. You will start off with trotting, canter and the fastest speed, galloping.

You get off a horse, the same way that you got on it. Hold on to the saddle horn, take your foot out of the right stirrup, stand up, carefully swing off the saddle and lower yourself down to the ground. The more you ride the better experienced you will be!