Are you excited to take up horseback riding, but want to learn as much as possible before taking this adventure?
This beautiful and cultural hobby offers many amazing perks. Not only will you get to learn to trust yourself and your trust in others, but also develop a passion for animals.
Before you start your first ride, it’s important to understand several things. This includes knowing how to avoid common horseback riding mistakes and understanding what’s involved in riding safely.
Here’s a list of mistakes to avoid before getting on a horse.
1. Not Communication With Your Horse
Horses are highly sensitive animals and can read their rider’s mood and intentions. If you are not clear with your commands or body language, your horse will become confused and stressed, which can lead to dangerous situations. It is important to take the time to learn how to communicate effectively with your horse before getting in the saddle.
2. Not Using the Proper Horseback Riding Gear
This can lead to a number of injuries, as well as putting the rider at a disadvantage. Make sure to invest in a good quality saddle, numnah, and bridle, and be sure to fit them properly to the horse. Always wear a helmet when riding and make sure your boots are comfortable and provide good support.
3. Not Warming Up Your Horse
To properly warm up your horse, start with some basic groundwork exercises such as lunging in circles or transitions. Once warmed up, you can then mount and ride at a slow pace for the first few minutes. Once you are both warmed up, you can then ride at a faster pace, but be sure to listen to your horse and watch for signs of fatigue.
4. Not Cooling Down Your Horse
This can lead to serious health problems for horses, including colic and laminitis. It is important to cool down horses gradually, by walking them for at least 20 minutes after a ride. Riders should also give their horses a good brush down to remove sweat and dirt and provide them with fresh water.
5. Ripping With Your Knees
This means that you are pulling on the horse’s mouth with your legs instead of using your thighs to squeeze the horse’s sides. This can not only be painful for the horse, but it can also lead to mistrust and resistance from the horse.
To avoid this, be sure to keep your legs relaxed and slightly bent at the knee. Use your thighs to squeeze the horse’s sides and only use your knees for stability. With practice, you’ll be able to avoid this common mistake and enjoy a smoother ride.
6. Slouching in the Saddle
This not only looks bad, but it can also be dangerous. Not only will you be less likely to stay in the saddle if you are not sitting up straight, but you will also have a harder time controlling your horse. The posture for horseback riding is to sit up tall in the saddle and keep your shoulders back.
Learning the Common Horseback Riding Mistakes
Horseback riding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but there are a few common horseback riding mistakes that can ruin the experience. To avoid these mistakes, be sure to warm up and cool down your horse properly, use the correct equipment, and be aware of your environment. With a little knowledge and preparation, you can avoid these common mistakes and have a great time riding your horse.
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