What do I need to know...going horse back riding tomorrow?
My sister is taking me horse back riding tomorrow. I just really want know anything and everything I need to know, so we have more time to ride, and I--(being idiotic and all) don't have to slow us down because I don't get something. Anything is well appreciated. I know not to mount on the right side, to but the reins over horse's head before mounting, to make sure your leg isn't touching the horse from knee down unless you're asking it to do something, etc...but anything else?
HorseGurl222012-03-22T18:18:48Z
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Heels down, hands down, look where you want to go..not down at the horse. Before you start find out if the horse neck reins (you hold both reins in one hand and if you want to go left you let the reins rest on the horse's right side of neck and vice versa) or plow reins (you hold left rein in left hand, right in right and if you want to go left you pull back on the left rein and vice versa). You pull back to stop and release the pressure once they stop. Gently squeeze to go forward (nicely kick if neccessary). Ask questions! Don't be scared...have fun!
The most important thing is that u should never be scared to ask a question. u might want to watch a few videos about tacking up a horse and putting a bridle in the horses mouth. land softly on a horses back when mounting, this way you wont hurt the horses back. Don't be ashamed if you don't do everything perfectly, riding is a learning experience. Get to know your horse a little before u get on, I am assuming that your sister knows the horse, ask her questions about the horse. Mostly ASK QUESTIONS!!
Heels down, back straight, eyes up. Also, the not touching the horse would your lower leg unless you're asking it to do something is incorrect. Our lower leg should always make contact with the horse's sides, or else our legs would be hanging out in midair.
Anything else you need to know, just ask your sister, and don't do anything you are not comfortable with.
Don't get me started on one sided horses, but yes, since you are unfamiliar, just mount from the left side.
Your sister will tell you any quirks that the horse that you're riding has, but in general:
Sit up straight, don't lean forward unless you want to speed up and don't lean back unless you want to slow down, and even then it's a very slight shift. Heels down, eyes and head forward (look where you want to go, don't look down or that's where you'll be headed).
Okay, most importantly- don't let the horse know if your scared or anxious. Horses are the best mind-and-action readers in the world; they know what you're thinking. Horseback riding is a fun experience- don't let being scared of maybe the size or actions of the horse intimidate you. He's just curious. Relax and have fun!