Horseback riding is a lovely recreation and even though it is considered expensive and difficult this is not the case. Anyone can learn how to do it, if they are patient determined and they just love riding horses. Here are some basic horseback riding tips for beginner horse lovers. Here are some tips that you can use if you want to try horseback riding.
- Patience is important for any learning process. When individuals are being taught how to stay on top of an animal, they should not be in a hurry and wait till they have enough skills. Lack of patience may expose one to careless mistakes that could cause accidents.
- Never approach directly in front of or stand behind a horse. Horses have very limited range of sight due to the location of their eyes on the sides of their head; for this reason they can startle easily and it is not smart to approach them in any way in which they can hear but not see you coming.
- And as a beginner or first timer you should have a good pair of boots with a high heel that will stop your foot slipping through the stirrups is a necessity - falling from a horse and getting your foot caught in the stirrup could mean weeks in hospital or worse. The next thing you need is a helmet. According to statistics, head injuries are common with horseback riding accidents. Make sure the helmet fits your head well and is an approved type. So now that you have the boots and the helmet - you're ready.
- Be focused in the present moment. By focusing on the cues from your horse and your body, you are aware of what is happening now in this moment and you become pro-active rather than reactive. You can prevent things from falling apart - even if it's only falling apart in your mind.
- Be calm and collected when you are around horses. Horses tend to be sensitive to noise and a runaway frightened is not what you want as a friend. Be quiet and steady, this is not the time to go all cowboy and lone ranger. This might alarm the horse and make him bolt. You do not want to get thrown back or worse, held up by a runaway horse.
You can use this tips in order for you to enjoy horseback riding.