| Horseback riding has been a method of transportation | | | | comfortable around it. Every horse has a different |
| for hundreds of years, and over time as technology | | | | personality and it's important that you have a sense of |
| advanced it became more of a pastime. People love | | | | your horse's personality before riding, because it may |
| horseback riding as a way of feeling free and having a | | | | be a factor in how you need to handle it. |
| special connection with parts of nature. If you have | | | | Whether you are getting ready to groom your horse |
| been thinking about owning a horse, or maybe you just | | | | or get on its back for a ride, you need to be sure you |
| want to take lessons, you should know a few things | | | | approach it in a safe manner. Horses aren't naturally |
| before you get into serious riding. | | | | dangerous creatures, but they can dangerous be |
| When you first consider dealing with a horse on a | | | | because of their sheer size. They don't know any |
| regular basis by owning one or 'leasing' one for riding, | | | | better so it is up to their handlers to take the extra |
| you might not have any previous experience or seen | | | | precautions. Never approach your horse from directly |
| one up close and in person. If you are going to be in | | | | in front or behind. The way their heads are shaped |
| close contact with a horse for the first time, be | | | | prevents them from being able to see behind them |
| prepared because they are very large creatures. | | | | and it is hard for them to see in front of them as well. |
| While they are beautiful and generally well mannered, | | | | Coming in from either side, especially where you can |
| most people are slightly intimated by the size for the | | | | see their eyes directly in front of you means they can |
| first few times they are around it. This is why it is very | | | | see you coming and won't accidentally hurt you. |
| important for you to get to know your horse before | | | | As far as the actual riding goes, that is the easy part. |
| riding it. | | | | A well trained horse - and as a beginner you should be |
| If you are buying your own horse, then you will | | | | riding a well trained horse - will follow commands very |
| probably be doing a fair amount of grooming. Even if | | | | well. You'll need to keep a comfortable grip on the |
| you keep it at a stable and hire someone to do some | | | | reins and be sure not to pull tight because you'll need |
| of the grooming, you should spend time grooming it too | | | | room to pull back when you want to horse to slow |
| if you plan on riding. Most people who lease out their | | | | down. The commands are simple; you'll be using the |
| horses to let people ride them will require you to | | | | reins to direct the horse by nudging its head to face |
| groom the horse before each riding session. By | | | | the direction you want it to go. That's it for the basics. |
| grooming the horse, you'll not only be developing a | | | | If you want to learn more advanced riding, you will |
| connection but you'll also help yourself to feel | | | | definitely want to take lessons. |