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