| Horse riding is an art. In order to master horse riding, | | | | When saddling the horse, make sure the saddle pad is |
| you need to have the correct mindset. Not only that | | | | clean, and when you apply the saddle, lift it over the |
| you have to love horse riding as your daily routine, but | | | | horse and make sure that it is in position before you |
| you also have to have passion for horses. They are | | | | lower the saddle on the horses back. This reduces the |
| like your friends and family. With all those | | | | need for shifting the saddle and causing you horse to |
| "pre-requisites", you then have the chance to become | | | | feel uncomfortable. |
| a skillful horse rider. Now, lets get on to the first lesson. | | | | Now that you are both dressed, it is time to mount. |
| Before horseback riding for the first time, you first | | | | Make sure you position the reins and the stirrups |
| need to learn the proper attire for you and the horse, | | | | before you begin. Pet and talk to your horse to make |
| how to mount, and dismount. | | | | sure they know you are there and can see you. |
| Before you approach the horse, you need to be | | | | Never sneak up on the horse and try to mount; that |
| dressed properly for your own safety and comfort. | | | | can be dangerous. You should mount from the left |
| First of all you need a helmet, or a hunt cap. In case of | | | | side of your horse because most horses are used to |
| an accident, you will protect your skull from avoidable | | | | that. Make sure you are high enough to comfortably |
| injury. It is also important to wear good riding boots. | | | | grip the saddle. You can have someone lift you, get on |
| They should be comfortable and not too wide, you | | | | a stand or place your foot in the stirrup to lift yourself |
| don't want them to get stuck in the stirrups. For simple | | | | up. Hold the front of the saddle and swing your right |
| riding, a knee or ankle height boot with a low heel is | | | | leg around the back of the horse. Carefully place both |
| fine. For the comfort of you hands, you should wear | | | | feet into the stirrups, and adjust the track, so the |
| gloves that have a no-slip grip on the palm. Since you | | | | saddle does not slide. |
| need to hold on to the reins to guide the horse, it is | | | | To dismount, you are basically taking the same steps |
| important that you can comfortably hold on. You legs | | | | in reverse. Make sure that you swing you leg to the |
| will need protection as well, so you will need a pair of | | | | back behind the horse. If you swing the other way you |
| riding pants. They need to have the right thickness | | | | can kick the horses head, or they may turn their head |
| without thick seams that will scrape you as you ride. | | | | and hit your foot. If you lose balance or the horse is |
| Once you are dressed, it's time to gear your horse. | | | | startled, they might take off and you can be seriously |
| Your horse will need a bridle, a saddle pad, and a | | | | hurt. Maintain your balance and hold the saddle until you |
| saddle. Extra care is needed in placing these items on | | | | are in the position to lower from the left stirrup. Let |
| your horse. You want to move slowly and carefully, so | | | | both of your legs down at the same time and bend |
| that you do not startle or inure the horse or yourself. | | | | your knees to absorb ground impact. |
| When you are bridling your horse, be sure to hold the | | | | That's the end of your first lesson. Next time you will |
| horses head near the nose to steady it, and avoid | | | | learn how to position yourself while the horse is in |
| poking the eyes. Make sure that it is not too tight. | | | | motion. |