| Here is one of the first Horseback Riding Tip that | | | | hears something or someone behind it, its natural |
| comes to mind: Grooming a horse is a very good way | | | | instinct is self-defense. So it kicks with its rear legs. |
| to get the beginner comfortable being around horses. | | | | You can let the horse know where you are, by |
| When grooming is done the correct and safe way, it | | | | touching and talking to it. This way the horse is |
| can be a great confidence booster for the aspiring | | | | comfortable knowing where you are and has no need |
| horseman or horsewoman. But please, remember this | | | | to defend itself. |
| precaution: It's always best to bend down when | | | | If you are a beginner and you're walking a horse, I |
| brushing the horse's legs. Forget about your back and | | | | would assume (and hope) that the horse is trained. |
| don't squat. This way, if the horse for some reason | | | | The horse should be on your right side when you walk |
| decides to move, you'll be able to move away fast - | | | | it. Your right hand should be about a foot from the |
| which is close to impossible to do if you are squatting | | | | horse's head on the lead rope. Hold the rest of the |
| next to it. | | | | rope in your left hand. |
| It's always important to approach a horse from the | | | | Enjoy horsin' around. Remember: Patience and |
| side, by the neck, in a way where the horse can see | | | | Practice are the names of the game! Even if the going |
| you. A horse, by nature, cannot see directly in front or | | | | gets rough, don't give up! In time, you will "get it." It might |
| directly behind its body. In order for the horse to see | | | | take some time and lots of effort, but you will get |
| what is going on behind its body, it needs to turn its | | | | there. |
| head. That is impossible to do when the horse is tied | | | | These are just some of the Horseback Riding Tips for |
| up for grooming or saddling. If the horse can't see, but | | | | Beginners. There's more to come in future articles. |