| Proper equestrian riding techniques vary depending | | | | appearing to do anything. Loud cues, abrupt |
| upon the type of riding you are doing, whether it is | | | | movements, and lost tempers are never appropriate. |
| English, Western, jumping, dressage, or eventing. | | | | In the English riding world, there are specific rules of |
| Overall, proper equestrian riding techniques are largely | | | | ring etiquette in place to ensure everyone's safety. |
| a matter of correct body position, clear communication, | | | | Generally, this means that everyone should be |
| appropriate equipment and equestrian riding apparel, | | | | travelling in the same direction and working basically on |
| and being aware of your surroundings. No one is born | | | | the same skills. Slower traffic keeps to the inside of |
| with the knowledge or ability to ride properly. It takes | | | | the arena while faster moving riders stay to the outer |
| years of training and dedicated practice. | | | | edge of the ring. A full horse length should be |
| As a novice rider, you have much to learn. It is far | | | | maintained between riders. If passing is necessary, one |
| easier to learn the proper ways first, rather than | | | | is expected to inform the other rider quietly and to give |
| having to spend years unlearning bad habits and | | | | a wide berth. If horses are moving in both directions, |
| replacing them with proper riding techniques. That's | | | | the general rule of thumb is to pass -- left shoulder to |
| why taking lessons for the novice rider is such a great | | | | left shoulder -- just as though you were driving a car. |
| idea. | | | | These courtesies work to prevent countless accidents |
| Take Lessons from a Reputable Trainer | | | | and emergencies and should be followed at all times. |
| Regardless of the type of riding you are interested in, | | | | Use Appropriate Equestrian Riding Apparel and |
| riding lessons are always a good idea -- especially for | | | | Equipment |
| the novice. It is too easy to learn bad habits and put | | | | Appropriate equestrian riding apparel means you are |
| yourself in danger by simply jumping on the first | | | | wearing an approved helmet, riding boots, a well-fitting |
| available horse. This is especially true when jumping | | | | shirt that allows enough freedom of movement, and |
| horses. | | | | riding breeches. Jeans are not appropriate for English |
| Even experienced riders must regularly rely upon basic | | | | riding. English saddles will rub on the seams, causing |
| riding techniques to maintain their safety as well as the | | | | chaffing, and the material will slip and risk a fall. Loose |
| safety of their horse. Your trainer should be able to | | | | and baggy clothing is never considered appropriate |
| provide you with an outside perspective. It's amazing | | | | equestrian riding apparel. It can snag, bunch, and |
| how many times you will be absolutely positive that | | | | interfere with your movement that may risk injury. |
| your heels are down when, in fact, they are not. A | | | | English saddles will help you to maintain the correct |
| reputable trainer can help you to fulfill your potential as | | | | body position for flat work and jumping, just as an |
| a skilled horseman or horsewoman. | | | | event a saddle will help a rider maneuver hills, |
| Riding lessons will teach you how to tack your horse | | | | waterways, and other obstacles and help a rider to |
| up in the proper equestrian equipment, how to tighten | | | | maintain their seat safely. Being lightweight and |
| the girth on English saddles to prevent slipping, how to | | | | relatively flat, English saddles provide you with a |
| select the equestrian riding apparel that is appropriate | | | | greater range of motion than a heavier, bulkier |
| for your style of riding, how to develop the correct | | | | Western saddle. However, they also require a strong |
| body position, and the best communication methods | | | | leg to help you maintain contact and communicate with |
| for interacting with your horse. Riding lessons will also | | | | your horse. There are many varieties of English |
| educate you about the common rules of riding | | | | saddles available. Before buying English saddles, |
| etiquette. | | | | discuss your options with your trainer. |
| Proper Body Position and Riding Etiquette | | | | Every step of your training will help you to develop the |
| For generations, young children and adults have been | | | | skills and habits necessary to ride safely and |
| admonished to keep their chin up, shoulders back, and | | | | effectively. Wearing appropriate equestrian riding |
| eyes forward. All you have to do is add heels down, | | | | apparel, finding the correct style English saddles, and |
| elbows in, and hands quiet so that you will have a | | | | working regularly with a reputable trainer will all help |
| superior body position for horseback riding. As a rider, | | | | you to develop proper riding techniques. |
| your job is to maintain control over your horse without | | | | |