If you’re a first time rider, it’s not a bad idea to use a mounting block. This is a small wooden structure that you can use to stand on in order to mount the horse. [1] X Research source You should also ask someone to hold the horse’s head as you mount. #*Mount the horse from its left near side. Place your left foot in the left stirrup and launch your body up and over. Next, lift the right leg gently over the horse’s back and insert your right foot into the right stirrup. Select a well-trained horse if you’re a beginner. Horses that are younger or poorly trained may shift and move during mounting. Choose an older horse with a reputation for being calm and cooperative during rides. [2] X Expert Source Kate JutagirEquestrian Specialist & Trainer Expert Interview. 31 March 2020. If someone doesn’t hold the horse’s head as you mount, you should hold the reins tightly in your left hand, but not so tightly that the horse backs away from the pressure
Your legs should be turned inward. Many beginning riders have their legs turned outward, as this can feel more natural, with their knees sticking out. Remember, you’re sort of hugging the horse with your legs. You shouldn’t squeeze the horse too tightly, but have your legs curved inwards towards the horse. [4] X Research source Your toes should rest higher than your heels. An easy stretch or practice for this is to stand on something higher than the ground or even a staircase and push your heels down keeping the balls of your feet on the staircase. [5] X Research source
For English style, make a fist and then pass the reins through the fist so the loop of the reins faces upward. Then, remove both your pinky fingers from the fist and place them on the outside of the reins. Place your thumbs on top of the reins, securing them in place. [6] X Research source In Western, the reins do not form a loop. The western bridle has reins that are knotted at the top. Keep the reins loose at all times and hold them in two fists. [7] X Research source
Starting off, try gently squeezing your horse’s side with your legs. This should signal your horse to walk. [8] X Research source If your horse does not respond to this, he may need further prompting. You can gently kick your horse with your heels. Do not kick too hard, however. While horses have thick hides, they may experience pain if you kick with too much force. A gentle tapping is generally all it takes to get a horse to walk. [9] X Research source Verbal cues also help in some cases. Depending on how a horse was trained, he may respond to clicking of the tongue and other noises. Ask the horse’s trainer if there are any noises he responds to. [10] X Research source
You keep more contact with the horse’s mouth while riding English. To signal the horse to turn right, very lightly pull back with your right hand. To signal the horse to turn left, very lightly pull back with your left hand. If the horse does not respond to the lighter pulling, you can gradually begin to pull slightly harder until the horse responds. [12] X Research source You should also use your legs and body to signal a horse to move. Looking in the direction you wish to move helps. Horse’s can feel your seat bones move. You should also gently squeeze your legs to signal a horse to change direction. For example, squeeze your left leg if you want your horse to turn right as the horse will want to move away from the pressure. [13] X Research source
Some riders prefer to do a “posting trot” as opposed to a sitting trot. This can be more comfortable as a trot is a bouncing gait. To do a “posting trot” simply rise when the horses outside shoulder moves forwards, and gently sit back down in the saddle, as to avoid bouncing heavily on the horses back. [15] X Research source
Try not to tense up. Most beginners will find it beneficial to hold onto a saddle or neck strap while learning to canter to help with their balance so they don’t fall. If your horse just moves into a faster trot when you signal it to canter, ask your horse to walk and continue asking him to canter from the walk instead of the trot. Before learning to canter make sure you know posting trot, and sitting trot. Before cantering, gently squeeze your outside rein to slow your horse to a half halt in a trot before using your inside leg by the girth and then soon adding your outside leg behind the girth to give your horse a bit of a push forward.
Neck reining means you hold the reins loosely and gently touch the horse’s neck to signal movements. [17] X Research source To turn right, move the reins across the horse’s neck to the right. To go left, move the reins across the horse’s neck to the left. [18] X Research source Always hold the reins in your left hand. Keep your right hand on your right thigh. [19] X Research source As with English riding, make sure you use your full body to steer as well. Use your legs and seat bones in addition to your hands.
A jog is a slow, steady gait. It’s a little quicker paced than a walk but not as jaunty as an English trot. [22] X Research source You can easily sit in a Western jog. Posting trot is not necessary when riding western style. [23] X Research source
Use a body brush to brush the horse’s fur all over its body, removing the dust, sweat and loose hair from the horses coat. Use the mane-and-tail comb on the mane and tail, appropriately. [25] X Research source Next, use a dandy brush on the body and legs of the horse, removing mud and sweat. This brush has harder bristles, which shouldn’t be used on the face, mane, or tail of the horse. Use the hoof pick to remove mud, dirt, and pebbles from the horse’s hooves. If this is not done before you ride, your horse may get a sore foot and go lame. Use a rubber or plastic curry comb on the body of the horse for removing loose hair and mud from the horses coat. Metal curry combs are used for removing loose hair from horses that are shedding heavily.
To saddle a horse, position the saddle blanket above the horse’s withers and push it back toward the hind-legs to smooth the hair. Place the saddle behind the shoulder and pull the blanket into the empty area at the front of the saddle. Attach the cinch or girth and tighten it gently, allowing the horse enough room to exhale comfortably. You should be able to fit two fingers under the cinch or girth, but no more. Make sure you’ve got a bridle appropriate for your horse’s size. Gently place the bit near the horses mouth. Most horses will open their mouths as they’re used to bridles, but if your horse doesn’t gently push your fingers into the sides of the horse’s mouth. Slip the bit in slowly, then slip the top of the bridle over the horse’s ears. Secure all the straps and buckles, buckling tight enough that you can only comfortably fit one finger under the straps.
