Learn Horse Riding
Many people would like to learn how to ride a horse but are hesitant to take the first step. There really is no need to be afraid, every day somewhere in the world young people, middle aged people and even old people are taking the first step to becoming a horseman or woman.
If you would like to learn how to ride just do it! Life is much too short to miss out on what can be one of lifes pleasures.
So, how do you learn? this post cannot really tell you all that you need to know and to be honest a lot of what you have to learn can really only be done by doing it.
Horse riding basics are to be confident around the horse, they are social animals attuned to the feelings of others around them and though you may not be a horse he or she will pick up signals from you. If you are nervous or afraid then your horse will pick that up and could become a little skittish. If you are not relaxed then neither will your horse be.
Never, I mean never stand behind your horse, however well you may know him, horses are adept at seeing off attacks from behind and they do it by sending whatever is behind them into orbit. A kick from a horse is something you do not want to experience, believe me!
Find a good teacher with a love for horses and the patience required to teach. Good horsemanship is not neccesarily a valid indicator of a good teacher. Ask around at your local stables or tack shops. Find a teacher you feel comfortable with and you will learn more and faster.
Private horse riding lessons or groups? It doesn’t make a whole lot of difference because although you will get more attention in a private lesson I find that you can learn just as much from a group because you actually learn from each other as well as the teacher. Again I stress just be comfortable.
The mere act of being around horses and horse people will also teach you quite a bit without you even realising it so do try to spend time at the stables or in the company of people who train, ride or just love them.
Remember you are not the only person in the world who is a beginner horse rider so don’t miss out on this glorious pastime.
