Horseback riding is a fascinating and daring pastime. It may be the ideal outdoor sport for those who wish to try something new and more challenging.
As wonderful as it is, you must be psychologically and physically prepared before hopping into the saddle. You’ll need some bravery and endurance because you won’t be able to master everything in one ride.
So before going on your first ride, read the tips and apparent mistakes you can avoid or minimize as a beginner.
Avoid wearing baggy clothes
Wearing baggy clothes can cause more casualties if you fall than wearing fitted clothing. Baggy trousers and shirts can easily get tangled in any part of the horse and get messy; imagine being dragged along by a horse. So avoid loose clothing.
Riding gears
It is advisable to wear the appropriate riding gear to avoid accidents. Before riding, you should wear a helmet, the right size of boots, gloves, and breeches. Ensure that they are fitted and firm on your body. The proper riding gear will leave you confident and comfortable on the horse.
Approach your horse confidently
You may be scared to approach your horse as a beginner, but you should not be. Approach your horse with confidence and look it in the eyes; your horse should see you as a pro or expert and not a novice. You should also have basic knowledge of horses’ physical and mental well-being. It will enable you to know if your horse is fit or unwell.
Do not hold your breath
Holding one’s breath occurs naturally among beginners. Most times, they do it unconsciously, but it makes one anxious. So whenever you sense yourself holding your breath, sing a song, breathe in and out, the bottom line is to try distracting yourself.
Do not hold the horse’s reins tightly
Overtightening the reins of the horse is also a sign of anxiety. Moreover, it can also make the horse apprehensive, especially if the reins are short. Try holding the reins gently and carefully, shifting them according to your horse’s movement.
Look forward
To avoid having an accident when riding, do not look down. Looking down hinders your balance, so keep your head forward facing the trail. Before riding, it is advisable to know the riding ground or track and get familiar with it. The general rule is to keep your head up, look forward, have a proper grip, and keep a straight back.
Keep your focus off the saddle
A lot of beginners make the mistake of putting too much focus on the saddle. After mounting the horse, ensure to stay firm on the saddle to avoid falling. However, try not to place your hand on it for grip or balance. You should attain balance and control of your horse by properly gripping the reins.
If you’re going to own a horse and engage in horseback riding constantly, ensure you are friendly to it. If you take good care of your horse, it will also treat you nicely and protect you.
Horseback riding requires strength and tactics, and these points we have highlighted are enough to get you through your first few rides as a beginner until you eventually master it.