Horseback Riding

Many people enjoy horseback riding as it offers them a way to bond with their horse and to become one with nature. It can be a very enjoyable experience for those wishing to explore the area while relaxing on a horse's back, being rocked back and forth. Many campers as well as hunters rent horses in order to get into the best areas.

It does take a little practice though on how to learn the basics of Horseback Riding. Each horse has his own temperament, and each horse comes with a different training background. It does take a little more than just kicking and yelling  "GIDDY-UP!" You come to learn each others movements and behaviors over time and learn to recognize behaviors. It is almost always preferable to ride the same horse every time.  Almost all of the horses offered for rent are very mellow though, so they can be maneuvered by just about anyone, even children.

The secret to learning how to ride a horse is to not be afraid. The horse can sense  fear and that can be very distracting to him. After all, they are flight animals and are very aware of their surroundings. But, you generally don’t have to worry about the horse riding you off a cliff. They are very smart animals and they will be looking out for their own best interest too. But keep in mind that they are flight animals and see danger in things that seem harmless to you...even a puppy running up to them may cause them to bolt. It is important to stay calm while riding a horse and not to panic.

You can control the direction that the horse is moving in as well as the speed by gently tugging on the reins to the left or right. A gentle squeeze with the lower leg will get the horse moving while tightening your knees and discontinuing your body and hand movements will get the horse to stop. You may find taking Horseback Riding Lessons is a good way to get started instead of attempting to learn the basics on your own, it is easier to learn the right way than to get rid of bad habits. There are Riding Stables in most areas and Private Trainers may have lesson horses available too.

Before you start riding, you need to decide what your goals are. If you are planning to go on Trail Rides, maybe a Riding Vacation or even go to a Dude Ranch, you should consider to learn Western Style Horseback Riding. The Western Saddles are generally more comfortable for long rides and handy to attach water bottles and other gear to. There are several disciplines you could specialize in, like Reining, Barrel Racing or Roping, to name just a few.

If you are more drawn to the English Style Horseback Riding, you may want to start immediately with English Style Riding Lessons. The saddle is a lot lighter and smaller and you will develop excellent balance and posture from the get-go. There are several disciplines, but the basis for all is Dressage -which means training. Once you learn how to handle the horse you can soon start with little jumps over fences and advance to Show Jumping, Cross Country Jumping, Hunt Seat, even games like Polo. And, if you want to go on the trail too, your English Saddle will do just fine.

There are plenty of opportunities to compete in both English and Western Style Riding.

There is lots of equipment that is used for Horseback Riding. Of course the tack differs greatly whether you ride English or Western. Of course, both styles need saddles and bridles or headstalls. Many people don’t  bother if they are just out for a leisurely stroll and will just wear jeans. Breeches or chaps are usually more comfortable in English style saddles . Some places where you rent horses require you to wear a helmet in order to offer you added protection. Good footwear includes sturdy riding boots with somewhat of a heel, they should be at least ankle high. A good example is of course the cowboy boot.

The price of renting horses to go riding depends on the location where you are, the quality of the horses, and how long you want to rent them. Some offer hour long rentals or you can choose a half-day or all-day rental. If you have never been horseback riding before this could be a very exciting adventure for you to try. 

 

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