photo credit: crimfants

Oh man, do I remember my first lesson. I think at the time, that was an amazing moment in my life. I mean, some of us are horse lovers from the very beginning of life. I know I was. And, I am thankful that I am one of the few people in life who actually fulfilled their dreams I mean, you don’t have to become a jumper, a professional, just enjoy it!

The big moment has arrived: you’re going horseback riding! For beginners this can be both exciting and – for some of you – a bit scary. A horse is a big animal: how are you going to control him? Supposing he bolts with you, or you fall off, or (insert frightening possibility of your choice…).

Enough information to make your first riding lesson a truly fun experience
- one you’ll want to repeat!

Relax! A big part of the horse riding skills you’ll learn is everything you need to stay safe while you’re on board.

Here’s what you can expect in your first lesson.

Hello Horse!

Remember, if you have a good experience you’ll come back for more lessons: so the riding stables will give you a quiet animal.

The Left Side is the Right Side

You’ll learn that everything is done on the left side of the horse, which includes mounting him.

The instructor will hold your horse next to the mounting block and explain how to tighten the girth before mounting, so the saddle doesn’t slip round the horse’s stomach when you put your weight in the stirrup.

Then he or she will hold the horse still while you mount. The fitter you are the easier it will be for you to swing yourself into that saddle. But don’t worry: if you have trouble, you will be given a ‘leg-up.’

Stepping Out

Far from taking off at break neck speed, your horse will stand still until you ask him to move.

Before that you’ll learn how to adjust your stirrups, hold the reins correctly and sit properly in the saddle. Then you’ll discover how to ask the horse to move off in walk.

You’ll feel very peculiar and wobbly and it’ll take a while before you can truly relax in the rhythm of the horse’s motion. The ‘aids’ will be explained to you, and how to turn and halt your horse.

But We’ve Only Just Started!

Just as you’re feeling comfortable, the hour will be up and it’ll be time to dismount and lead your horse back to the barn.

Get off your horse very slowly. During your ride you’ll have been using unaccustomed muscles: when you dismount walking will be a little tricky. If you don’t rush this part, you’ll be fine. But it will take a while for your legs to return to normal.

Doesn’t sound generic 10mg at all frightening, does it? Now you have enough information to make your first riding lesson a truly fun experience – one you’ll want to repeat!

Enough information to make your first riding lesson a truly fun experience
- one you’ll want to repeat!