Horseback riding is an exciting hobby that can help you enjoy the great outdoors, but the benefits don’t stop there. In a recent study among professional and amateur riders, nearly 53% of respondents claimed that horseback riding helped improve their mental health.
And, while it may not seem like a traditional workout, there are physical benefits to riding as well.
If you like the idea of horseback riding, but you’re completely lost on how to get started, you’ve come to the right place.
Keep reading for our quick guide to horseback riding for beginners to learn the best tips on how to get started in your new hobby.
Work With an Instructor
One of the most important things to remember when learning horseback riding is that you’ll be working with a live animal. Each horse is different and may react to riders in unexpected ways.
That’s why it’s best to get started on your horseback riding journey by working with an experienced instructor. In doing so, you’ll learn how to build trust with a horse. You’ll also get a better understanding of how to handle challenges that may arise while riding.
In short, working with an instructor will help you build a solid foundation that you can continue to build on as you get more experience.
Wear the Right Gear
Just like you would in any other sport, you’ll need to dress the part before you start riding. Some of the horse riding basics include a helmet, close-toed riding boots, and long pants to keep your legs protected.
One popular style of riding pants is breeches, which are fitted and stop above the ankle. Breeches are made to stretch, so you can move your legs easily while riding.
Get Comfortable Around Horses
It might sound a little strange, but before you start horseback riding, you should spend non-riding time around horses to get a better understanding of them.
Think of it this way: It would be much harder to teach a teenager to drive a car if they’d never been inside a car beforehand. The same principle is true for horseback riding.
If you’re planning to ride the same horse, spend time at the stable, building trust with your new riding buddy. Learning how to groom him and just being in his presence will help you both to become more comfortable.
Work on Your Riding Posture
Developing the right posture is one of those horseback riding tips that can be easily overlooked. Learning how to position your shoulders, arms, hips, and legs will give you more control while riding.
This will give you more confidence, improve your balance, and decrease your chances of falling off your horse.
Horseback Riding for Beginners: We’re Here to Help
Remember, animals can sense human emotions. If you’re nervous, your horse will be able to tell. Learning as much as you can about horseback riding for beginners will give you confidence and make you a better rider.
To continue expanding your horseback riding knowledge, read through our other posts about riding or browse through our supply shop.