Horse Riding Tips for Better Balance

In the beginning the horse riding tips that riders are given start with the mechanics of how to control the horse with the use of reins which causes many riders to use them for balance. I have found that learning more about rhythm and personal balance are more useful for both horse and rider.
Every horse has a different rhythm just like every human has a different rhythm when walking (and other gates too). Muscle development and strength play very important roles here. If a person is not physically prepared then balance is more difficult because some muscles will not be as strong as others.
Note: These horse riding tips are best learned with a quiet horse who you can ride at a walk without constantly holding them back from going faster. If your horse is too forward for this exercise I would go back to ground training skills to acquire more control and build a stronger language. If a horse is unable to stay at a walk without feeling the need to break into a trot or faster without the riders request then they are lacking emotional control and understanding, which is a safety issue.

Horse Riding Tips #1

Posture & Balance
– While just sitting on top of a horse notice where your center of balance feels right. Imagine a straight line starting from the top of your head going down your spine and aligning with the centre of the horse’s spine too. You will be straight but without a hollowing of the middle of your back. Where your back is able hollow and your hips start will be used as shock absorbers in a way, this area needs to be flexible. It will move to the rhythm of the horse’s movement. Just like a pelvic tilt exercise. But not just forward and back together, but individually too from side to side.Think about sitting on your seat pockets. Feel every joint from your neck, shoulders, knees, ankles and roll them to feel they are loose and not jarred up. At first exaggerate the flexibility you possess. It will become quieter and quieter with practice.

Horse Riding Tips #2

Feel the Rhythm - Practise at a walk where you become a good passenger. You can either just go anywhere (within a safe environment of course) or you can be a gentle guide for your horse. The only goal is to keep at a walk and feel for the horse’s movement. Try not to steer your way through this. Your concentration needs to be on the horses’ rhythm and what parts of your body are moving in correlation with that movement.
While your horse is walking take notice of how much of your body needs to be flexible and relaxed to keep in time with the natural rhythmic motion.
Feel for your toes UP rather than pushing your heels DOWN. You will notice different muscles are required and you will have better balance in this posture.

Horse Riding Tips #3

RELAX, RELAX, RELAX!
Because I ride for the relationship side of things and I am not concerned about winning in a competitive environment I have noticed that in the show ring the rules are not designed for helping the horse and rider with balance without force. Every person has a different body type, shape and strength and that is what we work with. So my goal is to help you ride efficiently for your horse’s sake not for the judges.
Once I learn the movement of the horse I am riding then I try to influence it with my movement too. I will suggest to the horse if I move that rhythm faster, will he speed up, or if I slow down the rhythm will he notice and slow down? If I stop all together will the horse understand to stop? This is how I become not only a good passenger for my horse but a great leader too. The result will be harmony.

Bareback Horse Riding: A Fun and Challenging Way to Improve Your Riding Skills

There is nothing more magical that bareback horse riding. The whole idea of not having anything hindering the feeling between you and your horse brings a special bond to your relationship. Google Stacy Westfall riding bareback and you’re sure to be in awe of the talent and grace involved in bareback riding. Yet so many riders that have ridden for years have never even so much as tried one bareback ride. I find that sad. Riding bareback is the best way for you to develop balance and feel when riding horses.

What Is Bareback Horse Riding?

First off, let’s define what bareback horse riding is. Bareback riding refers to having no saddle on the horse. There are however, various pads and blankets you can use to cushion your tooshy from your horses backbone and withers.

Withers And Pads

If you are lucky enough to have a low-withered wide backed horse, enjoy it! If you have a horse with high withers or a pronounced backbone, a pad will be a necessity. Pads are made from anything from cushy fleece (which doesn’t stay that way long) to microfiber suede similar to what a bareback saddle bronc rider would use. Although some bareback pads have stirrups, I don’t recommend them. Because there is no rigidity or tree on a bareback pad if you happen to lean on one stirrup it can turn the whole pad and you over with it!

Use A Pad To Start

Often, I don’t use a pad at all but I have done a lot of bareback horse riding. If you are new to riding bareback you will probably want to start with a pad and work up to no pad if that is your end goal. I like the microfiber suede pad because it gives a tackiness to your seat. It’s like a very minor Velcro feeling. That tackiness and a helpful loop to hang onto can be crucial to you keeping your bareback riding confidence! This is especially true if like me you happen to have an Appaloosa with a distinct lack of mane to hold onto!

Microfiber Suede Pads Are Built To Last

The other thing I like about microfiber bareback pads is that they last a very long time. I’d gone through tons of fleece models over the years and now I’ve had my suede bareback pad for 5 years now with no sign that it will need to be replaced. Although they initially cost more, they will last much, much longer!

The Saddle Does Serve A Purpose

In my younger days I have ridden al naturel no pads or anything on long trail rides but I don’t recommended this on a frequent basis. Having a saddle for longer, more strenuous rides will save both your behind and your horses back. It takes a lot more balance to ride on hills and uneven terrain while bareback. There were many times after several hours trail riding in the mountains bareback that I had a very sore bottom for several days after!


The saddle and pad distribute the riders weight over a larger area on the horses back which helps to keep him from getting sore. Same goes for your behind and your legs. The longer your legs dangle free the more likely they are to fall asleep. Note: You should not even attempt to try riding bareback outside an enclosed area or arena until both you and your horse are extremely confident riding bareback at all gaits!

Are You Brave Enough?

To learn to ride bareback you must be brave! No, just kidding, it’s not that scary. Most people have worked it up in their heads to be a lot harder than it really is. If you take it slow, really slow, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy some quality bareback horse riding time. You may end up like me with bareback becoming your favorite way to ride!

The Key to Riding Bareback

I bet you think you know the secret to riding bareback? You have to be strong, right? Nope, you’re wrong. It isn’t strong leg muscles! Gripping with your legs will not only make you sore, but it makes you tense and less likely to be able to go with the flow of your horse. The more you grip, especially with your lower legs, the faster your horse is likely to go and that’s not good!


The key to bareback horse riding is balance, feel, and going with the flow of your horse. Sit on your seat bones and do NOT roll your weight forward to the front of your pelvis. Of course this is much easier said than done and practice is the key to getting better! Generally, you won’t even want your lower leg in contact with your horses side, just allow it to hang naturally.

If you are relaxed, you can move with him. If you are tense when he makes a move it will be way harder to stay on! The good news is without a saddle you will be able to feel every movement your horse makes under you. The bad news is that sometimes he may make moves you aren’t expecting! Until you can learn to anticipate what he is going to do by feeling him move under you take things very slow!

Other Considerations

Getting On

If you are lucky for your horse to be short enough and you to be tall enough to get on while standing on a mounting block and reaching your leg over, you can go that way. If not, you’ll need to either get a good leg up from someone or be able to jump up and get your belly across his back and then swing your leg over. This is where a good friend can come in very handy to hold your horse!

Getting Off

Hold your reins in one hand short enough to stop him from walking off. If getting off on the left side lean forward enough (without gripping with your legs) to swing your right leg across his back towards his tail. Lean your belly over his back and slide or hop down! It is much easier to get off bareback than with a saddle! If you are more adventurous and your horse is very calm you could try keeping yourself astride and sliding all the way back off his rump!

Make Sure Your Horse Is Ready

Some horses have never been ridden bareback and they may need to get used to the feeling, too. Keep this in mind and keep things slow for both of you. It would be wise if you don’t know his bareback riding history or if you aren’t confident to try it to enlist an experienced friend, trainer, or instructor to assist you. Most of the time horses do just fine with being ridden bareback especially if you spend some time rubbing them all over and leaning over them while standing on the mounting block. Be sure to check that out first before you ever get on!

Get Good At Riding Without Stirrups First

Don’t try to ride bareback if you aren’t already experienced riding in a saddle. A good exercise to get you ready for bareback riding is for you to simply ride without stirrups. Get good at that in all gaits and then try bareback horse riding.

Gait Considerations

The walk and the canter are the two easiest gaits to ride bareback. That doesn’t mean you should go cantering off into the sunset your first ride out though. Start with walking, lots of walking on the rail, in circles and patterns. Practice walking and stopping, then walking again.


When you are very comfortable at the walk you can try the trot. The better you can walk, trot, and change gait with him the easier it will be for you to stay connected while cantering. When trotting relax and allow your body to take in the side to side motion. Of course every horse’s gaits are different. One may have a smooth slow jog and another has a very bouncy trot. Generally the slower the trot the easier it is to ride. Keep that in mind when attempting bareback horse riding!

I hope you have enjoyed learning about bareback horse riding. Now go take it slow at first, be safe, and have fun riding your horse bareback!

10 Tips for Horseback Riding Safely in Winter

The wintry outdoors beckons both horse lovers and their treasured mounts. What could be more refreshing and reinvigorating for an avid equestrian than a lovely horseback ride in the snow? What steps must equestrians take to stay safe on winter horseback rides?

 

Here are ten tips for horseback riding safely in the winter:
Safe Winter Horseback Riding: Prepare your horse for cold-weather work.
Most horses naturally grow heavy winter coats each year, particularly equines that are not blanketed for cold weather and spend considerable time outdoors in turnout. Although this extra furry covering keeps horses warmer outdoors, this can also cause equines in active work or training to become overheated easily during exertion. Many equestrians body-clip their horses for winter work.
In addition, horses that enjoy daily outdoor turnout may require extra hoof care. Snow and ice can easily build up under horses’ hooves, causing them to walk unevenly or even slip and fall. Some horses wear snow pads or have special winter horseshoes to add traction. Other equines go barefoot in winter, particularly if they do not work much in cold-weather months.
Some equestrians use extra-grip hoof boots for outdoor riding in the winter.
Safe Winter Horseback Riding: Examine your equestrian equipment before cold-weather riding.
Cold weather can wreak havoc on horseback riding tack, saddles and other equipment. Winter moisture, as well as repeated freezing and thawing, may harm leather and metal components. Smart equestrians check their tack frequently and clean and condition their equipment regularly. Well-maintained tack is less likely to break at an inopportune moment – or at all.
Safe Winter Horseback Riding: Dress appropriately for cold-weather riding.
Winter equestrian safety includes proper attire. Those heading outdoors on horseback in cold weather ought to dress in layers, choosing warm, waterproof clothing. Sturdy, moisture-wicking layers of winter apparel are ideal.
Cozy hats and durable gloves (with gripping palms) are well-suited to winter equestrian activities. Long scarves and dangly accessories, of course, are inappropriate and unsafe for horseback riding in any season.
Safe Winter Horseback Riding: Select the necessary safety equipment for cold-weather riding.
Sturdy winter riding boots (with traction soles) and safety approved horseback riding helmets are essentials for cold-weather rides and even on-the-ground horse handling.
Safe Winter Horseback Riding: Consider your horse’s physical conditioning for cold-weather riding.
A horse’s work or training schedule may become somewhat altered or abbreviated in the winter months, when barn chores are increased by cold weather. Smart equestrians will carefully gauge the physical condition of their horses in planning winter workouts or horseback rides.
An extra furry and possibly out-of-shape horse may not be ready for a full-fledged schooling session, although a long walk or gentle jog might do him and his rider plenty of good.

Safe Winter Horseback Riding: School your horse sufficiently before heading outdoors for cold-weather riding.
Horses tend to enjoy cold weather and snow. In fact, equines may experience increased exuberance (at least for a few moments at a time) during the winter. A savvy equestrian will school a horse in an enclosed arena or round pen for at least a few minutes, either on the longe line or under saddle), before heading out into the snow.
This exercise will offer both horse and rider a chance to settle in together in a safer, more controlled situation.
Safe Winter Horseback Riding: Keep good company for cold-weather riding.
For safety’s sake, as well as increased enjoyment, wise equestrian team up with other competent horseback riders for outdoor winter riding. Ideally, these trail buddies have reliable, well-trained horses as well.
Safe Winter Horseback Riding: Choose a safe route for cold-weather riding.
Snow riding can be great fun, if equestrians select safe trails and horseback riding routes. Even if groomed bridle paths are not available, smart horseback riders will choose familiar fields and paths. By doing so, riders and horses are less likely to be surprised by unseen hazards, such as fallen logs or unexpected pits in the ground.
Icy ponds and puddles should be avoided, as ice may crack under a horse’s weight. Paved roads and sidewalks are also areas for increased caution, since these tend to be quite slippery under wintry conditions.
If equestrians find they must cross very slippery areas, it’s a good idea to dismount and lead horses past the treacherous terrain.
Safe Winter Horseback Riding: Be smart for cold-weather riding.
Careful equestrians stay in tune with their horses, especially during harsher weather, watching for signs of equine overexertion, breathing difficulties, loss of solid footing or other potential concerns.
Certainly, jumping should be reserved for warmer months, unless equestrians have access to groomed arenas.

Learn What Natural Horse Training is and How it Can Improve Your Riding

What is natural horse training? You may have wondered what is so special about a “natural” approach with horses vs. the traditional horse training model.

My Own Introduction to a New Method

In 2002 I had never heard of natural horse training before. I already had 15 years experience riding and training horses under my belt and I thought things were going great. I figured it was normal that I couldn’t load my horse in the trailer unless I had a good hour to spare, and that a two horse trailer was a “no way” in my horses’ mind. Some horses just don’t load in two horse trailers, right? I was stuck in the trap a lot of horse people are, thinking that some of the “normal” mediocre behavior of horses is just the way things are!


My sister insisted that I come with her to see some Parelli Natural Horsemanship for a 2 day seminar. I practically went kicking and screaming, mainly because I was very skeptical of natural horse training methods. How could the circus tricks help me? After all that is what I had heard about natural horse training, that it was all just a bunch of tricks. I honestly didn’t think they had anything to offer. Turns out I am not alone, a lot of people wonder how natural horse training can improve their riding, especially when they already have years of riding and training experience already.

A New Perspective

I will tell you what I did see over those two days of natural horsemanship blew my mind! It looked effortless and magical. Horses laying down on command in front of a large group, riders doing flying lead changes with absolutely no tack including a bridle, and horses following their rider around like a dog with no leash. And best of all for me, horses that refused to load being sent and not dragged in a trailer in mere minutes and then loaded again, with little to no reluctance to be seen. They actually seemed happy when they got in the trailer then and acted like it was no big deal!

So was it magic or some kind of trickery?
No!
Let me ask you this though before we go on...

The Dream

Before you got into horses did you ever have the dream of what it would be like ride and own your very own horse? Maybe you don’t own one yet so it is still a dream. Stop for a minute think about it again. Do you want to glide effortlessly over a course of jumps, canter off into the sunset, or gallop down the beach bareback at full tilt with the wind and the surf in your face? Your horse comes cantering to you from the far end of his pasture with just you calling his name? He knows what you are asking and just does it? That is how it happens in the movies! He is a partner.That IS the dream, right? Then what happens?

When Reality Sets In

The horse won’t leave his buddies, he is barn sour. You have to kick him every stride just to keep him moving. He is hard to bridle. He has no brakes and it scares you to death. He won’t let you clip his ears for the show. He pulls back when tied. He won’t get in the trailer. He bucks frequently after jumps or worse refuses them all together. He spooks seemingly out of nowhere. The list goes on and on! These realities are what end up crushing our horse owning dreams. When it takes 15 minutes to corner your horse just to catch him to ride, the magic and fun is gone!

A New and Better Reality

And that is where natural horse training can help every rider. If you will give it a chance, it can transform the way you think about horses, approach your training and improve the results you get. I am the proof. I have done more with horses and gotten better results since 2002 than I had in the 15 years prior to that. All that and now I understand why horses do some of the frustrating things they do and how to fix it much more easily.



If you ride and don’t know much or aren’t a fan of the natural horse training approach you may wonder why you would even want to do any of those fancy things I saw at that seminar? I mean, why does it matter if my horse will follow me around with nothing on him? What is the point in all that stuff? Well, let’s explore what natural horse training is and why it is one of the fastest growing segments of the horse industry.

A New Revolution With Old Roots

While there are many natural horsemanship trainers that you can follow through clinics and home study programs today, they all basically started from the same place and have taken their own twist on the subject. I have heard it stated that natural horse training is so old it is new again. This training knowledge was once common horse knowledge but then fell out of fashion with more traditional training which tends to emphasize performance and speciality training, sometimes at any physical and emotional cost to the horse.

A Faulty Foundation?

While not all traditional training is done this way, it is very common for horses to quickly become highly specialized in a sport and then lack in their foundation training. Think of a house built on a faulty foundation. It may stay up for awhile, but when the storms come it just can’t stand the pressure. As an example, look at race horses. Have you ever seen a race horse that didn’t want to enter the starting gate, or worse yet, got scared while in it, injuring itself and the jockey? With better foundation training this scenario is much less likely to occur.

Modern Founders of the Natural Horse Training Revolution

Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt are two of the biggest contributors in the modern natural horse training revolution. Ray Hunt really brought the concept to the larger horse owning population. Several of today’s big name natural horse trainers have studied under one or both of these men and a few others, taking what they learned making their own programs and even schools based around these same principles.

Leadership, Trust, and Communication

It turns out natural horse training is all about the strength of bond of trust and the relationship with your horse. Like traditional training it aims to test how high of a level of communication you have with your horse. Natural horse training also has a lot to do with the horse seeing and trusting you as his leader. These things are taught and refined in how you choose to interact with your horse in all situations, not just when you are riding.

A Common Language

The key is that you begin speaking to your horse in a language that he will understand, the body language another horse would use. You will also take his very nature as a horse and prey animal into account in your training on a regular basis. You earn credibility and leadership points with him and he starts to trust you and act like a partner. That is the big difference between traditional and the natural approach.

Teach Me to Be able to Teach the Horse?

Natural horse training uses psychology to teach the horse. That is why it is so effective. Using psychology means that you get inside his head to change what you see as misbehavior. You learn to figure out what he is thinking and feeling by reading the cues in his body and observing his behavior. In fact natural horse training is much more about the rider learning to read the horse and use appropriate timing and cues to get the desired response. This process starts on the ground first, which is the safest place to learn and observe your horse.

A Solid Foundation On The Ground Leads To Success In The Saddle

When you have gotten a good foundation on the ground you then apply the same principles to riding with fabulous results! You will be surprised how many of your “issues” that you had riding become non-issues because you fixed it on the ground and in a method the horse understood.

When you use a natural horse training approach your horse will have solid foundation and you will have a lot more fun and less headaches together in whatever discipline you choose. It takes more time than the traditional route, but isn’t a solid foundation and the relationship with your horse worth it?

What Truth Do You Want?

I would much rather have a horse that thinks well of me and would follow me around than one that runs off the second he is turned loose, wouldn’t you? It isn’t about the trick of him following, it is about the feedback and truth from the horse. If in his heart he doesn’t trust and want to be with you then he won’t ever perform at his best for you out of his desire to do so. Natural horse training can give you more knowledge and an approach that will earn your horses’ heart and that will make your bond with him stronger than any rope. And then you will find magic with horses once again!


Enjoy these other articles about learning to relate to your horse naturally.

Top 5 Horse Training Tips

Do you wonder what the top 5 horse training tips would be from an experienced horse person? Well, here they are. Read on to improve your horse training skills.


                                          Top 5 Horse Training Tips

Horse Training Tip No. 1.

Pick the horse that is suited best for your needs.

Her mane flies in the wind, her coat glistens almost gold in the sun over her sleek muscles. She is young and spirited, and you can see that as she playfully trots around the field. The seller has given you warning that she hasn't had much training yet, but all you see is the two of you cantering into the sunset. She turns to you with her oh-so-sweet doe brown eyes, both ears pricked and all attention on you. You read the question in her expression, "Will you take me home?" You are so totally in love with this filly.

But she’s not for you.


“Green on green makes black and blue” is a common quote in the horse world that means a new rider and a green (inexperienced) horse make for lots of bruises, headache and heartache. Mismatched horses and riders are one of the biggest reasons people that come in with a passion for riding get out of horses.

Many times well intentioned parents will buy a young horse for their child so they can "grow up and learn together." Unless the young rider is a very confident and experienced already with basic horse training skills this is a bad combination. They canʼt get the horse to do what they want, or it is even downright dangerous. They will lose interest and move on. Donʼt be one of those people! Pick the right horse from the start!

So, take it from an experienced horse trainer; one of my very top and simplest horse training tips is simply to pick the right horse.

How can you pick the right horse? It is partially your gut instinct but more your plan and trying to remain as objective as possible through the process of seeking your next partner. Write down what you are going to use the horse for, what his current training level is vs. where you want to be, how much time you have available for training each week, and your competition level timeline and goals, if any. You should also enlist the help of a knowledgeable horse person or trainer which brings us to our next horse training tip.

Horse Training Tip No. 2.

Have a good trainer or have an extremely knowledgable horse person be your outside opinion.

Yes, you can tell when your horse woke up on the wrong side of the corral, which lead he doesnʼt like to take, how he shies at the shadow cast just the wrong way and his favorite treats. That familiarity is what makes you a great partnership. It is also what can turn your relationship stale and even dangerous.


People are great at making assumptions with their horse, while horses live in the moment every single day. So here is another of my top horse training tips: When things get tough, and they most certainly will at some time, it is very helpful to have that knowledgable and objective person you can count on to help set you and your horse straight again.

It is SO easy to just train your horse based on your emotions. “He must hate me” is a common phrase from riders when things don't go the way they want them to. Horses just donʼt think that way. They think in terms of comfort and discomfort. You need to understand this when learning about horses. They can hang onto past things that have hurt them. If you are having problems you havenʼt been able to improve or get under control within a few training sessions you should ask for an outside opinion from a professional or trusted friend with loads of horse experience before things get worse.

Horse Training Tip No. 3.

The relationship with your horse should ALWAYS start on the ground.

I donʼt know why a lot of people believe that if they just buy a horse, saddle it up and go ride that the horse should just blindly follow orders like some sort of robot. Itʼs a horse, a living, breathing animal. Itʼs not an ATV or motorcycle! If you want to ride something that never has an opinion then you need to get you a ATV for sure!

Horses are herd animals and that means that in the wild they have a herd leader that calls all the shots like who eats and drinks first. They also have prey animal instincts to run from danger! That instinct is still in them even as they sit all pretty with their hair in braids in their barn.

If your horse doesn't see you as a leader worthy of being followed, he is more than likely to use his own ideas and instincts, and they may not be ideas that you agree with. In fact, so many problems with horses come from the horse not trusting or understanding us humans. They donʼt just think we are going hurt them with the clippers, they think they are going to die because their leg is wounded when they hear and feel the buzzing on their legs! In the wild, a horse cannot survive with a damaged leg because it can't run away! The instinct in the horse is strong to preserve themselves from perceived danger, which is a lot of the things we do to them. We have to prove to the horse we don't want him for dinner.

When you have a language of communication established first through quality ground training, it will dramatically increase the bond you have with your horse while you are riding. He is going to be more likely to trust you and see you as his leader which will make your experience with him better all around. The majority of natural horse training programs have you start out on the ground for this reason. Another good source of information on groundwork can be found on horse training DVDs. Out of all the horse training tips, this one is more overlooked than you might think, especially for recreational riders who tend to just saddle up and ride!

Horse Training Tip No. 4.

You must have a plan!

What are you trying to accomplish with your horse in training? What do you want to do together and how? Do you want him to be confident on the trail with a large group of riders, or do you want him to jump, run barrels, or do dressage?


It is just like not having a destination but having a great roadmap or GPS. It means you can not be lost because you donʼt know where you are going. If you donʼt have a plan with your horse, then you will never arrive where you want to be! Just riding all the time with no purpose is bound to get you both bored, and your horse sour! Having a training plan that is broken down into manageable chunks and has a timeline based on your time and takes in to account the horsesʼ current training level and his learning ability will drastically cut down on frustration for the both of you!

Horse Training Tip No. 5.
Bad behavior does not mean you need harsher horse training equipment.

You love to race barrels! The wind in your hair, the thrill of the pattern, your heart beats so fast it feels like it is going to pop out of your chest as you are running down the last stretch. You love it so much you do it over and over again to practice and every weekend at the rodeo. You can't figure out why your horse doesn't want to slow down at the end, or for that matter why he is so hot going in. So you get a bigger, harsher bit. You have to be able to stop him at the end of your run! Then he throws his head up high in the air with the new bit fighting you and adding on time to your next several runs. So you add a tie-down to physically keep him from putting his head up. That should do the trick, except it doesn't.

This is a downward spiral and will teach your horse nothing other than not to trust you and that being ridden means pain! He may eventually slow down but it won't be because of respect for you or emotional control on his part. If his behavior is "bad" you need to look at the cause, not just the symptom. We train a horse by allowing him to repeat behaviors over and over again. If you take him to run barrels too many times in a row, he will start anticipating way before and won't be able to wind down until way after you would like him to! It doesn't mean he needs a bigger bit or a tie-down, it means he needs better training and more attention paid to his emotions.


And those are the top 5 horse training tips!

Horseback Riding Tips to Keep you Safe in the Saddle

Horseback Riding Tips to Keep you Safe in the Saddle

 

Horseback Riding Tips #1
Don’t ever be too proud to get off.

Some accidents are unavoidable. The horse trips and you are thrown off balance enough to come off, or he departs a bit quicker into the canter than you were expecting him to. No one can predict when something like that is going to happen.

Other times when you get thrown there were red warning flags out long before you got pitched. It’s in your gut, you know the feeling. The “uh-oh I am not so sure I want to keep riding this horse while it is doing that” feeling. This is one of the best horseback riding tips that people ignore: Go with your instincts and get off the horse. Try and regroup on the ground and if that doesn’t work, call it a day and start again another day. That way you will leave your confidence in tact, and possibly avoid escalating an already dangerous situation.

Horseback Riding Tips #2

Don’t believe that you must always get back on right after a fall

“Get back up on that horse so he doesn’t think he’s won” is a common phrase touted by instructors across the nation when a rider falls off and both horse and rider are seemingly un-hurt enough to continue. This is outdated and ridiculous advice. If you are scared, the horse will be scared by you being scared! If you get back on when you don’t feel like you should, no matter what your instructor or friends say, you are just setting yourself up to blow what little confidence you do have left. By all means if you feel fine and WANT to get back on, do so if it is not going to be dangerous for you or the horse

The horse is not going to think he’s “won” because horses don’t think like that. Horses run on instinct. If he was bucking there could be many reasons why. His saddle might be pinching, you may have changed tack and he doesn’t like the feel of it. He could have a back problem. He didn’t want to move forward when you asked and so started bucking instead. Especially if the behavior was unusual for that horse try and figure out what triggered it. Then and go back and fix it through quality ground training and/or a veterinary diagnosis first before returning to riding.

Horseback Riding Tips #3

You are the leader but not the dictator

For a moment put yourself in your horses’ hooves. It’s 100 degrees outside, you’re hot, sweaty and itchy from a soaked saddle pad and heavy saddle and your rider is making you practice spins each direction 1000 times. If you don’t, your rider insists not so kindly with his spurs and whip that you do it again. Doesn’t sound like much fun does it?

While riders should be natural leaders for their horses and direct and ask things of them, they shouldn’t be drill sergeants or dictators. Horses learn 8 times faster than people do. They do learn by repetition, but also need variety. Keeping your horses’ feelings and limits in mind will make for a happier horse who will perform better each time for you. This is much better than one that eventually won’t come to the gate to greet you because he’s tired of your “training.”

Horseback Riding Tips #4

Keep your heels slightly down

Contrary to popular riding belief you do not have to have a deep heels down posture to stay safe in the saddle. The reason instructors teach this is to keep your foot from sliding through and getting caught up in the stirrup which is dangerous. Having your heels way down is also believed to give you a firmer foundation. A firmer foundation should come from the way your behind sits in the saddle and how well you move with your horse, not how low your heel is.

Balance and the ability to flow with your horse is much more important than having your heels down. An artificially deep heel, especially in a beginner rider, will cause tension in the ankle, knee, hips, and up to the lower back. Riders will often get pain in one of these areas from straining too much to keep the heels way down. It almost always causes you to brace through your lower back as well. Keeping the heels slightly lowered will keep your foundation strong, your foot from sliding through the stirrup but not cause you any additional problems with bracing, pain and stiffness.

Horseback Riding Tips #5

Keep your head up!

Our heads weight something like twenty pounds! Now that probably doesn’t seem like too much in comparison to the rest of our bodies, but our horse should be following our focus whether that is over the next jump or somewhere down the trail. If you are looking nowhere (down) you are going to throw your balance too far forward, putting you at risk for falling forward should your horse stop suddenly. You could wind up on your horses’ neck! Keep your eyes and head up, and remember you should always look first to where you want to steer your horse. If you are looking nowhere, your horse should be going nowhere.
I hope you have enjoyed these tips for horseback riding. Here are some other articles you may enjoy:

You are a true horse lover, if…

Horseback riding may be so fascinating, that horses poeple often sacrifice all their time and money to their hobby. They dedicate all their energy to a sport that leaves many rational people shaking their heads.

Here are some tips how to identify a real horse lover:

1. Only horse people never bypass the car from behind, because they are afraid that it can kick.
2. When horse people see a running dog on the street, they always pay attention to which leg the dog canters on – the right or the left.
3. Only horse people always keep their heels down, even if they sit on a chair.

4. Only horse people have a language all their own (“If he pops his shoulder, I have to close that hand and keep pushing with my seat in case he sucks back”.)

5. When horse people drive by a speed bump in a car, they automatically lean forward.


6. Only horse people know it’s impossible to spend some time near a horse and stay clean.



7. Only horse people will spend 20 minutes grooming their horse and 20 seconds grooming themselves.


8. Only horse people can estimate the height of a fence from the first site. Herewith, they tell the height not in centimeters, but in the level of the competition course: “a C2 level fence”.


9. Only horse people have less of a wardrobe than their horse.


10. Only horse people will argue about anything with anyone – except their trainer.


11. Only horse people know if a horse doesn’t want to do something it’s always their fault.


12. Only horse people engage in a hobby that is more work than their day job.