Author: Debbie Dickens Date Published: 07/06/09 - 17:00

 

Horse Riding is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy your time outdoors whilst getting in touch with Nature.  One should have an adventures heart and be willing and keen to try new experiences. A love for horses will also be helpful as this allows the rider to enjoy their experience on horseback without being too nervous.  If you are fairly nervous – Don’t Worry!  Horses are wonderful animals and as long as you treat them with respect, love and kindness you should have no problem at all.

Trail Riding Operation / Ranch

Make sure you choose a reputable Horse Riding School or Trail Riding Operation to do your first horse trail.  You will know if they are decent if their horses are well looked after and the ranch is neat and tidy.  The tack should be in good condition and well oiled. Check your own saddle before mounting up to ensure your personal safety. A good Trail Riding operation will normally have a Trail Boss that leads the trail ride, also accompanied by an assistant trail boss at the back.  These riders are there for your own wellbeing and normally train and guide you through the outride should you experience any difficulty.

Clothing

Wear comfortable and appropriate clothes.  Cotton clothes are always my favorite!  Don’t wear anything loose that may fall off during the outride, as this will scare the horses behind you. Long pants and closed shoes are required to make sure the saddle’s stirrups don’t hurt your legs whilst horse riding. Pack a rain coat / Jacket if you think you might need it.  Apply suntan lotion if you find you burn easily.

Horse Behavior

Horses are like people.  They have individual personalities and require good, clear communication in order for them to understand what it is that you require from them.  Some Trail Riding Ranches will give you instruction before you go out on the outride, explaining to you how to communicate with their horses.  It is essential that you “talk” to the horses in a manner in which they have been trained – so as not to confuse them.  Generally horses are “want to please” animals.  They don’t have a bad bone in their body. They enjoy the horse ride just as much as you do.

Refreshments

Take refreshments along during your horse safari if your journey may take a while.  Some outrides may take a couple of hours and if you are not prepared for a long horseback trail you may regret not being properly organized.
These are just a few tips that I hope will make your horse Riding experience a pleasurable one.