Often while travelling, opportunities for horseriding arise, allowing a different way of experiencing the destination. Yet long rides on horseback can be quite exhausting, and you would do well to be prepared to handle the activity by training yourself for confident seating and better controlling your horse. These tips below should offer some useful guidance to beginners.
Match the rider to the right horse
Know the horse you are riding and its behaviour and temperament, in order that it can be matched with your expectations. Choosing the right horse is critical, because it needs to be the horse you want, and the relationship needs to work.
Use the right horseriding gear
Dressing like a pro rider could transform your mental state to suit the riding experience and prepare you for the long haul. It would ensure your safety too. The right kind of shoes would prevent your feet from slipping out of the stirrups and protection of the helmet will give you more confidence, and ensure your safety. Don’t go riding without one.
Mount like a pro
Mount the horse with complete confidence from the left. Select the right mounting time when the horse stands still with its head entirely at rest. Use your left leg and left hand for stepping on the stirrups and holding the reins while jacking up the body with the help of the right leg in a smooth gesture. Usually, there will be somebody to help you with this.
Relax, but sit straight
As you are on a long ride and not racing, you should not emulate the jockeys you see on television shows of TVG. Avoid slouching and sit tall and erect so that you place yourself in a comfortable position to control the horse. Hold the reins gently and relax with good balance.
Handle the reins gently
Know how to hold the reins correctly. Using both hands to hold the reins is English style, while the Western style is to keep both the reins in one hand. Hold onto the reins tightly but do not pull it too much that can hurt the horse.
Avoid holding on to the saddle horn
When riding, balance your body by adjusting the reins and extending your legs to support the posture; but never hold on to the saddle horn for support. If you do, during any unexpected situation, you might fall off the horse and that would be bad for both of you.
Be tuned to your horse
The more you can adjust to the ways of your horse, the easier and more comfortable your ride will be. Adapt to the way the horse walks, stay calm, and move your body to the rhythm so that you and your horse appear as a single entity.
Control your emotions
Control your emotions and never let your horse get a feel for whether you are happy, nervous, relaxed, tense, or afraid – as it will react to that emotion and potentially make things difficult for you. Your feelings of fear could scare the horse and lead it to pull away from you. Relax, and enjoy the privilege of the experience.
Focus on your way ahead
Since horses can sense your behaviour and emotions, you must be alert not to send out any wrong signals to it. Keep your eyes on the trail and sit straight to drive the horse in the right direction with complete concentration.
Be affectionate
Be kind and attentive to the horse and show your affection as you need to create a relationship with the animal that will be your trusted companion on the long journey. By drawing inspiration from seasoned horse riders, you will be able to enjoy your long ride.
Author Bio: Mandy Bular is a freelance content writer. She has written many informative articles on different categories such as health, fashion and travel. She is a featured author at various authoritative blogs in the health and fitness industry and currently associated as a blogger with https://www.tvg.com/. This is her first guest post on The Incidental Tourist. Pics supplied.
