Posts Tagged ‘horse rider’

Everyone in our family is 5’10 or taller and relatively hefty. The lightest of us is 220 lbs. We’re interested in finally bringing a horse to our property but were worried we may be too ‘giant’. None of us have any riding experience but our daughter is experienced in horse behavior and care and we have a friend willing to work with us over proper riding techniques and we have a trainer lined up for any horse we bring on. We’re just wondering what breed of horses should we look for. Or if breed doesn’t matter, what height or ‘hands’ should we look for? Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

If you want to make the most of your horse riding instruction and learn to ride horses really well in the shortest amount of time possible, here are a few secrets just for you:

Multiplying Your Practice Time

Learning to ride horseback, like anything else, is a skill that comes with practice. But horse riding instruction can be expensive and often your riding time is limited to one or twice a week, usually on weekends. So how can you practice enough to get really good when you are limited to an hour or two a week? After all, it is said that to become good at any skill you need to have put in about 500 hours of practice …and about 3000 hours to become a master! Well, by that rule, with a weekly horse riding instruction session of 1 hour, it would take you about 9 and a half years to get good! I don’t know about you but that seems an awfully long time. Fortunately there are some ways you can multiply the effects of your horse riding instruction that won’t cost you a fortune. And you’ll become a better horse rider in the process.

The Riding School in Your Mind

You can use mental rehearsal to practice horse back riding in your mind! The reason little girls get so good at riding so fast is partly due to the fact that they obsess about horses and horse riding and spend so much of their freetime thinking about horse riding, talking about horses, reading equestrian books and day dreaming about being on horseback. This is the perfect recipe for getting good at something. Added to good instruction of course! So when you have your riding lessons, make sure you pay full attention. Be right in the moment and be aware of how your body feels as you ride the horse. Really observe everything about being on horse back as you ride around the mnage or riding school area. Listen to the sounds of the horses hooves, its breathing, the clink of the harness or the clicks and taps of its shoes as its feet occasionally clip one another. Notice any smells in the air and store all this sensory information in your memory banks. As soon as you get home, make some notes about the major things you learnt in your lesson that day, and any things that you have to work on for next week. Also note down any observations you had during your lesson — even if they seem unrelated to riding — like the fact your instructor had a coffee stain in the shape of Kansas on her T-shirt. This will all help to lock in your lesson. Then at odd times when you can, just sit quietly and replay your horse riding lesson in your mind’s eye. Go through it again and again. Feel yourself back in the saddle, holding the reins, your feet in the stirrups. And relive that lesson — only in your imagination you can do it better. When you are practising in your mind’s eye, you can be a perfect rider, totally confident and skillful.
The ideal time to practice mental rehearsal is last thing at night as you go to sleep, and first thing in the morning when you wake up. But the more you do it, the better it is. You should see rapid improvements in your horse riding ability as you go to your weekly instruction classes.

In the Hoofsteps of the Masters

Another secret to accelerating the affects of your horse riding instruction is to copy great riders. There are 3 simple ways to do this.

1. Get a mentor.

You can watch someone who is a great rider at your riding school and try and copy the way they ride. Just spend some time observing them around horses. Be like an actor rehearsing for a part. Gradually build up your inner picture of what it is to be that person. Notice everything about the way they get on a horse, how they sit in the saddle, the way they hold the reins. Look closely at the set of their face. Are they tense or relaxed? Are they comfortable enough to smile? Notice their breathing… and imagine yourself getting on a horse, sitting in the saddle, holding the reins, and breathing, just like that great rider. Befriend that person if you can and get their advice and tips… otherwise just observe them secretly and absorb what they know about riding confidently.

2. Create an equestrian book library.

Your mind will benefit by absorbing the principles of riding, so plunder your local library for books on horses and riding, or create your own personal library of equestrian books to which you can refer frequently. Seeing pictures of people riding will fill your mind with the images of ‘how to ride’ that it needs. Reading actual written instructions can help you cement the lessons you are taught at your horse riding instruction sessions. If you have fallen in love with horses and with horse riding, you’ll be happy to read all about them — it will fuel your passion and excitement and your mind will gallop to help you achieve what you want: to become a great horse rider.

3. Watch DVDs of great horse riders.

When I first learnt to ride, one of my heroes was a famous British showjumper called Harvey Smith. I used to think he was brilliant and wanted to be like him, so I would always watch the showjumping on TV and cheer him on and imagine I was him. I also bought or was given a set of Pony Club videos. These showed some Pony Club kids getting riding instruction in a beautiful part of Great Britain. And again I used to imagine I was there, riding my horse over those training poles. The more opportunities you get to see and observe horse riding, the more information your mind has to work with. By feeding your brain with movies of good horse riding you help form a mental map of what great riding is all about. If you have a particular equestrian hero, you can create an imaginary meeting with that person, in which you have them stand in front of you with their back turned to you, and the you ‘step inside’ them and ‘become’ that person. You imagine looking out of their eyes, feeling what they feel, hearing what they hear. And you get on your hero’s horse and you ride that horse as your hero. This little exercise has been used successfully to accelerate ability in many fields of endeavor — so why don’t you use it to accelerate your horse riding instruction?

Copyright 2007 Adam di Cavallo

Author: Adam Di Cavallo
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Smart cooker

Horses are deeply sensitive animals, therefore it is imperative that they have undivided care and attention. It’s not enough to only provide the bare necessities like food, shelter and whatever healthcare your horse insurance policy will cover. Just like humans, they appreciate those little extras to make them feel content.

Horses are herd animals and will enjoy the company of other equines. You should be also seen as part of their herd, ideally as the herd leader. Your horse may give you signs – such as chewing or licking – that he sumbits to your leadership. Only quality time spent with your horse can ensure that the trust and emotional bond between you can develop. When you have created this important bond it will have an overall positive effect on the horse.

Always keep your horse’s stable or stall clean – horses are natuarlly clean animals – with warm deep bedding provided. A deep bed will ease the strain on their legs and joints, and of course, if they wish to lie down, they can in comfort, ensuring that they feel safe and secure.

Mealtimes are important to a horse. You must ensure that you feed them little and often, as they will also graze outside all day. All appropriate foods can be incorporated into your horse’s diet to provide a healthy balance. Grass, hay, and fibre in general is important for your horse’s digestive system. Grain is also superb, but not too much as it can upset the stomach. Ensure a supply of fresh water is available. Wate will help prevent the horse storing hard solid food in it’s gut by allowing fermentation to take place. Regularity of feeding times is important for horses, as they do best when in a routine. Always feed your horse at the same time each day.

Grooming your horse daily will show the horse that they are loved – they will enjoy extra attention from you which grooming brings. Your horse will love you to give him a nice rub, a good brushing and a scratch here and there. You should both enjoy this special part of the day. Grooming your horse will not only keep his coat glossy and smooth, but can also help to keep pests and parasites at bay. Not forgetting the feet – you’ll need to pick your horse’s hooves every daily. They must feel comfortable on their hooves or they will become grumpy, not to mention that failing to take care of your horse’s feet will put him at risk of injury or infection which could cost you a claim on your equine insurance.

The happiness of your horse relies a great deal on the quality and quantity of exercise he is given. Daily exercise is essential for your horse. Exercise should be varied and should include some jumping and cross-country work, for example. Play time is important for horses too. Turn your horse out so he can run free for a while in the paddock. Your horse can then play, either alone or with other equines, and have some quiet time too. You need to ensure that your horse is given sufficient time to relax too – they can demonstrate erratic behaviour if simply put to task all the time.

There are many more tips and advice which can be imparted to ensure the physical and psychological well-being of your horse; here we have covered just five of the most important. For more information and to become part of a horse-lovers’ community on the world-wide web, please visit AFI Horse Insurance where you can read and contribute to our brand-new equine blog.

Horses are incredibly sensitive and it is important that they get the care and attention they deserve. It’s not enough to only provide the bare necessities like food, shelter and whatever healthcare your horse insurance policy will cover. Like humans, it is those little extras that they need to be truly at peace with their place in the world.

It’s best to keep your horse among other ponies or horses, as they are herd animals in nature and will need to have company. Your horse should see you, as his owner, as part of the herd, and preferably as herd leader. By chewing or licking the horse will show his affection as well as his submission to your leadership. To ensure the development of trust and an emotional bond between you, it is vital to spend quality time with your horse. When you have created this important bond it will have an overall positive effect on the horse.

Always keep your horse’s stable or stall clean – horses are natuarlly clean animals – with warm deep bedding provided. Providing deep bedding will help to protect your horse’s joints and legs as well as giving them a comfy and secure place to lie down.

Feeding is particularly important to horses. Be sure to feed little and often, as they will also be grazing throughout the day outside. It’s best to incorporate all appropriate foods, to keep a healthy balance. Horses need lots of fibre, so make sure that there is fresh hay or grass. Another great source of fibre is grain, although too much of this could cause stomach upsets. Make sure your horse has access to fresh water. Water allows the food to ferment so it doesn’t become solid and hard in the horse’s rear gut. Horses do better when in a routine, so the timing between feeds is important. Always feed them at the same time every day.

You should groom your horse every day – not only to keep him in excellent condition but also because he will enjoy the attention you give him and will feel loved and secure. Make sure you do lots of rubbing, scratching and brushing. This is a quality part of the day which you should both enjoy. It will also maintain their essential coat, keeping it free from any pests and making it glossy and smooth. Do not forget about your horse’s feet; hooves should be picked daily. They must feel comfortable on their hooves or they will become grumpy, not to mention that failing to take care of your horse’s feet will put him at risk of injury or infection which could cost you a claim on your equine insurance.

Exercise is vital for a horse’s happiness. Horses need plenty of daily exercise. This should also be varied, include jumps and cross country as well as your standard routines. Your horse needs play time as well. Turn them out so they can be free in their paddock. Your horse can then play, either alone or with other equines, and have some quiet time too. You need to ensure that your horse is given sufficient time to relax too – they can demonstrate erratic behaviour if simply put to task all the time.

The above tips are just a few pieces of advice which can help you look after the physical and pscychological needs of your horse. For more information and to become part of a horse-lovers’ community on the world-wide web, please visit AFI Horse Insurance where you can read and contribute to our brand-new equine blog.

When you wish to train a horse you’ll have to catch it first. This sounds simple enough, but if this is your first attempt at doing so it can be surprisingly frustrating. This is actually the most important step of all in training. The trust foundation is laid in this step. Remember the importance of patience, persistence and positive reinforcement – the three P’s of horse training – during each and every stage of training your horse. These three training elements work together and are relevant with each step of training along the way.

The most efficient way to begin the approach is to have the horse in an enclosure of easily manageable size. A round pen is the best type of enclosure to use, but you can use any large fenced area or paddock if you don’t have one.

A casual demeanour when first approaching the enclosure is necessary. Do your very best to relax and give the impression of calm. Leave your life’s stress outside the pen. Prey animals such as horses are easily intimidated by any form of stress or aggression they may sense. This represents a possible threat and the last thing you want is for your horse to see you as a threat. Trust must be built between the two of you.

Enter the enclosure, but not to catch the horse yet. That will come in good time. Your aim for now is to familiarize yourself with the horse and more importantly, for the horse to become familiar with you. Just walk in and stand around for a few moments. Do not look directly at the horse. Predators eyeball their prey and stare into their eyes to intimidate them. You are not a predator and your horse should not see you as such. You need to be seen as part of the herd.

Next time, take a rake in and tidy up a bit. Check the fence panels and see if they need mending. Do anything but approach the horse at this point. The horse will approach you eventually and will want to see what you are doing. They are very curious creatures by nature. You’ll be checked out thoroughly and sniffed once you are a regular visitor.

Please keep in mind that this step can take more time if the horse is unfamiliar with human contact. For some horses shyness is not a problem, and they will approach you the minute you enter the enclosure. Either way is acceptable. The horse will begin to trust you only if you let him become accustomed to you slowly and in his own time. Patience!

Don’t reach for the horse as yet, though you may see this as a good opportunity to grab him. The most important thing to remember here is patience. This takes time and you are building a foundation that will last throughout training and well beyond. This step should not be rushed.

When the horse at last approaches you, turn your back and walk away. Be sure you are the first one to do so. By walking away first, you will indicate that he is not in charge of you.

When you and the horse are familiar with each other and comfortable in each others’ presence, you can approach him, but not straight on. Walk slowly and remember to use your very loose and relaxed posture. Stepping sideways can be a good approach for a skittish equine. Go toward the side and don’t stare. Looking sideways, move towards the horse. Whatever you do, don’t sneak up on the horse and try to surprise it with the halter. What will you do to hang on to the horse once you “catch” it if it’s frightened? Your mutual trust will be breached and you’ll have to start all over again. And of course you could be hurt. Patience and persistence.

When the horse allows you to come close, it’s time for positive reinforcement. The first moments you spend together should have nothing to do with work. This step is about bonding. Simple grooming, brushing, scratching behind the ears, conversation, stroking along the neck area are positive reinforcement tools. The horse should see this as enjoyable interaction. The two of you will now be ready for training.

A note about safety:
Never approach a horse from behind unless you are very familiar and the horse knows you. A horse can register a swift kick before you can even think about getting out of the way. They are always faster than you are, especially if they feel threatened or surprised. Always approach where you can be seen.

Whether it is your own horse, or you are training the horse on somebody else’s behalf, it is always advisable to ensure that there is adequate equine insurance in place to protect you both should an accident occur during training. Horses may be mostly gentle creatures, but they are nevertheless very powerful ones; if a horse kicks you, you could be very seriously injured. A good horse insurance policy will include third party liability, and it is definitely worth checking this before you begin with your training.

When wanting to train a horse you first need to catch it. When you first attempt this you may be surprised at how frustrating it can in fact be. This is the most important step in horse training. In this step you will lay the foundation of trust. During each stage of horse training remember the importance of using the three P's - patience, persistence and positive reinforcement. Each step of horse training will involve the use of these three elements.

If your enclosure is of an easily manageable size you will find that the approach stage will be much more efficient. A round pen is the best type of enclosure to use, but you can use any large fenced area or paddock if you don't have one.

Start by approaching the horse enclosure casually. It's important to relax and appear calm here. Leave your life's stress outside the pen. Any stress or aggression will intimidate a horse easily, as in nature they are prey animals. Your horse could sense a threat which is the last thing you want your is horse to see you as a threat. Trust needs to be built between you and the horse.

Go in with the horse but not to catch him yet. That will come in good time. Focus on becoming familiar with the horse and letting him become familiar with you. Just walk into the enclosure and stand around for a bit. Do not gaze directly at the horse. A predator will stare directly into the eyes of their prey to intimidate them. A predator you are not, and your horse must know this. You must be seen as part of the herd.

Next time you enter the enclosure, take a fork or shovel and do some tidying. Inspect the fence and gate, and check for anything that may need mending. Keep busy with other things, but do not approach the horse. The horse will eventually approach so he can see what you're up to. They are naturally very curious animals. A thorough checking-out and sniff will occur once the horse sees you as a regular visitor.

If the horse is unfamiliar with human contact this step can take some time. For some horses shyness is not a problem, and they will approach you the minute you enter the enclosure. Either way is acceptable. Allow your horse to take his time when getting acquainted - this is how the all-important trust will be built. Patience!

Don't see this as an opportunity to grab the horse. Bear in mind that patience here is the key. It can take a long time to build this foundation for training and a lasting bond with your horse. It is important not to rush this step.

When the horse does approach you should turn and walk away. Be sure it is you to be first to walk away. This will show the horse that you're in charge.

Begin to approach your horse, sideways on, only when you feel that you are familiar and comfortable in each other's presence. Remember to use a slow, relaxed manner to walk towards the horse. Step sideways to alleviate the nerves of a skittish equine. Go toward the side and don't stare. Looking sideways, move towards the horse. Never sneak up on or surprise your horse with the halter. It will be nearly impossible to hold onto a horse that is frightened by being caught in this manner? This will destroy any trust you have built so far. A serious injury could easily be inflicted. The emphasis here is on patience and persistence.

Use plenty of positive reinforcement when the horse allows you to come close. Work or training should be far from your mind whist making this initial contact with your horse. You should only be thinking about bonding with your horse. Just by grooming, scratching, talking and stroking you will be employing tools of positive reinforcement. Your horse should be able to enjoy these first moments as much as you. Now is the time you are both ready for training.

A word on safety:
You must not approach a horse from behind unless he knows you well. A horse can register a swift kick before you can even think about getting out of the way. Horses are much faster than humans, particularly if they feel threatened or surprised. Do not approach where you can't be seen.

Whether it is your own horse, or you are training the horse on somebody else’s behalf, it is always advisable to ensure that there is adequate equine insurance in place to protect you both should an accident occur during training. A single kick from one of these beautiful yet immensly powerful creatures can potentially put a horse rider out of action for a long time. A good horse insurance policy will include third party liability, and it is definitely worth checking this before you begin with your training.

Horse riders need to remember the three p's - patience, persistence and positive reinforcement - when beginning to train a new horse. These are the basics that are necessary for you to understand before undertaking the rewarding task of teaching your horse to do what is desired. Following these basic tips will provide the foundations of a great relationship between horse and rider.

If you want to train a horse you must first have plenty of patience. Teaching your horse anything new will always require patience. In nature, horses are prey animals and know it. Watch horses in pasture or pens as the sun is setting. If there are a few horses together - a herd - you will notice them group for safety. They may be seen standing head to tail and side by side. This type of formation allows them to spot danger lurking in all directions. If you watch a horse that is not used to water you will notice that he may be hesitant, or worse, could rear up dangerously. Both horse and rider could be hurt or even killed. Therefore, it is imperative that your horse be trained with much patience and that he learns to trust you not to take him into a situation that could be dangerous.

Using patience in training your horse will ensure confidence and mutual trust between you. It often surprises those new to horse training that one can remove or reduce the fear of impending doom felt by most horses at their exposure to new objects and situations. It may sound crazy, but to a horse the simple flapping of a shirt on a washing line could be enough to scare him. Patient training will teach your horse to feel as relaxed as you are about the flapping laundry, and he will trust you enough to walk past it without getting spooked.

Great rewards may be reaped in horse training by displaying persistence. Practicing an exercise with your horse over and over is also a great confidence and trust builder for both horse and trainer. Ground work is the beginning of professional training which may seem tedious but is important for both horse and rider. Groundwork isn't really getting up there and actually riding, after all. Horse trainers understand the similarity between horses learning the basics and babies taking their first steps. A horse first needs to learn good manners before it is possible to tack him up and go off for a ride.

Persistence means that you will probably have to keep repeating the same task until your horse understands. The horse needs to know what is expected of him. For example, your horse needs to know to always stand still for you when you bring out the tack. For your horse this is not natural. It needs to be taught, and in this teaching persistence will be required. You will need to show your horse that you are the more persistent of you both. You need to remain persistent, or else he will think that he can get away with resisting or avoiding you. Consistency is another word which may be used in place of persistence.

Positive reinforcement plays a vital role in horse training. If a horse sees you as the herd leader, he will generally just want to please you. Lifelong friendships can be developed between horse and rider where each understands their role in the relationship.

Positive reinforcement can simply mean a murmur of approval to your horse, a scratch behind his ear or a well-placed pat. A horse will easily sense your emotional state. If you are happy with the way a training exercise is going, exude that attitude.

A word of caution here - it is not a good idea to enter the training area with your horse if for any reason you are stressed, angry or in a particularly bad mood. The horse will sense the negativity and may become uncooperative. This has more to do with the horse's fear than with any rebellious streak. The horse may not know you well enough yet to predict your behaviour when upset and could be wary of you because of this.

No matter what type of riding or event you wish to persue, it is the ultimate goal of the horse trainer to build a bond of trust between horse and rider. These horse training basics stay the same whether you choose to ride simply for pleasure or in competitions, in either English or Western riding style. The 3 p’s principles – patience, persistence, and positive reinforcement – can be applied to any breed of horse for a successful training experience.

Learning to ride a horse isn’t easy. There are so many things that you need to remember and they aren’t always related to the horse. Always ensure that you have the correct clothing and a helmet that fits properly before you start. Then you are ready to continue with the rest.

How to correctly mount a horse

When the bridle and saddle have been correctly fitted and double-checked, stand to the left of the horse. Place your left foot in the stirrup, and grasp the withers (mane), not the saddle as this will cause it to slide. Then keeping both of your hands on the front of the horse or on the cantle (back) of the saddle, push up and swing your right leg over the back of the horse, being careful not to kick the horse, so that you seat yourself comfortably in the saddle. When comfortable, reassess your grip on the reigns and hang both your legs down near the stirrups. Make sure they are at the correct length by having the stirrup reach your ankle. Then you should be able to just slide your feet into the stirrup whilst your foot is raised a few inches. Remember that it important that you are balanced to the horse, not them to you.

Now you are sitting comfortably…

Keep your upper back straight and lower back relaxed. Sit tall in the saddle. Keep looking ahead for things which may spook your horse. Take one rein in each hand; left rein in the left hand, right rein in the right hand. Tuck the reins under all four fingers, with the reins going in under the little fingers. Always hold the reins in place with your thumbs against your forefingers with your thumbs up, palms down and each hand as wide apart as the neck of the horse with them just in front of the saddle and above of the horse. To let more rein in, slide it through by lifting your thumbs. Shorten the reins by taking up extra length with the opposite hand.

Starting to ride your horse

To start the horse off with a slow walk – the first gait – squeeze your lower legs. After a few minutes stop and check the girth. If you can feel more than one hand under and between the girth and the horse, then you must tighten it. Carry on walking, keeping your heels down, back straight and chin up. You should be able to draw a straight line from the heel to the shoulders. Pull slightly on the reigns so as to turn the horses head enabling you to turn. When you need to stop, simply pull back on the reins and sit deep into the saddle; sometimes you may need to lean back, then relax the reigns and praise your horse. Always release the reins when you stop as this will praise and reward your horse; also they might pull if you don’t. Horses can jerk short reins out of your hands, so try to make them long. Practice these basic moves until you and the horse are comfortable with it all.

When you are both ready, try trotting – the second gait. Again, squeeze the horse with your legs and the horse will start to move faster. With a trot, you need to learn how to rise and sit with the trot of the horse. You will need to rise and sit with the movement of the horse without bumping. This takes a bit of getting used to, and you will be using muscles which you may not be used to using! Thinking “lift, sit, lift, sit” in time to the rhythm will help you with this. Try not to sit too heavily as you may unsteady the horse. When you wish to slow down, sit deep in the saddle and pull back slightly on the reins. Again practice this until you are comfortable with the movements. When you are happy, trying turning and stopping from a trot.

Cantering is the next step – the third gait. This is often only managed after weeks of trotting. To ask for canter, squeeze your outside leg while having it back a bit and then squeeze with your inside leg. It’s sometimes best to sit trot and then ask, so you are sitting ready for the canter. This means that you should sitting back slightly; when you feel you’re sitting back, you’re about right. Whilst cantering you should be rocking forward to back with your bottom slightly off of the saddle. Again, keep on practicing this as this will take longer to grasp. Ensure you are wary of your posture and heels as you practice; back on your heels and rocked forward but straight with your body.

After mastering the canter, you can move on to a gallop – this is the fastest gait. Again squeeze your calves as you have before, but you must be in a canter. As with the canter you should be sitting slightly forward in the saddle, with bottom off the saddle. It is always advisable to ensure that you are fully confident and well-practiced with each gait before you move on to the faster gait.

When dismounting your horse, swing your right leg over to the back of the horse. Stay balanced with a good grip on the saddle so you don’t slip. Then lower yourself down from the left side, you should try to put both your legs down at the same time, keeping your knees slightly bent to absorb the weight.

Other helpful horse hints

Get to know your horse. Always ensure that you approach him carefully from the front or side; touching him and talking to him, thus avoiding spooking him and being hurt by a kick. Then move towards his shoulder, so he knows you’re coming closer.

If you are new to a horse, or riding, always make sure that you have had proper rider training before you attempt anything on your own. Try to avoid riding alone; never ride alone if you are a beginner.

Even though it will be a shock and could very possibly hurt when you fall off, try to get straight back on.

Never kneel or sit by a horse; if you are tending to them, always make sure that you are positioned so that you can jump aside quickly if need be.

Make sure that you are comfortable on the horse that you are riding; they will be nervous too if they sense that you are uneasy.

Never yank the bit, as this will hurt the horse and distress him. If you handle it carefully, he will be more relaxed and easier to ride.

For more tips and advice on caring for horses, horse riding and a brand new equine blog, visit the AFI Horse Community website just launched by AFI Horse Insurance – the UK’s only not-for-profit pet and equine insurance provider.