Posts Tagged ‘Novice Rider’

Many a novice rider has argued the superiority of their chosen horseback discipline. While there are equestrians that prefer the excitement of the hunter-jumper courses, others are addicted to the thrill of barrel racing. Cowboys may opt for cutting while ladies across the planet can be found singing the praises of dressage.

Despite the discrepancies in attire, you may be surprised to learn that there are distinct similarities in the basic premises that comprise the foundation of most, if not all, equestrian disciplines.

Listen to the directives and basic philosophies espoused by DVM Gerd Heuschman, the dressage master Walter Zettl, reining’s Joe Ruiz and renowned western horseman Craig Cameron and you will find that all these accomplished trainers focus first on respect for the horse.

The riders whom they instruct learn that relaxation, rhythm and understanding of the equine – in body, mind, spirit and nature – are paramount.

True horsemen (and women) know that horses do not have a time table. They learn according to their own abilities, on their own schedule, with the gentle and patient assistance of a calm, confident and clearly communicative handler.

Whether you choose to put on jeans or tight fitting breeches, whether your saddle is western or English, your most successful riding education begins with elementary lessons that impart a lasting appreciation for the horse’s movement, strength, speed and power.

Over time you learn to sit on your horse with steady confidence, using your body and legs rather than your hands for balance. You come to understand the importance of giving clear, simple directives to your mount. Patience for your equine partner, and for yourself, develop exponentially.

Riding regularly with any seasoned expert, in any discipline, will eventually provide you with a strong and reliable basis for your ongoing equestrian career. No matter which arena you decide to compete in, or even if your horsemanship goals lead to long trails rather than a show ring, you will enjoy enduring benefits when you make a point of training with a masterful horseman.

Classic techniques and traditional philosophies will be effective in any and all equestrian sports. You can’t go wrong when you learn with the masters who abide by proven, age-old expertise.

Equestrian S. L. Robertson has published hundreds of articles on various horsemanship topics. Her writing can be enjoyed on both Ezine as well as the http://Examiner.com site, for which she is the Salt Lake equestrian examiner. She has also written for the AQHA magazine and is the proud owner of a beautiful QH mare and one wonderful APHA gelding.

Author: S. L. Robertson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty rates

Imagine donning your equestrian riding apparel, your riding helmet, and your horse riding boots and sitting astride one of those sleek, gentle giants for the very first time. The perspective is amazing and the communication that occurs between you and your horse can be an incredible experience. However, being the large, powerful animals that they are, horses can be dangerous. It is important to receive a solid education in the basics of horsemanship to ensure that you develop good equestrian riding habits and that your lessons are safe and enjoyable. That is also why the proper equestrian riding apparel, helmet, and horse riding boots are at least as important as finding the best trainer.

There are countless resources and guides available to help you find the best barn and trainer for your style of riding and your experience level. For the novice rider, information about equestrian riding lessons can be found through riding schools and riding camps, nearby barns, horse associations, the local 4H/FFA office or club, large animal veterinarians, and your community Parks and Recreation office. If you have never ridden before, there are several points that you must keep in mind when using these resources to select a barn for your equestrian riding lessons.

Community Resources and Guides

Your community Parks and Recreation publication can be an excellent place to start since they screen all of their participants prior to endorsing them. When riding horses, safety must come first, last and always. This is not a time for cutting corners or accepting less than the best. The riding habits you will develop initially will stay with you. It is far better to learn how to ride properly the first time rather than having to spend years trying to unlearn incorrect and unsafe riding habits.

Your local tack shop, 4H and FFA clubs can also provide you with the names of reputable trainers. The phone book can give you a large selection of names and phone numbers, but you will have to work harder to determine which of these barns offers the best instruction, the safest conditions, and the best value for your money.

Professional Resources and Guides

Horseback riding, horse shows, and horse breeding are big business. You can take advantage of the plethora of associations, organizations and publications available to help you select the best barn and trainer for your equestrian riding lessons. Many horse-related associations are breed specific. Thoroughbreds are the most popular horses used in English riding, although you will also find Arabians, Quarter Horses, Morgans, Friesians, Hanoverians, and several others. You can also find riding lesson information through regional organizations, veterinary associations, and equestrian magazines.

Using either community or professional resources and guides will help you select a number of possible trainers and barns to choose from. The next step in selecting the best trainer for your riding lessons is to compare what they have to offer and the price you will have to pay. Most important, you should go and look at the barns themselves and see the trainer in action. Again, safety is paramount. There are specific criteria you can use to help you find the very best trainer.

Making Your Choice

Once you have narrowed down your selection of barns and trainers, you must actually go to each barn before making your choice. Any barn that appears unsafe, unclean or chaotic should be avoided. Observe the trainer as they give lessons. Are they friendly, supportive and calm or are they agitated, critical and loud? Do they require you to wear an approved riding helmet, appropriate equestrian riding apparel, and horse riding boots? If not, leave immediately. Proper equestrian riding apparel, an authorized helmet, and sturdy horse riding boots are crucial to your safety.

Equestrian riding apparel consists of breeches that fit snuggly and a riding shirt that allows freedom of movement without risking getting snagged. Horse riding boots will protect your toes from heavy hooves and they will keep your foot in the proper stirrup position. Approved rising helmets are mandatory. There are plenty of resources for purchasing your equestrian riding apparel and horse riding boots. You can drive to your local tack shop or, for added convenience and a wider selection; you can make your purchases online through a reputable retailer.

Choose a trainer who will provide you with a safe and enjoyable opportunity to develop good basic skills and who requires you to wear the appropriate equestrian riding apparel, horse riding boots, and an authorized riding helmet for years of safe, enjoyable and productive riding.

Author: Anne Coyle
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Mobile device news

Proper equestrian riding techniques vary depending upon the type of riding you are doing, whether it is English, Western, jumping, dressage, or eventing. Overall, proper equestrian riding techniques are largely a matter of correct body position, clear communication, appropriate equipment and equestrian riding apparel, and being aware of your surroundings. No one is born with the knowledge or ability to ride properly. It takes years of training and dedicated practice.

As a novice rider, you have much to learn. It is far easier to learn the proper ways first, rather than having to spend years unlearning bad habits and replacing them with proper riding techniques. That’s why taking lessons for the novice rider is such a great idea.

Take Lessons from a Reputable Trainer

Regardless of the type of riding you are interested in, riding lessons are always a good idea — especially for the novice. It is too easy to learn bad habits and put yourself in danger by simply jumping on the first available horse. This is especially true when jumping horses.

Even experienced riders must regularly rely upon basic riding techniques to maintain their safety as well as the safety of their horse. Your trainer should be able to provide you with an outside perspective. It’s amazing how many times you will be absolutely positive that your heels are down when, in fact, they are not. A reputable trainer can help you to fulfill your potential as a skilled horseman or horsewoman.

Riding lessons will teach you how to tack your horse up in the proper equestrian equipment, how to tighten the girth on English saddles to prevent slipping, how to select the equestrian riding apparel that is appropriate for your style of riding, how to develop the correct body position, and the best communication methods for interacting with your horse. Riding lessons will also educate you about the common rules of riding etiquette.

Proper Body Position and Riding Etiquette

For generations, young children and adults have been admonished to keep their chin up, shoulders back, and eyes forward. All you have to do is add heels down, elbows in, and hands quiet so that you will have a superior body position for horseback riding. As a rider, your job is to maintain control over your horse without appearing to do anything. Loud cues, abrupt movements, and lost tempers are never appropriate.

In the English riding world, there are specific rules of ring etiquette in place to ensure everyone’s safety. Generally, this means that everyone should be travelling in the same direction and working basically on the same skills. Slower traffic keeps to the inside of the arena while faster moving riders stay to the outer edge of the ring. A full horse length should be maintained between riders. If passing is necessary, one is expected to inform the other rider quietly and to give a wide berth. If horses are moving in both directions, the general rule of thumb is to pass — left shoulder to left shoulder — just as though you were driving a car. These courtesies work to prevent countless accidents and emergencies and should be followed at all times.

Use Appropriate Equestrian Riding Apparel and Equipment

Appropriate equestrian riding apparel means you are wearing an approved helmet, riding boots, a well-fitting shirt that allows enough freedom of movement, and riding breeches. Jeans are not appropriate for English riding. English saddles will rub on the seams, causing chaffing, and the material will slip and risk a fall. Loose and baggy clothing is never considered appropriate equestrian riding apparel. It can snag, bunch, and interfere with your movement that may risk injury.

English saddles will help you to maintain the correct body position for flat work and jumping, just as an event a saddle will help a rider maneuver hills, waterways, and other obstacles and help a rider to maintain their seat safely. Being lightweight and relatively flat, English saddles provide you with a greater range of motion than a heavier, bulkier Western saddle. However, they also require a strong leg to help you maintain contact and communicate with your horse. There are many varieties of English saddles available. Before buying English saddles, discuss your options with your trainer.

Every step of your training will help you to develop the skills and habits necessary to ride safely and effectively. Wearing appropriate equestrian riding apparel, finding the correct style English saddles, and working regularly with a reputable trainer will all help you to develop proper riding techniques.

Author: Anne Coyle
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

Molly puppy puppy asked:

I have found a horse that I like. I know you need saddle, pads, bridle and bit but I’m not sure about what else I need.
I have been riding for a little over a year, I’m a novice rider. My stable offers co-boarding wher you lease a horse. I don’t know if I should do it or wait.