How to Go Horseback Riding

Learning to ride a horse takes practice and patience. It's a challenging but rewarding experience. Just remember that everyone started somewhere, and no one is perfect their first time out. Here are some basics.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Horse
• Proper riding boots
• Experienced horseperson
• Saddle

1. Hold on to the reins and mane of the horse with your left hand.
2. Put your left foot into the left stirrup.
3. Swing your right leg up followed by your body on top of the horse.
4. Adjust yourself in the saddle and put both feet in the stirrups.
5. Hold the reins evenly in both hands. Later on you can use one hand on the reins while leaving the other to rest on your leg.
6. Squeeze the horse with your calves to ask him to walk forward or when you want to go faster.
7. Pull back on the reins slightly to get the horse to slow down.
8. Sit back deep in the saddle and pull back on the reins when you want the horse to stop.
9. Nudge the horse with your left leg while gently pulling the right rein when you want the horse to turn right. Do the opposite to turn left.
10. Lean back and pull the reins slightly while gently squeezing with your legs to get the horse to stop. You don't have to jerk him backwards; just don't allow him to walk forward.
11. Once the horse is still take your right foot out of the stirrup.
12. Bring your right leg behind you and with your left foot still in the stirrup, ease down to the ground and dismount, landing on your right foot.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that horses have a mind of their own. Riding a horse is not like driving a car.
• Always wear proper attire when riding. Boots that are made for riding are safer than any other type of shoe when riding a horse.
• Always have an experienced horseperson with you when you are learning how to ride. Horses can be dangerous animals for a beginner.