How to Ride a Horse Like a Champion

Almost anyone can climb onto a horse and ride, but being able to ride like a champion takes time, skill, patience and practice. Champion riders make riding look easy and make difficult horses seem like the most gentle creatures.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Learn how to ride a horse correctly by taking lessons from an experienced horse person. Make sure the instructor you are riding with has years of riding and training experience, as well as a proven show record. A good instructor can help you learn to ride the correct way, making it easier for you to quickly learn the fundamentals of riding.

2. Have confidence in yourself and your riding skills. A lack of confidence is apparent, not only to other riders but to the horse as well. This can cause many problems as horses can sense when a rider is not confident and may take advantage of this.

3. Choose from the wide array of books, DVDs and videos available to horse enthusiasts. Learn as much as you can about your riding discipline by learning from the masters in this format.

4. Understand how horses behave and why they react to things. Understanding horse behavior can help you on the ground working with horses and in the saddle while riding.

5. Treat your horses and fellow riders with respect. The most accomplished champion riders did not reach champion status by neglecting or mistreating their animals. Take care of your horses and show pride in how they look and behave.

6. Dress appropriately for the type of riding you are doing, including the tack on your horse. Even good riders look out of place if they are dressed inappropriately and use incorrect tack on their horses.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't show off and brag about your riding abilities. This is not what a champion rider does, even if they are fabulous. Let your accomplishments speak for themselves.