Comments on: How to Ride a Horse

on 2/6/2008 Actually, if you're looking to learn the basics of horse back riding, ask around, watch a few lessons of several styles, determine what you like. However, know this: Do not go into this wonderful activity with preconceived notions of individuals who have had time to decide for themselves. The decision is yours and yours alone: all styles have both competition and leisure to offer. When it comes to English or Western, don't listen to the preconceived notion that, "Western riding is designed for people to find comfort on a horse from sun-up to sun-down...quite different from English," to quote an earlier comment by stayinthesaddle. While this person most certainly has a right to their own opinion, both styles offer a wide array of recreation--whether it be 'comfort on a horse from sun-up to sun-down' or strict competition (of which both respected styles have more than their share)

on 2/6/2008 Actually, if you're looking to learn the basics of horse back riding, ask around, watch a few lessons of several styles, determine what you like. However, know this: Do not go into this wonderful activity with preconceived notions of individuals who have had time to decide for themselves. The decision is yours and yours alone: all styles have both competition and leisure to offer. When it comes to English or Western, don't listen to the preconceived notion that, "Western riding is designed for people to find comfort on a horse from sun-up to sun-down...quite different from English," to quote an earlier comment by stayinthesaddle. While this person most certainly has a right to their own opinion, both styles offer a wide array of recreation--whether it be 'comfort on a horse from sun-up to sun-down' or strict competition (of which both respected styles have more than their share)

on 8/5/2007 To Miranda, try the natural horsemanship way of riding and become a partner with your horse. The Parelli Method will help you improve your relationship with this horse and all others. HK

on 2/23/2007 I have been riding english for 2 years now. Here are a few tips, heels down, thumbs pressed on the top of the reins,look strait ahead. Also when you look somwhere other then strait ahead the horse will most likly want to see what your looking at. Remember most teachers are strict so prepare to at times get yelled at and get brused.

on 1/9/2008 I teach basic western riding lessons, and I can guaratee you that learning the basics (comfort, communication, control and confidence) is the cornerstone of becoming a competent horseman. You need to find someone that can teach you in a meaningful way, someone who can teach you how to actually work with the horse, and someone who not only "looks good" but actually walks the talk. Not all great athletes are great coachs!

In regards to English or Western - learn what you want to ride. Learning English may be beneficial, but if you are going to be a Western rider - seek out a Western instructor and learn ground up from him/her. Western riding is designed for people to find comfort on a horse from sun-up to sun-down (ie. the cowboy way), quite different from English.

on 1/9/2008 Learnig to ride a horse is a real joy, I give lessons and know the importance of safety and an educated ride. When you begin riding don't feel ashamed if you need to ask for help. This advice is good but one thing that has not been mentioned is that the person you have giving your child lessons needs to know what they are doing, don't pick an instructor because everything looks good pick them because you like their personality and they can give you evidence of their accomplished riding history and talk to other students and thier parents to see how they feel about the person who is teaching them.

on 1/16/2007 I don't agree with one fact from this site. It says to start with English riding. I strongly (as many others do) recommend riding western to begin with, to achieve balance and knowledge of riding, without having to find balance from constantly pulling on your horses reins. Riding western is the best to begin with, as you will see, this type of riding is the primary type in which instructors teach their students the basics. It is then that you can graduate to English riding, and find that you are much more balanced and have many basic skills which, overall will lead you to become a great rider.

on 12/17/2006 I agree with the advice to find an experienced riding instructor especially one with good references and safety record. I strongly disagree with the riding english first. I teach both youth and adults to ride and I teach my students that the basics are the same in either English or Western use of hands, legs, seat, and balance are all the same.

on 12/13/2006 This site is not to much help, I myself am taking lessons on horseback riding and all the time my horse tries to think he's boss but I can't seem to tell him I'm boss and he keeps tugging on the sides of the bits jerking me...
I know he's testing me to see if I can control him but what can I do about this problem? Please answer.

By Miranda

on 8/17/2006 I do not believe that starting with English style riding is necessarily the best for all beginners. Every style of riding requires good balance and a necessity for a strong foundation in basic skills. I would recommend getting riding lessons to learn whatever style you're looking to go into long-term. Why start English if your goal is running barrels?

Only from training with a good instructor and becoming an experienced rider will transitioning from one style to another become easier.

on 8/17/2006 Never stand directly behind a horse. Keep your toes up and heels down while riding, it helps your balance. And don't scare a horse on purpose.

on 8/8/2006 I have ridden some stubborn horses before. They are very hard to turn and stop and when making them move they don't want to. You have to sometimes give those horses sharper aids. If the horse won't stop, sit back in the saddle and tighten the reins, as soon as he stops, let the reins lose.

on 8/8/2006 Your horse should be looking where it's going, it's not like driving a car. Lay out some boards or poles in your yard or arena and have your horse walk over them. If your horse shies them walk them over on a lead rope first and then get in the saddle. Once you're in the saddle have your horse walk over, if you're constantly watching the ground your horse if going to be as confident as you are (which is not very). So go over again and look between your horses ears. You and your horse will gain some confidence.

on 8/8/2006 If you don't feel you get something, go to a local library or your school and find a riding book that meets your needs.

on 8/8/2006 If you or a friend are having a problem with a horse, then don't ride it until you find the solution to the problem. It will make you and your horse less tense and will help you concentrate.