How to Learn All About Horses

The story of the domesticated horse begins approximately 4,000 years ago when they were first tamed by Asian nomads, according to the National Geographic website. Used for hundreds of years by humans as food, work engines and a means of travel, the modern horse developed within the last century to become a companion animal and sports partner to equine enthusiasts. If you are a horse-crazy adult, or are the parent of a horse-crazy child, learning all about horses can give you hours of outdoor life, strenuous exercise and pleasure.

Things You'll Need

  • Enrollment in summer riding camp
  • Books about horses
  • Horseback riding lessons
  • Equine magazine subscriptions
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Instructions

  1. As A Child

    • 1

      Enroll your child in a summer riding camp. Many equestrian facilities provide summer programs for children of all ages where they learn how to ride, how to tack up, how to groom and how to be safe around horses.

    • 2

      Gift your child with books about horses. "The Black Stallion" series by Walter Farley, "Black Beauty" by Anna Sewell and "My Friend Flicka" by Mary O'Hara are perennial favorites of horse-loving children and adults.

    • 3

      Provide your child with horseback riding lessons. Find an experienced trainer knowledgeable in working with non-riding children. Ensure the trainer will teach your child how to care for horses as well as ride, and makes your child wear a helmet when working around a horse.

    • 4

      Check online for age-appropriate websites that teach all about horses in simple language and pictures that your child will understand.

    As An Adult

    • 5

      Volunteer at a therapeutic riding facility. Many therapeutic barns will start you out mucking stalls and feeding horses so that you learn to care for the animals before actually working with them. Note that some facilities only accept volunteers with prior knowledge of horses.

    • 6

      Enroll in horseback riding lessons with a trainer skilled in working with non-riding adults. Make sure that the trainer uses spook-proof school horses appropriate for older riders, and that you are physically capable. Many trainers and equestrian facilities establish weight limits for their adult riders.

    • 7

      Approach your local riding barn manager about volunteer or part-time work. Offer to work for free in exchange for riding lessons or training in horse management.

    • 8

      Check your local university or community college for continuing education classes in equine studies or horse management.

    • 9

      Subscribe to various equine magazines such as "Horse Illustrated," "Practical Horseman" or "Horse and Rider." These types of publications contain information on equine health, horse management and training, equestrian supplies and horseback riding tips.