Things You'll Need
- Helmet
- Boots
- Jeans
- Breetches or Jodphurs
Instructions
A helmet that is specifically made for horseback riding should be used at all times while mounted.
Helmets that are made for horseback riding are approved by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI). They are approved for chin strap retention, protection for any penetration from sharp objects and for it's impact absorption in the event of a fall.
These tests are performed specifically for horseback riding related accidents, and is why a bicycle helmet should not be worn while riding.
Boots with heals are the only style shoe that should be ridden in, as they are safest. The purpose of the heal is to prevent your foot from slipping all the way through the stirrup while on the horse, which could be extremely dangerous.
Today they even make sneakers made specifically for riding that have heals. You can go to your local horse tack or western shop &pick out a pair of riding boots. See if your riding instructor has recommendations for riding stores. Some horseback riding stables have their own on-site store.
Jeans are the most common style pants that Western riders wear to ride in. Jeans will prevent your legs from being chaffed from the saddle and stirrups.
English adult riders will wear breetches, and children will wear jodphurs, which can also be bought from your local horse tack store. Altho, if you are just starting out you can ride English in jeans as well. If you continue your English riding, it is recommended to purchase the appropriate riding attire.
Regardless of what style riding you will be doing, you want to avoid riding in shorts, as it is not safe and you risk chaffing/blistering your legs which can be painful.
Now that you have what you need to ride in, you will need to do a little research as to what horse stables offer horseback riding. There are a lot of stables that offer various services. Some consist of trail riding, and others also offer lessons.
To find a local farm, you can look in your local yellow pages for under stables, horse, riding; or you can do an online search for local stables in your area. If you know someone who rides, you can also ask them to where they are riding.
Stables that offer Trail Riding, have seasoned (safe) horses that know the trails, and carry their riders safely. There are various levels that most trail-riding stables offer.
The most common are:
Stables that also offer Riding Instructions have a staff consising of people that are experienced in how to ride, and how to be safe while riding. The horses that are used are also seasoned (safe) and offer different levels of experience.
A horse used for the beginner rider may be very slow, and smaller in stature. A horse used for a more experienced rider may have more experience in a specific discipline such as jumping or barrel racing.
Once you find a stable, take a day to go and look at it.
Are the facilities clean? Are the horses friendly, clean &healthy looking? Even if you are new to horses, you will be able to tell if the horses look happy &healthy.
Talk with the staff about their rules &meet the trail guide who will be leading the trail for you, or to the instructor who will be giving you your lessons.
Once you found a farm, feel comfortable with the staff &have met the instructor, you are ready to ride!
Enjoy!!
a) beginner - which consists of mostly walking &jogging (western riding) or trotting (english riding)
b) intermediate - which consits of walking, jogging (western riding) or trotting (english riding), and limited loping (western riding) or cantering (english riding)
c) advanced - consisting of walking, jogging (western riding) or trotting (english riding), and much more loping (western riding) or cantering (english riding)