Instructions
Training Your Horse to Ride Again
Begin with a thorough checkup by your veterinarian. Make sure there are no health issues that could make riding difficult for your horse. If you are dealing with an older horse who has had some time off it is important to look for signs of stiffness and sore joints. Older horses are also prone to arthritis, so be sure to ask your vet to give your horse a full workup before you start your training.
Use exercise to get your horse back into shape before you start riding. Starting to ride before your horse is physically ready can leave him sore and irritable. Longing is a good way to get your horse back into shape, as is round pen work. If you have a round pen or indoor arena available, use that space to get your horse to move. This also has the advantage of allowing you to watch your horse as he moves. You will be able to spot any signs of stiffness or lameness and deal with them before your under saddle work begins.
Reintroduce your horse to the saddle and bridle. Place the bridle on your horse over top of the halter and make sure the bit is positioned so that it just starts to pull up on the sides of the horse's mouth. Carefully place the saddle into place, making sure that you have a quality saddle blanket underneath it. Secure the cinch, making it just tight enough so that the saddle will stay in place as the horse moves. Attach the longe line to your horse's halter and ask him to move at a walk, trot and canter.
Stop your horse and ask a companion to hold him while you mount. Swing up on your horse's back in a single fluid motion and wait for your horse to relax. Ask your horse to move out--a few steps is fine at first. Move your horse around the arena or round pen, testing what he does and does not remember. Ask your horse to move away from pressure by pressing your outside leg against him. As soon as the horse responds to the pressure stop and reward your horse.
How to Train a Horse to Get Used to Riding Again
If it has been some time since your horse was ridden on a regular basis you may face some training challenges as you get back into the swing of things. Horses are creatures of habit, and they get used to doing nothing. It is important to use the proper training equipment and the right training techniques to bring your equine companion back up to speed.