Horse riding is an art. In order to master horse riding, you need to have the correct mindset. Not only that you have to love horse riding as your daily routine, but you also have to have passion for horses. They are like your friends and family. With all those "pre-requisites", you then have the chance to become a skillful horse rider. Now, lets get on to the first lesson.

Before horseback riding for the first time, you first need to learn the proper attire for you and the horse, how to mount, and dismount.

Before you approach the horse, you need to be dressed properly for your own safety and comfort. First of all you need a helmet, or a hunt cap. In case of an accident, you will protect your skull from avoidable injury. It is also important to wear good riding boots. They should be comfortable and not too wide, you don't want them to get stuck in the stirrups. For simple riding, a knee or ankle height boot with a low heel is fine. For the comfort of you hands, you should wear gloves that have a no-slip grip on the palm. Since you need to hold on to the reins to guide the horse, it is important that you can comfortably hold on. You legs will need protection as well, so you will need a pair of riding pants. They need to have the right thickness without thick seams that will scrape you as you ride. Once you are dressed, it's time to gear your horse.

Your horse will need a bridle, a saddle pad, and a saddle. Extra care is needed in placing these items on your horse. You want to move slowly and carefully, so that you do not startle or inure the horse or yourself. When you are bridling your horse, be sure to hold the horses head near the nose to steady it, and avoid poking the eyes. Make sure that it is not too tight. When saddling the horse, make sure the saddle pad is clean, and when you apply the saddle, lift it over the horse and make sure that it is in position before you lower the saddle on the horses back. This reduces the need for shifting the saddle and causing you horse to feel uncomfortable.

Now that you are both dressed, it is time to mount. Make sure you position the reins and the stirrups before you begin. Pet and talk to your horse to make sure they know you are there and can see you. Never sneak up on the horse and try to mount; that can be dangerous. You should mount from the left side of your horse because most horses are used to that. Make sure you are high enough to comfortably grip the saddle. You can have someone lift you, get on a stand or place your foot in the stirrup to lift yourself up. Hold the front of the saddle and swing your right leg around the back of the horse. Carefully place both feet into the stirrups, and adjust the track, so the saddle does not slide.

To dismount, you are basically taking the same steps in reverse. Make sure that you swing you leg to the back behind the horse. If you swing the other way you can kick the horses head, or they may turn their head and hit your foot. If you lose balance or the horse is startled, they might take off and you can be seriously hurt. Maintain your balance and hold the saddle until you are in the position to lower from the left stirrup. Let both of your legs down at the same time and bend your knees to absorb ground impact.

That's the end of your first lesson. Next time you will learn how to position yourself while the horse is in motion.

Davina Joomla

Davina Joomla, a retired champion horse rider. She had won major tournaments representing South Africa. Now, leaving at a farm house with her horses near Cape Town, she writes and trains other newbie horse riders for leisure. She does receive commission for some of the articles that she does, but not much. Davina is a happy go-lucky person. Her life is here horses. She understands horses? whispers. While not out coaching her students, she would spend an hour a week touching up her website at horsesite.info. Visit the site today to find out anything about horses.