The first step in riding well is riding well. Keep yourself and your horse safe and calm by following proper horse riding procedures. With a few easy steps, you'll be sitting in the saddle in perfect posture riding in a great riding experience.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preparing the Horse
Step 1. Get the horse in position
Take the horse out onto a level area to ride. Make sure the horse is not in tight spaces because horses are claustrophobic (fear of enclosed spaces) and riding them will be more difficult. Traditionally, horses are ridden from their left side, but a trained horse and a balanced rider will be able to ride from either side.
It's important to be able to ride left and right, especially when you're in a dangerous situation (like riding on the side of a steep cliff) where you have to ride from a side you're not used to
Step 2. Check the horse's saddle
The saddle should be tight, but you should be able to fit two fingers between the saddle and the horse's body. Riding with a loose or too tight saddle is dangerous for both you and your horse, and attempting to ride a horse with a loose saddle could knock you and the saddle to the ground. It is very important to check the saddle before riding a horse.
Step 3. Adjust the length of your footrest
While you can adjust the length of the footrest once you're on the horse, it's easier to do it before you ride. To get a fairly accurate measure of the length of the footrest, pull the footrest toward your torso. Place your hands on the saddle, so that your hands are perpendicular to your torso or torso. Adjust the footrest so that it reaches the length of your hand, extending it almost to your armpit.
This method gives you a good base length, which friends or yourself can then adjust once you're in the saddle
Step 4. Keep the horse still
Make sure the horse is watching you, and not trying to walk away. Place the reins over his head so that they are in the correct position when you ride the horse, and hold on to the reins as you ride. If you are a beginner, have a friend hold your horse while you ride.
Step 5. Put the ladder up the horse in place
Although not required, a horse-riding ladder can make getting to your feet easier. Repetitive climbing without stairs will put strain on one side of your horse's back, so using a ladder can help reduce that strain and protect the horse's back. If you have a ladder, place it directly under the footrests you will use to ride the horse.
Method 2 of 3: Climbing on a Horse
Step 1. Position yourself next to your horse in preparation for the ride
Whether you are standing on a ladder or on the ground, you must stand on the horse's left front leg. This will allow you to gain a foothold without losing control of the horse.
Step 2. Hold the reins in your left hand
Grip it tightly so that you can control the horse when it moves away, but be careful not to pull the horse's mouth too hard.
Step 3. Place your left foot on the footrest
This will be much easier if you use a ladder, but can be done from the ground as well.
If you're climbing off the ground, lower your left footrest a few holes to make it easier to reach. You can shorten the step to the right after and sit on your horse's legs
Step 4. Stand on your left leg and swing your right leg over the horse
Your left hand should still hold the reins, but you can grip the saddle if needed. Use your right hand to grip the handle of the saddle, the ponytail at the base of the horse's neck, or the front of the saddle on the right. Avoid holding the back of the saddle, as it is less secure and pulling it can cause the saddle to shift.
Step 5. Slowly sit in the saddle
Sitting slamming in the saddle can hurt the horse's back, so be careful landing on the saddle. Adjust the footing as needed, place the reins in your hands, and you're good to go!
Method 3 of 3: Riding a Horse with Leg-ups
Step 1. Stand next to your horse
As already mentioned, most horse riders ride from the left side, but the left or right side can be used to ride the horse. Turn to face the saddle.
Step 2. Adjust the harness
You should grip the reins during the ride, so the horse doesn't walk away from you. Shorten the reins so you can add a little more pressure, your horse will only walk around you when you signal to stop.
Step 3. Place your feet on the footrest
Lift your front leg (those closest to the horse's head) onto the footrest, so that your weight rests on the balls of your feet. If the saddle is too high off the ground or if you can't reach it with your feet, lift your feet and with your hands or ask a friend to do it.
If you are using stairs, take the stairs to put your feet on the footrests
Step 4. Grab the front of the saddle
If you're using a Western saddle, use your front hand to grip the horns. With the British saddle use the front hand to hold the grip on the saddle.
Step 5. Pull yourself up
Step onto the step as if you were walking upwards while slowly pulling yourself up with your hands in front of the saddle. You can put your other hand on the head of the saddle for balance.
If you're with a friend, ask for help to keep your balance in the saddle so you don't slide off onto the opposite side of the footing
Step 6. Swing your legs over the horse
As you pull yourself up until your stomach is parallel to the saddle, swing your hind legs up over the horse's buttocks. Be careful not to kick the horse.
Step 7. Sit in the saddle
Slowly sit on the saddle, do not slam the body because it will hurt and make the horse uncomfortable. This may take a long time to do at first, but over time you can do it quickly and gently.
Step 8. Adjust your seat
As you sit steady on the horse, make minor adjustments to the seat and posture. Place the foot on the footrest, and adjust the length if necessary.
Tips
- Be careful riding a horse that is agile, newly taught to ride a human, or stallion. In situations like this ask someone else to help you.
- Ask an experienced horse rider or trainer to supervise you if you are a less experienced rider. Never ride alone, just in case you fall.
- If the horse continues to avoid being ridden, divide the steps on the horse and praise the horse when it stands still.
- If the horse moves while you're riding it, say "Whoa" and gently pull the reins.
- Although it is said that riding a horse should not be from the left, recent research and many experts advise you to teach horses to be willing to be ridden from both sides alternately frequently to avoid asymmetrical muscle development.
- Use practical thinking when handling horses.
- After you board, you should check the saddle again before setting off.
Warning
- Don't sit slamming in the saddle, always sit slowly onto it.
- Always check your coils!
- Some horses are very sensitive. After you swing in the saddle, you can just stand on your feet for a second.
- Remember to wear shoes with heels and an ASTM/SEI certified helmet when riding.
