Riding Reminders and Tips

• When riding always make sure you've got contact with your horses mouth and that your rein is tight (but not pulling) and not floppy.

If you trust the horse, it will trust you too and do what you command.

Accept that you'll fall off at some point. If you do, just mount again - treat falling off as something that is unpleasant, but not a reason to be afraid of riding.

Horses can actually tell what mood you are in when you are riding. If you are nervous, the horse will sense it and become nervous as well. That is why you should always stay relaxed and calm in the worst situations.

While trotting make sure to pull up with your legs, not the reins. If you pull up with the reins you will not be trotting for long.

Be gentle with the bit; don't yank. If your horse bolts, it is essential that you stay completely calm and you don't start getting rough with your horse. If you have a choice,start circling your horse and gradually make the circles smaller. As they get smaller, your horse will have no choice but to slow down. Do not simply yank your horse in one direction because you could (and most likely would) knock them off balance. See How to Handle Yourself on a Runaway Horse.

Remember to pick your horse's hooves, if you forget, your horse could go lame. Also stay away from the frog (a soft spot in the center of the bottom of the hoof) because if you pick at this your horse might kick, or in a bad case become permanently lame.

Make sure you're wearing the right garments and gear. They are there for safety and protection, things like proper pants, boots with heals, and a proper helmet (one made for horseback riding).

When riding you should always get on the left side. And you should never lean back the horse will think you want to run. Then it will bolt. You can fall off.