Horse Training Basics Archives

Horse Trailers for Sale Online

Folks who have horses always have a tough task in looking after them and even purchasing the best horse trailers. There are a large amount of horse trailers for sale in the world and you’ve got to also take care in choosing the best for you. When it comes to pony trailers, there are a lot of ideas that come up in your consciousness. A lot of things are going to be considered and recalled when looking for it. There are number of options available whether online or for people who are selling theirs. You’ve got to know the things which make horses comfy in this horse trailers.

There are a large amount of corporations who have horse trailers for sale. There are some shops and there are online too. If you need to have the best pony trailers then you have to take effort and time in searching for the best company that can offer you this. You do not have to decide immediately as you might regret it. You have to also be well informed enough about the info about horse trailers. The horse trailers are varying in sizes and rates too. So you’ve got to know the best one for your horse.

The pony trailers should be comfortable so that horses may not be irritated with it. You’ve got to also remember that the bigger the horses you have, the bigger the pony trailers should be for them. Horses dont want to be put to trailers so you’ve got to get the very finest pony trailers which will make them comfy and natural as if they are just outside the trailer. The horse trailers should have sufficient room for their head and neck to be moved around. This will make them easy to be with the pony trailer from where they are.

If you are not assured enough to select the best company for the horse trailers for sale then you’ve got to consult an expert or know some info about them. Most corporations have their own websites from which you can call or contact them to set an appointment for the negotiation. Choosing the best company will definitely give you the best horse trailers that are suited for you and your horses. There are a large amount of discounts and even special service when you check them on the internet. Those are some of the benefits of horse trailers for sale on the web.
.

share save 171 16 Horse Trailers for Sale Online

Information About Dressage Horses for Sale

One of the best strains of horses is the Dressage horses. If you’re attempting to find Dressage horses for sale then you definitely have a lot of options to make a choice from. This is because of the fact that it is in demand today and more people are getting interest with it. But if this is your first time to buy them then you do not have to rush. You’ve got to think a large amount of times first and you have to consider plenty of things before making any calls. You may regret at the end that you made the wrong calls. You have to remember a lot of things before purchasing those Dressage horses.

There are lots of corporations who’ve Dressage horses for sale. There are some shops near your location from which you may visit and take a look at those horses. Nevertheless it is recommended to check them out on the web. This is because there are a lot of corporations who have their own internet sites and they have their own contact details from which you can easily email or call them so you can pose questions regarding the Dressage horses for sale. You can also set an appointment so you can chat about it personally and barter the buying of those horses.

Sometimes, there are firms that never sold those horses in individuals who are incapable of looking after them. That is why it is also crucial to have enough info about the Dressage horses because this could be an advantage for you. If you’re unacquainted with the horse then you better research first and gather all the information about it and the way to take care of them. Inquire first prior to making a call because it’s not easy to decide what to choose among those firms so you can also get the best Dressage horses from them.

The Dressage horses for sale could sometimes have an auction which implies that you may have them in cheaper cost. The highest bidder will get the horses and in this situation, you’ve got to research and look online for some firms and private individuals who are offering this auction and sale. The Dressage horses could be very costly and they are looked after. So if you purchase them then you really ought to know how to take care of them and you’ve got to know that they are also valuable.
.

share save 171 16 Information About Dressage Horses for Sale

Some of the Friesian Horses for Sale UK

Making calls is not easy because you have to think two times before you come up with the best call you can ever have particularly when it talks about money. Buying things might be so easy but if massive sum of money is concerned then it could be difficult. Like if you are looking to buy horses, you’ve got to know first what you need so that it will be easy for you to have it. One of those best breeds of horses is the Friesian horses in UK. There are plenty of Friesian horses for sale uk so you have got a lot of options to select from.

There are a lot of companies who’ve Friesian horses for sale UK but how are you sure that you can choose the best among them? This is the crucial part of the choice making so you need a little help particularly if this is your first time to get the horses. There are plenty of folk in UK from whom you can ask for recommendations and advice. They can help you a lot because they are more experienced with this kind of field. You have to trust them and combine it with your call then.

Firms have their own website from which you can read it in the web. There are a lot of them. You just need patience so that you can find the best company for you. They may have their contact information so that you can call or e-mail them regarding your concern. You can also set an appointment with them in order that it would be easy for you to arrange if you have got the talk personally. The websites are just the way on how you can contact and look for the company you are looking for.

But some professionals suggest it’s better to get the Friesian horses from a private owner. They say that the Friesian horses for sale UK of some companies might not be able to offer you the best horses so they recommend taking it as a second concern only . Infrequently they also look if you are able enough to look after them. If you arent then you have to know first and you have to research the proper way to so they can give you the responsibility of giving time and effort to look after them.
.

share save 171 16 Some of the Friesian Horses for Sale UK

The beauty of the horse riding industry is that although it’s so diverse, it then again still symbolises quite a close knit community. The complete industry is drawn together through, basically, our passion for the particular mount per se. Whether you are a big, multinational organisation generating items or solutions for equestrians, for instance ariat, or a person who basically likes to ride their own animal at the weekend, you’re stimulated mainly because of the same goal.

We got an obvious sign of this specific appreciation for your animal as well as for the predisposition to come together to aid in intense circumstances when the nation of Australia ended up being devastated by those excessive floods recently. Particularly, Queensland suffered some of the most severe destruction that anybody could recall as floods due to torrential rain overloaded the region. It is said that a lot more than 200,000 individuals were affected and the floodwater covered a region as large as France as well as Germany mixed together. Regrettably, the particular floods also caused damage appraised at a lot more than £700m.

As you might have expected, this specific disaster influenced a huge countryside area, including numerous ranches as well as locations where horses had been widespread. An unidentified quantity of horses were expected to have been killed, quite sadly, but a far greater quantity were in desperate need of particular attention as well as care.

This is when the horse riding society seriously joined together, providing all kinds of equipment in order to help owners cope with the difficult scenario. Luckily, stable rugs as well as food products were given in significant volumes, along with drugs to help treat many of the injuries endured by the particular animals as they attempted to run away from the encroaching water.

It’s hard to imagine what all these animals as well as their own owners went through as they realised that there was rather little which they could do about the rising water levels. Such was the size of the disaster that they wouldn’t have always been in a position to rapidly leave and after the water genuinely became predominant in the area, needless to say, almost all roads were basically impassable. It really is at such times that you genuinely begin to question life by itself.

It’s wonderful to view a joining together of one’s local community in situations such as this. All of us understand that we are usually in a posture to help to one degree or another, but it also helps us to spotlight just how we assume everything in our daily lifestyles. It will also help make us believe that we ought to be well prepared for scenarios and ensure that we’ve got sufficient necessities for both ourselves as well as for the horses in case there is any kind of unexpected emergency. Verify that you have got sufficient food items, horse rugs as well as crucial medications if you’re cut off from your bordering community for a time period due to some kind of natural disaster. The right time to prepare is right now, when it really is still on your mind and never ever believe that it basically cannot affect you. All things considered, who would’ve thought that a flooding event of this kind of size could strike just about anywhere on earth?

share save 171 16 Incredible Pointers On Comprehending Simply How Much We End Up Needing Our Stable Rugs

Common Bad Habits Your Horse May Suffer

A small number of horses tend to display bad characteristics so once you notice these, find their root and correct the characteristics at once. Here’s a few of the characteristics of horses and how you could control the horse the right way.

Balking – the horse declines to go ahead and shows bad temper. Fortunately, this disposition is fixable therefore turn the head of your horse to un-track to the right or left although don’t jerk the rein or use force because you will undoubtedly lose that battle.

Barn sour/herd bound – the horse rises up, balks, screams, and swings around the herd or barn. Like balking, this is also curable, but if your horse is obstinate you may need professional aid however initially review your tuition regarding ‘whoa’ and ‘go’ just in case the animal isn’t very obstinate.

Biting – horses nibble or grab with their mouth. This is a common occurrence with young horses therefore when your horse nips, grab its gag, lips, and his nostrils regularly and pull upon the nose chain, however you can additionally use a thumb tack on the sleeve then hold the wire brush to the horse’s mouth and use a muzzle.

Bolting – certain horses run as you turn them loose. That’s a dangerous situation because the horse frequently gives a kick when he bolts away so before disengaging the halter, attach a rope to the neck and utilize treats.

Bucking – your horse jumps or attacks using it’s rear legs, lowers the head, and arches the back. Constant education is needed so ensure that you examine the tack fit however you should also monitor exercise and feeding.

Can’t catch – the horse avoid humans wielding a lead. This can be fixed but you need to give your horse time so start training in a small or small place and while this education progresses, move to a larger area but don’t punish the horse when it cannot keep up with this teaching.

Halter pulling in – the horse rears while being tied. Here is another dangerous situation and in some cases, incurable so you should get the assistance of an expert at once.

Kicking – kicks a person with the back legs. This’ is another dangerous situation where professional assistance along with preventive techniques are required to hold the horse but bear in mind you cannot easily fix the problem.

Rearing – the horse stands upon its rear legs and occasionally topples over. Check for any back or even mouth issues, then review training on longing and ahead in-hand and if little happens, get professional assistance.

Striking – your horse utilizes the front legs by striking out. If your horse rears simultaneously, you must be extremely careful because you might be hit upon the head so try head addressing methods (ears, mouth, and nostrils), head down object lessons, sacking out, and body dealing.

Shying – freaking out at conjured or actual noises, sights, occurrences, and odors. That habit is generally fixable therefore restrict the movements of your animal using restraining aids and driving.

Stumbling – your horse falls over. This is another fixable issue where you need to examine hoof balance, prepare your horse properly, examine the break-over, and mount your animal with extra weight.

Wringing of the tail – your animal rotates or switches its tail with irritation. If your horse becomes used to this habit, it might no longer be curable but to fix this by proper equipping of saddle, rub down, rider tuition, as well as medical therapy but additionally make the education progressive and set reasonable demands.

About the Author:
Elias Maseko

You can visit: Ways to calm a horse and horse training stick for more detailed  information.

share save 171 16 Top Horse Training: The Handling of Bad Habits

Training Your Horse To Lunge

Training a Horse to Lunge

Prepare your horse by perfecting his leading and ground handling skills. If a horse is not completely halter broke and responsive to being led and handled, you should not attempt to train the horse to lunge. Spend a lot of time with your horse and practice basic leading skills until they are perfected.

The first few lessons will go easier if you have a helper. The ideal location to begin lunging is an indoor arena or open space that is far away from other horses or distractions. Using a lunging cavesson is the best option, but you can also use a plain halter and long lunge line. You will also need a lunge whip.

To begin, attach your lunge line to the horse’s halter, and keep the normal lead rope attached as well, for your helper to use. The helper will stand beside the horse’s head in a normal leading position, and will stay behind the lunge line. You will stand in the center of a large circle (50-60 feet in diameter). Hold the lunge line in your left hand for a counter-clockwise circle, and the lunge whip in your right hand. Ask the horse to walk with a voice command and raise of the whip. (For vocal commands you can either say “walk” in a long low tone or give a clucking “ck-ck” sound with your tongue. For the trot, use a medium tone and more energetic command, or give another louder “ck-ck-ck” sound. For the canter, say “canter” in a higher and very energetic tone, or make a kissing sound with your lips.) The helper will lead the horse around the circle, at the beginning, helping it to obey. You should stand in the center and just turn with the horse.

Ask the horse to halt, using the voice command “whoa” and lowering the whip. Your helper will make the horse stop and stand. You should go to the horse and pat it and praise it; don’t allow it to turn in and come to you, as it could develop a bad habit of turning in often. Switch the lunge line, lead rope, and helper to the other side of the horse, to go in the opposite direction. Return to the center, hold the lunge line in your right hand and the whip in your left, and ask the horse to circle in a clockwise direction.

 Training Your Horse To Lunge

You can advance to a trot from a walk by giving a voice command, swishing the whip a little, and having the helper speed up. The horse should learn to stay at the outside of the circle and listen for your commands. A lot of consistent practice will help the horse develop good habits.

The helper can remove the extra lead rope and just continue to walk beside the horse. Eventually, you will lunge the horse without a helper, but be prepared for the horse to test you.

Some things your horse may attempt, and what you should do to prevent them:

1. Stopping when you haven’t asked for a halt-use the lunge whip to swish, snap, or flick to encourage the horse to move on. Do not allow the horse to call the shots or you will lose control and respect. Make him continue to circle, and if he refuses, encourage him with the whip.

2. Speeding up when you haven’t asked for a trot or canter-say “whoa” firmly and pull the horse to a stop. Then resume walking. Do not allow the horse to go faster than you have asked.

3. Bucking or goofing off while lunging-this is evidence of the horse having an abundance of energy, and you should ignore the bucking and ask for a canter for several minutes until the horse settles down and circles correctly at an even canter. Do not allow the horse to buck or rear and then stop and stand still. Make him canter until he will straighten out and canter correctly, then slow him down to a walk.

4. Cutting in on the circle, not staying to the outside-use the lunge whip and your advancing body language to move the horse back out of the middle of the circle. Do not allow the horse to cut into the inside or he will develop a bad habit. Be very watchful and if he starts to cut in, throw your arms up high, swish the lunge whip at him to make him stay out.

5. Pulling strongly to the outside, not maintaining a steady circle-you may have to switch to a rope halter that has knots where the pressure points are on a horse’s head if this persists. Or you can use a bridle and snaffle bit. You can attach the lunge line to the snaffle bit by running the snap end through the near side ring of the bit, up over the horse’s head alongside of the headstall, and clip to the bit ring on the off side. When you change directions when lunging, you must unsnap the lunge line and thread it through the opposite side of the bridle.

Things to avoid when lunging a horse:

1. Using too small of a circle, especially at faster gaits. This can put too much stress on the hocks and leg joints of a horse and possibly lame it.

2. Over-working a very young horse on the lunge line. Horses under the age of three may have undeveloped joints or knees that haven’t “closed” yet. Asking a young horse to turn quickly or work too hard can permanently injure its legs and joints. If training a young colt, keep things slow and relaxed, and use as large a circle as possible.

3. Lunging a horse with an over-reaching stride without bell boots and protective leg wraps to protect its legs and pasterns. It is always good to use some type of leg protection when exercising a horse, but if the horse tends to over-reach and strike the back of his front feet with his hind feet, it is an absolute necessity to use bell boots and protective leg wear.

4. Confusing the horse with unclear cues or voice commands. You should form a V shape with your arms when lunging; one hand holding the lunge line and “pointing” the direction the horse should go, and the other hand holding the lunge whip and “following” the horse to encourage its movement around the circle. Keep voice commands clear and always use the same ones.

Once you have clearly defined what the horse should do, then always follow through and get the horse to obey. The horse will learn best if you ask consistently, expect obedience, and then reward him.

Paint horses their name because their riders and owners tend to be creative in their stables private practice. The paintings, which takes its name because they.  Read more…
I’m bored so I figured I’d ask for opinions on my horse. Anything you like? Anything you dislike and would change? I’m open to any and all.  Read more…

About the Author:

Kerrie Tischer is the owner of Livery Stable. If you’re in the market to sell or buy a horse, this is the place to start. They offer horses for sale online as well as detailed information on riding, selecting a good horse and much more. Visit us online for more information!

share save 171 16 Training Your Horse To Lunge

Is Your Horse Safe Around You?

by Jim Milton

All of us have concerns about our safety around horses, although it’s equally important to ensure their safety, as well.

The following are some methods you could use to guarantee the safety of your horse when you want to learn how to ride a horse.

1. Tying the Horse:

Often times, people tie their horses in such a way that it puts their animal in harm’s way, and this article addresses that issue.

Please, do not, for any reason, tie your horse straight to a solid object! Instead, wrap a section of breakable twine or other such material around the object first and then loop the lead rope through it. The reason for this is that should your horse panic, the twine will break and he can get safely away without breaking his neck or dragging the object along behind him, creating additional panic.

This applies to the trailer ties as well.

When tying the horse, be sure that the rope is not hanging under the animal’s shoulder to eliminate the chances of his hoof getting trapped in it. However, you need to check the horse to see if they have sufficient lack to prevent any discomfort.

If you tie your horse by the reins, you run the risk of the bit ripping his mouth if he panics and pulls back, and you will also end up with snapped reins.

Ensure that haynets do dangle loosely when empty. You need to tie them sufficiently high so that the horse can reach, but such that they do not create a danger.

2. Stirrups:

Remain cautious of the stirrups and keep them running up whenever you are off of the horse. They could pelt your horse’s flanks as you lead him or snag onto a protruding object, thus causing him to be spooked.

3. Safety in the Vicinity of the Barn:

Keep an eye open as you walk through the barn. If you see a pitch fork left out where a horse or human could tread on it, put it out of harm’s way. Wheelbarrows are a dangerous hazard if a horse gets his feet stuck between the handles and panics.

We owe it to our horses to keep them safe. As you gain more experience around these wonderful animals you’ll discover even more ways to look out for your mount.

About the Author:
Visit Jim Milton’s horseback lessons blog for more articles and tips on horseback riding. Jim is a professional horse rider and instructor. Benefit from checking his website and horse riding lessons and daily tweets.
share save 171 16 Is Your Horse Safe Around You?

Basic Horse Training

Ride Your Horse – Facing Fear

Banish the fear and put the fun back into riding.

Almost every good rider has an accident at some point during her riding career. While some riders see accidents as a part of the sport and get right back in the saddle, so to speak, other riders lose their confidence and even experience gripping fear. Some riders are so afraid that they ask themselves whether the time and money they spend on their hobby is worth it after all!

Here’s the deal: unless you enjoy riding, then you shouldn’t be doing it. If every time you get on a horse you experience a pounding heart, dry mouth, and crushing anxiety, then I would ask you why you continue to torture yourself in this way. Especially considering that riding is an expensive, time-consuming hobby.

However, many riders continue to torture themselves in just this way. Why? Because they remember what it was like, before the unfortunate incident, to love to ride. And they want to experience that feeling again. 1211272727E9J0N3 Basic Horse Training

If you are still going out to the barn and trying to get on your horse despite having huge fears, my guess is that you want to return to the time when you loved horses. The good news is, there’s no reason why you can’t. If you take it slow and put yourself in the right situation, you can love riding again.

The first step is to figure out what is getting in the way of your enjoyment. For many people, they just can’t relax on their horse. They relive their bad situation, and this makes them tense. Knowing that you have a hard time relaxing is the first step in learning how to relax on horseback. Once you learn to relax, you’ll enjoy riding.

Of course, you can’t relax unless you are confident and comfortable. Being confident and comfortable are the cornerstones of relaxation. So how do you get confident and comfortable? By riding the right horse, and by taking lessons from the right instructor. That’s right, I said instructor. If you are so fearful of horses that you want to throw up every time you get in the saddle, it’s too much to ask that you conquer this on your own. 1176195354C6351g Basic Horse Training

A good instructor is patient, kind, never demeans you, and understands that you’ve had a bad experience and need to move slowly. Since there are many riders who have faced fear, there are also many riders who help their students overcome it. To find the right instructor, ask others who have had similar problems for a recommendation. An instructor who is right for you should be downright enthusiastic about helping you get over your issues.

You’ll also need the right horse. A calm, confident, and bombproof schoolhorse is the best choice if you’ve been frightened. Even if your riding skills are good, you need to remember that the goal here isn’t to improve your riding skills. The goal is to ride without fear. The right horse will give you good experiences, and the more good experiences you have, the more your fear will recede. If you really love riding, face your fears but take it slowly. With a good instructor and the right horse you’ll be happily back in the saddle in no time.

Juli Thorson’s Horse Talk

I plan on using my horse for trail riding and hopefully camping in the future.

Monday morning at the ranch

Equine training can be a hazardous activity, which may subject participants to possible serious injury to you or your horse.

Aggressive towards another horse

Today’s horse training question was submitted without a name. “Hi,I have a behavior questionI have a well-trained horse that has been trained to do a whole lot more[...]

Sudden Behavior Change

Today’s horse training question is from Debra. She writes: My horse accepted being bridled when I bought her with little problems…

Horse won’t move forward

Today’s horse training question comes from Susan (not the same Susan as yesterday’s question!). She writes: “Well my three year old has a new trick.

Equine Garage Sale  Horse Tack and Items for Sale, horses and horse trailers for sale.

By Ron Petracek
Published: 5/16/2007

share save 171 16 Basic Horse Training

Training a Pleasure Horse

Learn to Ride a Horse Safely – Guide To Horse Training

Horses are some of the most wonderful animals in the world that offer great activities such as horse riding but also make loyal companions. Maintaining a horse however is not as easy as owning one for you have to ensure that he or she is in good health, stables are provided and in order to be able to take him or her for riding you need to train them as well.

1177508869D3n7bt Training a Pleasure Horse

Where and How You Can Train Your Horse

Professionals usually do horse training in order to obtain desired results from your horse. Horse breeders generally engage in horse training as well because of the fact that they deal with them everyday and thus, know everything there is to know about horses.

Another important factor in horse training is for what purpose you want your horse trained. You can either have your horse trained for racing or for personal activities such as horse riding in your leisure time. Professional horse training is required in both cases however, much more so in the case you want to take your horse for racing as there are many techniques, which can only be achieved with the help of a horse training professional.

Training Your Horse Yourself

Some horse owners who have experience with training horses will train their horses at home on their own ranch however, if you are new at this and still want to train your horse yourself you may do so with the help of a professional guide.

Professional horse trainers will even come to your home and train your horse with you especially if you live close to a horse breeding ranch and/or a horse trainer. It is important that you consult some guidelines before you venture into training your horse by yourself as horses are very intelligent and they can easily fool you and do as they please instead of following your instructions.

1216066096mit38H Training a Pleasure Horse
Tip

Training a horse is not as easy as training a dog and even for dogs there are professional trainers. However, horses are much more intelligent and can be taught to do a lot more with the right horse training.

Remember that an untrained horse can behave wildly and can in turn put your life in danger every time you get on for a ride. Falling from a horse’s back can be fatal and/or result in serious life long injuries. Consult a professional horse trainer and work together to train your horse. In this way you will be involved and your horse will learn to do exactly what you want him to do in order to always enjoy your horseback rides in a safe manner.

Howdy – Horse Forums – Horse Forum

Horse Forums – Horse Forum Topics & Answers – Horse Training & Trainers – Equine Forums & Horse Friends > Horse Chit Chat Forums > Kick Down The Front Door…

Another “Hello” from Texas! – Horse Forums

My daughter is a senior in High School and wanted to show a horse in her final year in the FFA Trichapter show. So 7 months later and a horse aquired from my father-in-law,[...]

The Horse that Spooks

Instead, the best way to deal with spooking is to establish leadership and communication with your horse so that he listens to you at all times.

Am i too tall to run barrels, is my horse??

Horse Forums – Horse Forum Topics & Answers – Horse Training & Trainers – Equine Forums & Horse Friends > Horse Chit Chat Forums > General Trainer[...]

Bothering a Horse to Get Results

Turns out we can successfully use a similar way of “asking” in our horse training. In other words, we start by asking our horse to do something in a very quiet, polite manner[...]

By: Denise van Helden

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Denise van Helden has been horseback-riding since she was five years. She runs a Blog about Horses and Ponys at horsesinfos.com

share save 171 16 Training a Pleasure Horse

Regardless of their age, new riding students feel more comfortable having an idea of how the first lesson will begin and what might be expected. This article gets students acquainted with the concepts of the first riding lesson. Read "Preparing for Your First Lesson" first to understand the items required for riding.

When their first riding lesson is nearly at hand, students often wonder what type of horse they will get and what they will be expected to accomplish. It’s understandable that some students have anxiety as they wonder what to expect.

Most students worry particularly about their intended mount; so, keep in mind that at respected riding schools, school horses are often characterized into groups based on their appropriateness for riding levels. Beginner riders will often be assigned the aged, semi-retired, easygoing, forgiving lesson horse whose only vice may be his pokiness. Knowing that a beginner will have little control over her hands or feet and may flop around in the saddle, the ride school will provide a safe horse for her level.

When you arrive, the school will likely ask to check your helmet to ensure that it is ASTM/SEI certified for horseback riding. If it is not or it is not a horseback riding helmet, you will need to borrow one from the ride school.
arabian horse boss Horse Training Basics   First Horse Lesson
As you move about the premises, be courteous to fellow horseman. That means, no running or sudden movements near horses being handled or ridden. Leave your dog at home as barking can upset some horses. Turn your cell phone to vibrate or off. Understand that some horses are sensitive to flash photography, so before taking any pictures, ask the instructor. For parents bringing other children, there is to be no running around the horses at any time. Also note that some horses spook at strollers, so alert the barn if you intend to bring one.

Most likely, the instructor will accompany the student into the barn to get the mount. Younger children need to be reminded that they must act like a guest in someone’s house and don’t touch anything unless they ask first and to use their indoor voices. There is to be no running or yelling in a barn. Following are some guidelines to remember on your first visit to the barn:

Entering the Stall

Do not enter the stall if the horse has his tail to you. You are to enter the stall only when the horse is facing you. Do not enter the stall until the instructor tells you to do so.

Leading Your Horse from the Stall

Most facilities have the beginner horse tacked and ready to go prior to the lesson. So, you should be able to lead the horse from his stall. Before leading the horse into the aisle of the barn, call "heads up" so you don’t come crashing into someone else going down the aisle.

For small children leading horses, some facilities will ask that you keep the reins over the horse’s neck. This is because small children may let go of the horse, and if they do, there’s less of a chance the horse will step on the reins.

For older children and beginner adults, you may be allowed to take the reins over the horse’s head and lead him with the reins held in both handsright hand under the chin and rest of the reins going to the left hand at your left side. Check with the facility as to how they prefer the horses led.

Leading Your Horse to the Arena

Hold your horse directly under his chin in your right hand. By holding further back on the reins, the horse can turn and bite you. (Not that he would, but for safety’s sake, we’ll hold him the safest way.) Hold your arm straight out to him so that both you and he have your own separate paths, and he won’t accidentally step on you.

Entering the Arena

When you enter the arena, you typically lead your horse into the center of the arena and turn and face him toward the in-gate. Horses should face the in-gate so they aren’t surprised by other horses coming in and can see them approaching or other things going on around the arena entrance.

normal horses22 Horse Training Basics   First Horse Lesson
Mounting
Don’t get on the horse until your instructor tells you to and helps you. The first thing you and your instructor must do is check the equipment to ensure it is on correctly and safe for you and the horse. The instructor will check the saddle pad to make sure it is protecting the horse’s back. She will also check the girth to make sure it is tight enough that the saddle doesn’t slip when you mount. She will also check the girth again when you are mounted, especially if you’re using a very thick saddle pad. The instructor will check the bridle to make sure all the leather parts are in the right spot and secured.

Your instructor may give you a leg up or have you mount from a mounting block. Either way, you will be mounting the horse on his left side. You will take the reins in your left hand, grab a lock of main in the hand. Using your right hand to hold the left stirrup, place your left foot into the left stirrup. Then take hold of the cantle (the back of the saddle) with your right hand and swing your right leg over to the right side without hitting his hindquarters with your foot. Try not to come flopping down on his back and sit softly and quietly. (It’s hard to do your first few times, but try!)

Your instructor will then adjust your stirrups.

The Lesson

For your first lesson, your horse may be placed on a longe (pronounced "lunge") line. The line is handled by your instructor and keeps your horse on a circle around her so she can control where he goes and talk to you.

Your instructor will go over the basics of the proper seat:

Sittinglike you’re standing next to the horse with bent knees, not like you’re sitting in a chair all the way back on your butt. Sit on your seat bones.
Straight backby lifting from the base of your sternum and allowing your shoulders to stay back. Not roaching the base of your back and not forcing your back to arch unnaturally.

Leg beneath younot pushed out in front. Your heel should fall nearly under the bend in your knee. Your calf is slightly behind the girth and in contact with the horse’s side.
Heelflexed down, allowing your weight to drop down into your heel. The stirrup iron should be on the ball of your foot.

Handsholding the reins. Hold your hands like fists with thumbs facing up. The reins will run either: through the bottom of your fist, out the top under your thumb or in through the ring and pinkie fingers and out through the top under your thumb. Hands should be over the horse’s withers (his shoulder) and angled to the angle of the shoulder (in between thumbs up and angled slightly toward each other.) Hands are held slightly apart from each other and are to make a straight line through the reins to the bit in the horse’s mouth.
1107953 wild horses Horse Training Basics   First Horse Lesson
Headup and eyes looking ahead.
In your first lesson, you will be taught how to make the horse walk. You will also be taught how to make him turn and stop. You may even get to trot in your first lesson! And, if you trot, your instructor may start teaching you how to post (if riding english). At the end, you’ll be taught to dismount by taking both feet out of your stirrups and swinging your right leg around his back and sliding down the left side. Or your instructor may teach you to "kick free" in dismounting by keeping your left foot in the stirrup until you swing your right leg over, then kicking free your left foot of the stirrup then jumping down to the left side. Regardless of how you are taught to dismount, you will always do so facing the horse and off the same side that you mounted from–the left.

That’s all you will likely do in your first lesson. It may not sound like a lot, but you will be spending a bit of time just getting used to balancing on a horse, maintaining and correcting your position, keeping with his rhythm and basically getting a feel for where your hands, feet and legs are. It will be a lot to think about, and you’ll probably be tired afterward. Good luck with your first ride and happy trails!

Still not sure whether you are ready? Visit our exciting equine forum and ask any further questions you may have. We have experienced trainers and veterinarians as members.

We will leave the light on and the barn door open for you! Stop by and say hello at HorseChitChat.com, just click the forum link or visit our equine resource box below.

Equine Fantastic Forum Fun For Free
Horse Forum for the Equine Junky

By Ron Petracek Published: 9/7/2007

 

Learning to Post to the Trot When Learning to Ride Horses
Riding a horse bareback for two weeks is a terrific way to learn how to post to the trot. You will learn rhythm and balance. Your horse will be comfortable and so will you.

Just Out of Curiosity!! Pole on the Breed of Horse YOU ride …
I love riding my horse though. He’s huge and smooth and FAST! He gets faster all the time. He’s a lot smoother than the horses I was borrowing.

"Adventures in Paradise": Charlie Ferrari
I have been riding this horse for years.He has hunted hounds and led the field with grace and speed and the lightest footwork imaginable. He can fly downhill as easily as up.

How much riding and horse care experience do you need to buy and …
All About Horse hay, Transportation and equine accessories…

share save 171 16 Horse Training Basics   First Horse Lesson