Beginner’s Guide to Horse Riding

Horse riding is one of the most thrilling activities one can engage in. It combines the skill and daring nature of man, and the strength of a beast, to produce some of the most jaw-dropping performances. It really does not matter whether you are doing it for competition or for the fun of it; riding a horse will always bring great satisfaction.

Riding is not, however, something you wake up one day and start doing. It requires a good amount of skill which is gained through a combination of long hours of training and experience. Many of the jockeys you watch at the course whizzing over fences and pools have had to put in hours of work to perfect the art.

If you are such a person who is attracted to the horse riding experience, here are a few tips to help get you on your way.

Get Familiar with Horses

Horses can be a bit intimidating if you have not gotten used to them. Make a point of getting acquainted with them before you begin learning to ride. Volunteering or getting a job on a horse farm will help you get through this with ease. While doing this, you will get to learn about horse equipment, riding terms and how to handle the powerful beasts when they show different moods.

While doing this, you will also be able to establish whether your body is healthy enough for the horse ride. This can be done quickly, even through your mobile phone. With a simple app, you can contact specialists like livi medical practitioners who can help you understand any reactions you get from, say, hay or fur on the horse farm.

Once you have gotten past first base, it is time to engage the well-versed horse and jockey training. Horse riding is a classic activity that still espouses the traditional values of apprenticeship. Just take a look at the lineage of famous horses who have won the toughest races. You will notice a certain consistency and connection between the trainers and jockeys that handled them.

Shed Your Fears

No matter how much you carefully prepare, your first time alone atop a speeding horse will be scary. You will have the nagging feeling that the animal is trying to throw you off. You have to go past this fear and keep going even when you feel like quitting.

Get Some Gear

There’s no better way to learn than feeling as though you are getting there. Buying some riding equipment will make you feel like you are making real progress. A great way to get inspired is to look for gear themed on your favourite racing team or jockey.

Once you are through with the basics, the experience will do the rest for you. Happy riding!