Chomping at the Bit?

Learn These Five Basics of Horseback Riding and the Rest Will Come Easily

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP your youth for riding lessons? Horseback riding lessons can help teach patience, discipline, understanding, empathy, compassion, self-control, and dedication. If you are thinking about signing up your youth or are about to start your riding lessons, here are a few tips to help you prepare for your first horseback riding lesson.

1. Posture is key.

This is something you can practice before you even arrive at your first lesson. Proper posture includes sitting up straight, pressing the balls of your feet in the stirrups, and pushing your heels downward. Rookies are known to sit on the saddle with their legs dangling in the stirrups, but if you want to start your lessons with an advantage, get used to sitting with your weight evenly distributed to the balls of your feet. This will make the ride more comfortable for you and the horse, as well as help you stay in control.

2. Level hands.