Horse riding is one of the best physical exercises. It enhances both physical and mental development. Riding a horse requires skilful training, protective gear, and a relationship with the horse. Safe horse riding is the prime question in horse riding exercise. Equestrian schools teach you about the safety protocols of horseback riding. My article will highlight the best safety tips for beginners.
Best Tips for Safe Horse Riding
Horse riding is a challenging exercise. An enjoyable horse riding requires trained horses, proper horse tack, comfortable ground, physical and mental setup, and a good trainer. Here I am giving you the best ten tips for safe horse riding:
1. Select a Best Horse
You must select a horse best suited for the beginner. The horse must be calm, approachable, trained, and fit for your body. The horse breeds suitable for novice riders are Thoroughbred, Hanoverian, American Quarter Horse, Arabian, and Shetland Pony.
2. Safe Horse Riding: Wear Proper Gear
Before riding a horse, you must wear proper gear, such as riding boots, a protective helmet, riding trousers, a T-shirt, a body protector, gloves, and sunglasses. The horse must have a suitable saddle, harness, blanket, and shoes. All equipment must be serviceable and fit for the rider and the horse.
3. Check Your Equipment
An expert trainer must check all equipment before mounting a horse. A novice rider must wear a proper helmet, body protector, and riding boots. The rein, stirrup, and saddle must also be checked for wear and tear.
4. Know the Basic of Mount and Dismount
The beginner horse rider must learn to mount and dismount from the horse. This lesson is crucial for the horse riding exercise. It would help to mount the horse from the left side and dismount from the same side. You must dismount from the horse when it is calm and avoid unnecessary movement.
5. Aware of Probable Accidents
Most accidents occur during mount, dismount, and turning points of horse riding. Maintain proper balance and posture to avoid accidents and discomfort for the horse. You must look forward, keep your back straight, and be confident in the saddle.
6. Respect the Trail Rules
While riding a horse in a group, maintain a safe distance and follow the leader. You must be aware of the surrounding natural environment and not disturb your horse.
7. Learn the Basic Emergency Procedures
As a beginner horse rider, you must have a basic knowledge of first aid. The horse riding school has an emergency kit for both riders and horses. You must also learn how to manage a rough horse.
8. Safe Horse Riding: Regular Exercise
It would help if you did regular riding exercises to improve your horse control. The horse must be conditioned before starting the riding lesson. Morning and afternoon are the most suitable time for horse riding.
9. Know Your Limits
Before going for a riding exercise, you must know your capabilities. Always go for trail riding with others. Avoid unnecessary experiments while horse riding. The sequence of riding is walk, trot, and canter.
10. Cool-down Exercise
After a successful ride, give your horse time to cool down. You can do this by walking with the horse or leaving him alone in the riding paddock after putting off riding gear. The horse must be groomed, provided with fresh drinking water, and rested after every exercise.
Final Advice on Safe Horse Riding
Horse riding is a challenging and exciting physical exercise for all age groups. You can learn horse riding from YouTube videos, from a professional coach, or from another rider. Safe horse riding is most important for both the rider and the horse. In my article, I have briefly discussed the most common safety rules about horse riding. These valuable tips will give you a pleasure riding practice. You can also visit my website to learn more tips on trail riding.
