Horseback Riding Lessons
About Horseback Riding
| If you’re looking for a change or searching for the perfect day or weekend out then consider horseback riding. Horseback Riding is a fun and exciting way to enjoy these precious animals as well as enjoying the great outdoors. Horseback riding can be done on farms, ranches, beaches national parks and trail rides through rocky mountain valleys. |  |
All Horseback Riding Lessons are conducted by qualified instructors who will guide you through step by step. If you haven’t ridden a horse before there are short riding lesson camps which will accommodate your needs as a new rider.
 |
Horseback Riding Lessons are a vital part of horse riding because participants will be able to learn and comprehend the tactics and skills needed to ride a horse. It will be a lot easier and less scary if you know exactly what you are doing. Riding instructions and camps are conducted by specially trained staffs that have many years of experience. Riding instruction lessons and camps are generally held on horse farms and ranches. |
The Versatile Horse
| Horses are taught and ridden for a number of working and recreational purposes such as controlling animals on farms and ranches, police horses, competitive sports, non competitive sports and horseback riding. Competitive sports horses compete in a wide variety of events such as dressage, barrel racing, reining, jumping, polo, rodeo and racing. |  |
Non competitive sports include recreational horseback riding, hunting, trail riding and hacking. Horses are also ridden by horseback for therapeutic benefits which are specialized to promote and improve human development and emotional health.
Therapeutic Horseback Riding
 |
This style of horseback riding is a type of physical therapy for those who suffer a range of emotional, physical, social and cognitive and special needs. There are all sorts of programs nowadays which are specially designed to utilize a horse and horseback riding as part of therapeutic benefits and therapy. |
People with disabilities or diseases will benefit from horseback riding because of the motions and movements of the horse. The concentration needed to move the horse and the communication skills needed to interact with fellow riders and instructions are all great therapeutic benefits.
| People will also benefit by learning the beauty of horseback riding and having a skill for life and being able to ride all over the world. Therapeutic horseback riding has been recognized by a team involved in the medical profession as a great source of therapeutic and physical therapy. |  |
Horseback Riding Lessons
| Horse Riding instruction lessons for learner riders are always held in horse arenas indoor and outdoor. Group lessons, private lessons and cooperate lessons are available depending on your needs. Riding instruction lessons cater for all types of beginner riders from young riders through to competitive riders or even those who have never experienced horse riding before. |  |
Lessons will work on a training plan/program and they will include the following:
- Grooming
- Trot and Canter
- Saddling
- Ground Control
 |
Horseback Riding Lessons are also designed with various activities and exercises to help increase co-ordination and all types of riding techniques which may interest the participant extensively. Riding instruction lessons may also include a trail ride once the lesson is complete. |
One of the main objectives which a rider needs is to stay positive and enjoy the experience. Gaining confidence when learning to ride a horse is an essential and vital benefit which is achieved by attending riding instruction/camps.
Riding Instruction/Camp Weekends
| Riding instruction/camp weekends are generally held by horse farms and ranches. This gives great opportunity for people who haven’t experienced horse riding or for those who love horses and are looking for a weekend away to touch up their riding skills. Camps will run for approximately 3 days and meals and board are included. |  |
During the camp all vital riding instructions will be introduced in theory lessons and followed by practical lessons which include riding the horses. Trail rides follow on the last day to reflect on all the riding instructions received during the camp. Guides and instructors will help riders to achieve the very best out of their riding instruction/camp weekend.
Horseback Riding Basic Steps
Step 1: Always make sure the horse is properly saddled. If you have not saddled a horse before then make sure the instructor guides you through the process.
Step 2: Always keep the reins in your left hand fist and do not let go of the reins for the entire time you are riding as they are your brakes and steering mechanism.
Step 3: If your horse is getting faster and faster and begins to run away it is important to hold on and not yell, hold on tight and slowly pull the reins till the horse slows down.
Step 4: To go forward let the reins go a little and give a soft kick and begin to make clicking noises. Always remember you are in control of the horse and to stay confident. A horse is free spirited and they too will enjoy the riding experience.
How to Take a Lesson
What to wear?
When you take your horseback lesson, If possible, wear breeches if you’re riding English. Jeans tend to wear saddles out more quickly than necessary and unless they are tight fitted, you’re going to get rub marks in places you don’t want them. Trust me. Roomy may seem like a good idea but it really just gives your jeans more places to fold, wad or basically become a pain in the neck. If you’re serious about riding, wear breeches; they may seem odd and too revealing at first but they really do help you ride better. If you’re riding Western, jeans are just fine but you’ll still want to make sure they are relatively fitted – those tight Wranglers aren’t just to look good, they cut down on rubs as much as breeches.
Finding an Instructor
What makes a good instructor?
Safety first!! No matter what level you ride, a good instructor is one whose first concern is the safety of you and your horse.
Keep in mind that a person who rides well isn’t necessarily a good instructor and a brilliant teacher may not be a great rider. The trick is not just knowing what to do, but how to communicate it in a way that makes sense to a rider.
