What you need to learn to ride
By Alicia Harper

You need 3 essential things to learn to ride - an instructor, the right equipment and a love for horses. A love for horses is not something you learn or you can buy. It is a love already have. You might not know it yet, but usually if you love most animals then you will for sure fall in love with horses.

Looking for a good instructor should be at the top of your list of things to do before learning to horseback ride. You should look for an instructor who is certified either by Horse Council or Equine Canada. You should also go and meet with a coach beforehand to make sure you will get along. Feel free to try out a  few different coaches. Feel free to take one lesson from one then another lesson from another, until you find one you are comfortable with and one that you like. Remember your lessons should be enjoyable as well as educational. Your coach/instructor should be very safety minded and have an organized barn. Also, when entering a potential coaches you should take note of how her/his horses look in the barn and what condition they are in. If the horses there so not look like they are well cared for, leave.

Having the right equipment for horseback riding is essential. The first thing you need is a good mount ( pony or horse ). Normally, if you are just starting your instructor will have a lesson horse to provide you with as well as any tack. What you should know about your pony is that it is a beginners pony, he/she is experienced and that he/she is very well trained. You pony should have a very good temperament and be friendly. Your instructor should provide you with tack for your pony. It should fit both the pony and you. Meaning the saddle should not be too big for you.

Once you are ready to learn to ride, you will need the right apparel. Most importantly a ASTM certified helmet. Always wear you helmet with the chin strap attached when on your pony. You also will need boots with a heel. The heel should be at least 1/4 of an inch. This helps prevent your foot from slipping through the stirrups and getting stuck. Another thing the remember is comfortable long pants, to help protect your legs. Your equipment and clothing does not all have to be new, much of it can be second hand, as long it is in good condition, it is fine. Good Luck Horseback Riding

About the Author

Alicia Harper has been riding for almost twenty years. With her riding experince varying from dressage to eventing to reining. She is also a website designer. View some of her designs at: Equine Web Design