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How to get on your Horse with Ease.
When you are a 1st Time Horse Owner everything seems overwhelming so this is a quick guide on how to get on your horse which is straightforward, but doing it correctly is crucial for your safety and the horse’s comfort.
This is where you need to start:
- ALWAYS check that the tack
The saddle, bridle, reins, stirrups, stirrup leathers, girth (cinch), girth straps are all in good condition
and you don’t have any cracks that could break and cause you to fall, the stitching is in good condition – not rotten or breaking. - Check that your saddle is sitting in the correct spot on the horses back.
(the front of the saddle isn’t sitting on the scapula (shoulder blade) but behind it – you can check this by running your hand up the shoulder and feeling the back of it).
I like to check that my stirrups are level at this time before I get on the horse, as it can be challenging to change them when mounted.
STOP – just for a moment and make sure that you are ready to get onto the horse, you have everything you need… for more information on safety equipment click the link.
First Time Horse Owner – You’re now ready – ‘How to get on your Horse’ Guide.
- Start by ensuring your horse is still and aware of your intentions.
- Standing on the horse’s left side, or the ‘near side’.
- Hold the reins in your left hand and gather them slightly to keep mild contact with the horse’s mouth.
- The horses head should be turned towards you, you should be facing the horses hindquarters (backside).
- Place your left foot in the stirrup, (if the horse goes to move at this stage, you can ask someone to hold the horse for you or you could face the horses head into a corner.
- never tie the horse before mounting it, as this could cause a very nasty accident.
- Once your foot is securely in the stirrup, turn to face the saddle with your left knee pointed towards the horses nose, using your right hand to hold onto the cantle of the saddle (back of the saddle).
- Now comes the actual mounting.
- Don’t just hop on; do it in two smooth motions.
First, spring up from your right leg, then swing your right leg over the horse’s back, being mindful not to kick the horse, gently land in the saddle.
It’s important to avoid landing heavily as that can be uncomfortable or even painful for the horse
Note: To avoid straining the horses withers and back – it’s a good idea to use a mounting block, whenever possible.
Once you’re up, take a moment to center yourself. Adjust your seat as needed, put both feet into the stirrups and then calmly ask your horse to walk on.
Tips for Maintaining Balance While Riding
I’m going to let you in on a little secret: balance is the secret sauce in horse riding. If you want to ride effectively, mastering balance isn’t just nice—it’s a must. That’s why today, I’ve curated a list of balance exercises designed specifically for beginners.
This isn’t just about staying on the horse; it’s about enhancing your overall riding experience. From the confidence you gain when you’re in sync with your horse’s movements, to the safety you ensure for both of you, a good balance is key.
Now, there are exercises you can do both on and off your horse. For example, while you’re not riding, yoga and Pilates can fortify your core muscles—crucial for maintaining balance.
Some Simple Exercises to Practice on the Horse are:
I’m going to let you in on a little secret: balance is the secret sauce in horse riding. If you want to ride effectively, mastering balance isn’t just nice—it’s a must. That’s why today, I’ve curated a list of balance exercises designed specifically for beginners. This isn’t just about staying on the horse; it’s about enhancing your overall riding experience.
From the confidence you gain when you’re in sync with your horse’s movements, to the safety you ensure for both of you, a good balance is key. Now, there are exercises you can do both on and off your horse. For example, while you’re not riding, yoga and pilates can fortify your core muscles—crucial for maintaining balance.
- Arms out Exercise – have someone hold the horse.
put both of your arms out sideways from your body and then twist as far as you can to your right, keeping both seat bones in the saddle and then back to center and then twist your body to the left.
As you your balance and seat improve you can do this exercise on a lunge line. - Touch your Toes Exercise – have someone hold the horse
have your heels down for this one – stretch your arms out in front of you, and then take your right hand and reach down and touch the toe on your left foot, and then back up again, and take your left hand and touch your right toe, and back to the starting position. - Round the World – have someone to hold the horse.
Take your feet out of the stirrups, take your right leg over the horses neck, (now you are sitting sideways on the horse – be careful not to slide down the side of the horse,) then take your left leg over the back of the horse (you will be facing backwards, followed by your right leg again you will be sitting sideways on the horse then to finish take your left leg over the horses neck. This exercise should be done clockwise and anti-clockwise, simply reverse the movements. - Thread the Needle have someone hold the horse.
Take your feet from the stirrups, take your right leg over the horses neck, (you are sitting sideways on the horse) take your right arm to the front of the saddle, your left arm behind you, twist your body around so you are leaning over the saddle, then put your right leg over the cantle of the saddle and you are sitting astride again. - Standing up briefly in the stirrups at a walk for one step, and then gently sit back down in the saddle for the next step, this exercise is essential when learning rising trot.
- Bareback Riding – if you feel nervous about this you could start by riding with no stirrups and then move up to bareback riding. It is important when riding with no stirrups to keep you toes raised and you leg in the correct position.
In real riding scenarios, balance is ever-changing. Whether you’re trotting, cantering, or navigating obstacles, it’s about reacting intuitively to the horse’s movements. Start with developing a strong, balanced seat at a slower pace, and gradually work your way up as you feel more confident.
Don’t worry too much about mastering everything overnight. Balance, like any skill, gets better with time and practice. So choose exercises that resonate with you, and remember, your first attempt doesn’t need to be your last—you can always adjust your approach down the road.
I really hope that these tips help you find your balance and enjoy the ride. And remember, no matter the ups and downs, every moment spent with your horse is an opportunity to learn and grow. Thanks for riding along with me, below are some more blogs in this series, and I’d love to hear about your experiences, so please, leave your comments below.
- First Time Horse Owner Guide: Budgeting For The Costs Of Owning A Horse.
- First Time Horse Owner Guide: Welcome Home To Your First Horse!
- First Time Horse Owner Guide: What Size Horse Should I Buy to Ride?
- First Time Horse Owner Guide: Common Health Care In Horses And How To Recognize Them
- First Time Horse Owner Guide: Unlocking The Secret To Proper Equine Nutrition:
- First Time Horse Owner Guide: Hydration And Horse Health