Horseback riding can be a nerve-racking
experience for first-time riders, but there are techniques that can help you
overcome the anxiety and relax in the saddle. Horseback riding can be
both an exhilarating and nerve-racking experience, because working with live
animals requires a certain level of patience and expertise.
But when done right, this activity can
be relaxing, rejuvenating and therapeutic. Many studies have shown horseback
riding to be beneficial to cognitive and psychological processes. Furthermore, you gain a greater appreciation
for the dynamic and symbiotic relationship formed through working with such
amazing creatures.
Horseback riding can be both an
exhilarating and nerve-racking experience, because working with live animals
requires a certain level of patience and expertise. But when done right, this activity can
be relaxing, rejuvenating and therapeutic. Many studies have shown horseback
riding to be beneficial to cognitive and psychological processes.
Furthermore, you gain a greater
appreciation for the dynamic and symbiotic relationship formed through working
with such amazing creatures. As
with any newly acquired skill, horseback riding requires instruction and
practice. Here are 5 common problems that beginning horseback riders experience
and tips on how to overcome them.
1.
The horse seems unapproachable or aggressive.
Some horses feel
apprehensive when approached in a straight line. When approaching, try walking
in an arc toward the horse — the goal is to make your presence known. Avoid
direct eye contact, and be sure that the horse is facing your direction.
Finally, when in close enough proximity,
establish a rapport first by extending a hand for the horse to smell. Pet the
horse gently prior to hopping on it. This will help develop a closer initial
bond between the 2 of you.
2.
You are having problems mounting the horse.
Horses are typically
trained to accept riders mounting on the left side, so be sure to follow this
rule accordingly.
If the horse is moving, allow it to move
and find a balance point. Don’t force it to be still — instead, try to control
the direction in which the horse is moving. Make sure to distribute your weight
evenly by pushing down on its opposite shoulder when mounting, as opposed to
having your weight hanging from 1 side.
3.
Once riding, you feel insecure or wobbly on the horse.
This is most likely because of incorrect
positioning and seating alignment. The
rule of thumb is that proper riding posture should allow for a straight line to
be drawn through the rider’s ear, shoulder, hip and heel. Your shoulders and
back should be straight, and the widest part of your feet should be positioned
in the stirrup.
4.
The horse does not stop when you pull back on the reins.
Stopping is a combination of verbal
cues, body positioning and rein movement. Start with a “whoa” call, followed by
a halt cue of closing your fingers and pulling backward on the reins in
conjunction with pushing your seat deeper into the saddle.
5.
The horse bolts or is going too fast and is unresponsive to halt cues.
In situations such as this, it may be
necessary to use the emergency stop technique to regain control of the horse.
While holding the reins tightly in both
hands, pull on 1 side until the horse’s head turns — forcing him to slow in a
circular motion. This “emergency brake” is called the 1-rein stop, and can effectively
allow the rider to regain control if the horse is bucking or going too fast.
If the horse is completely out of
control and running extremely fast in a straight line, a sudden pull into a
circle turn could be dangerous.
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