Riding a horse is a wonderful experience that you should absolutely not miss out on if you are visiting a country where it is available. Riding a horse is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, the open space, the smell of the wild flowers, and the view of the surrounding landscape. Horse riding can be done for both beginners and advanced riders. If you are planning to ride a horse for the first time, it is best to hire a professional instructor who will help you get the right balance between your horse and yourself. You don’t need to be fit and experienced to ride a horse. It is possible for anyone to ride a horse after getting trained for few days. If you are interested in horse riding, here are some things you should know before heading out for your first ride.
What type of horse should I choose?
There are many types of horse available for you to choose from. Before heading out to the horse riding centre, you need to decide which type of horse you want to ride. Depending on your riding experience and preference, you can choose between an easygoing horse, a jump horse, a trail horse, a school horse, a horse for dressage, etc. If you are an absolute beginner, you can start riding a trail horse. There are also many riding schools that offer trail riding classes. You can choose the type of horse according to your preference.
Check your horse’s health and temperament
Before heading out to the horse riding centre, it is important to check your horse’s health and temperament. Make sure that your horse is healthy and comfortable enough to be ridden. If your horse is not comfortable, it is better to take a break and come back later. You can also ask the owner of the horse riding centre if they have any special needs for their horse. If your horse is spooky, it is best to start with a beginner horse. You can always take a break and come back later when your horse is more relaxed. Make sure that your horse is not injured or has been recently ridden. If the horse has been ridden recently, it will be fresh and energetic. However, if the horse has been rested for a long time, it may not be as energetic as it used to be.
Find out the proper size and fit of the saddle
Before heading out to the horse riding centre, it is important to find out the proper size and fit of the saddle. You need to sit on the horse with the saddle to make sure that it is the right size for you. Make sure that the stirrup height and the stirrup length fit you perfectly. It is also important to make sure that the stirrup leathers are thick enough. If the stirrup leathers are too thin, it can cause blistering or chaffing. It is also important to make sure that the girth is adjustable. The girth should be long enough to fit your waist. Check the condition of the saddle pad. The saddle pad should be clean and comfortable. It should also be thick enough to prevent your horse from slipping on the saddle.
Wash your hands and feet before mounting your horse
You need to wash your hands and feet before mounting your horse. This will prevent the dirt from getting into your horse’s hooves. It will also help make the hoof softer and healthier. If you don’t wash your hands and feet, the dirt will get into your horse’s hooves and cause infections. It is best to use a good quality hoof cleaner and brush to clean your horse’s hooves. Make sure that you use a hoof brush before and after each ride.
Don’t forget your riding helmet and gloves
You should wear a helmet when riding a horse. Even if the horse is gentle, it can cause head injuries. If the horse kicks you in the head, the helmet can save your life. Make sure that you use a good quality riding helmet. You can also wear riding gloves to protect your hands. Make sure that the gloves fit you perfectly. They should be snug enough to prevent your horse’s hooves from being poked.
Don’t forget your riding boots and riding clothing
You should wear riding boots when riding a horse. Wearing the right type of boots can prevent many injuries. If your horse kicks you in the leg, the riding boots can save your life. Make sure that the boots are thick enough to cushion the force of the kick. When you are riding a horse, it is best to wear riding clothing. It can protect you from minor injuries, such as bumps and bruises.
Conclusion
Horse riding is a great way to get out of your daily routine and enjoy the beautiful nature around you. It is important to know what you should bring when horse riding. It is also important to know how to check the health and temperament of your horse. You can learn more about horse riding by reading books and watching horse riding videos.