Articles » Horse Riding Basics
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Therapeutic Horse Riding Is Great For The Soul
Therapeutic horse riding can bring healing powers to people afflicted with different ailments. Therapeutic horse riding is not new for many people have recognized the healing powers of riding a horse for many years. People with severe disabilities have found great comfort in therapeutic horse riding for some time.
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You Better Know The Rules For Riding A Horse On The Road
In a match between a horse and a car, the horse will always loose. Cars, trucks, drivers and roads suck, but they are an inescapable part of modern living if you want to ride horses. You AND your horse needs to know the rules for riding a horse on the road. If you or your horse cannot handle roads and traffic, you cannot risk riding on a road.
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Riding A Horse Serves Many Purposes
Horses have been used, ridden, treasured and coddled for hundreds of years. There were horses around when the ancient Greeks and Trojans went to war. The most important warriors often were depicted riding a horse into battle while the less important people used their own feet to do their duty. Horses were around when the Pilgrims landed in North America, and they are still useful animals today.
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Times You Need Portable Horse Riding Arenas
There’s always something you need to buy for your horse. At least you are easy to shop for at Christmas or Hanukah. No matter how many horses you have or how often you travel with them, you should consider investing one of the many kinds of portable horse riding arenas available. Even if you don’t have horses but have a substantial amount of property in horse country, you might consider getting portable horse riding arenas.
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Hit The Trail With Mountain Horse Riding Boots
I rode in my first horse show with borrowed riding boots. I wanted to look spiffy enough for the judge and only had grungy Ducks for riding at the time. By the end of that horse show, even though I was in the ribbons, my feet wished that I had stuck with the ducks. Riding with ill fitting, shoddy boots is no bargain. And painful feet detract from your riding abilities.
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Horse Riding Trails Takes One Back To Nature
Horse riding trails offer some of the best opportunities that will afford a rider very good opportunities in viewing and also traversing some very scenic landscapes that include watching flowers in full bloom and riding through densely wooded forests. Or, you could take to riding by creeks, rivers as well as lakes and even a beach; whatever, type of horse riding trail that you choose, you are going to have an experience that will remain in your mind for some time to come.
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Some Easy-To-Follow Horse Riding Tips To Ensure Safe And Enjoyable Riding
From being a hobby to a full time passion does not take very long when a person gets involved with horse riding because it is one of those activities from which you will be sure to derive a lot of pleasure and will be keen to learn more about from various horse riding tips. There is no doubting the fact that horse riding can do children a world of good, and people with disabilities would gain from it and, it can also lead to your becoming more athletic.
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Horse Riding Techniques Can Save Both Horse And Rider From Coming To Harm
Though horse riding itself can often mean being a bit complicated, there are many who actually go to any lengths to make horse riding techniques more complicated than they really are.
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A Horse Riding School Is A Place To Start
There is a horse riding school for almost everyone. People who have only seen horses in pictures can find a horse riding school that will teach them from the very basics. Other people who have already acquired some horse back riding skills will be able to find a horse riding school that will help them acquire very sophisticated horse back riding skills.
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What You Should Always Keep In Mind Regarding Horse Riding Safety
If you want to learn how to avoid accidents while riding a horse you should be well aware of what it takes to ensure horse riding safety, which is more than simply wearing a helmet or hard hat though that is an essential part as well. Accidents that happen to people when they are riding horses often occur without the rider knowing that such will happen and they are also not what riders think, and simply speeding is but a small fraction of the reasons why people meet with riding accidents.
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Horse Riding Lessons Start With The Basics
Although some cowboys start riding horses at a very young age, no one is born on a horse so everyone needs some horse riding lessons if they want to get on a horse and move around. Horse riding lessons usually start with preparing the horse for the ride. Most people have some kind of a saddle although there are people who ride bareback.
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Don’t Worry Yourself To Death About Horse Riding Injuries
Is horseback riding dangerous? Yes. But so is getting out of bed and riding in a car. Out of an estimated 30 million Americans who went horseback riding in 2004, only about 205,000 suffered any horse riding injuries (or so says the U.S. Consumers Product Safety Commission). That might seem like a lot, but in 2004 there were 2,788,000 million car accidents. Basically, if you are alive and ambulatory, everything is dangerous.
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Horse Riding Helmets Are A Must Wear Item To Ensure The Safety Of The Rider
Given that horse riding is a sport with a fair share of attendant risks, you need to ensure your safety at all times and besides the usual risks of falling off from the horse, there is always a pressing need to handle your horse with care. One of the most important items of horse riding gear that a rider should never omit having is the horse riding helmet that should always be worn whenever you are riding a horse, and also when handling a horse otherwise.
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Horse Riding Camps In Equine Literature
In the real world, horse riding camps are for the really rich. They are an unaffordable luxury unavailable to most horse loving kids. I was one of those kids. My family could never afford any kind of summer camp. I was lucky enough to get lessons once a week. But I did go to horse riding camps through books and magazines. The best fiction books about young horse crazy girls at horse riding camp were a great comfort to me. The best ones also helped me learn more about horses.
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Some boots are made for walking and some are made for horse back riding. Now, while you can walk around on the street with horse riding boots, you simply are not going to be able to effectively ride a horse with sneakers on! If you are a serious hors back riding aficionados, then you are going to have to purchase a nice pair of horse riding boots. Of course, you will also need to purchase a pair of functional horse riding boots as well.
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Horse Riding As A Hobby Has Many Advantages
Horse riding as a hobby can bring many benefits. Horse riding as a hobby is a great way to go out and see the surrounding area. Many people end up seeing their surroundings on the freeways and other streets. Many people never get off the beaten track unless they take up horse riding as a hobby. Horse riding as a hobby will take you to the trails that surround the city.
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Horse Riding Arenas Provide A Place To Practice
Horse riding arenas provide a great place for beginners to practice so they learn the necessary skills before they try controlling a horse with lots of distractions in the wild or in heavy traffic. Riding a horse is not the easiest thing in the world, and horseback riding could be very dangerous if the rider does not have the appropriate skills for different venues. People have to start somewhere when learning any skill and riding a horse usually starts with the very basic skills.
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Horse Riding Apparel Provides Comfort And Style
Horse riding apparel differs greatly for the people who spend some time on the back of a horse. Horse riding apparel for the cowboys who work on ranches is much different than the jockeys who ride in famous races. The cowboys on the ranches wear horse riding apparel that helps them survive in difficult conditions and horse riding apparel that makes them more comfortable.
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Horse Riding and Racing: Not The Same Animal
Nowadays, the only time a modern American sees a horse is on TV or the movies. Usually, the horse shown is a Thoroughbred racehorse. Recent movies that have done extremely well include Seabiscuit, The Black Stallion, Phar Lap and Dreamer. All of these films feature modern Thoroughbred racing. This can lead to the conclusion that all horse riding and racing are one and the same. This has also lead to many animal rights groups protesting all forms of horse riding, racing especially.
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Horse riding has remained a popular activity for many, many people as it is a very popular pastime. There are a few common misconceptions, however, regarding horse riding. The most common misconception is as follows: for one to enjoy this sport and activity, the person must own their own horse and ride it either in the vicinity near where the horse is kept; or the person who owns the horse must transport it to an area where the horse can be safely ridden.
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A Horse And Saddle Are Necessary For A Good Ride
People use horses for a variety of reasons, but a good horse and saddle are necessary for most good experiences with a horse. Cowboys ride horses to round up cattle and do other chores on ranches and farms. These people spend many hours every day on their horses so the horse and saddle that they use can make a significant difference to them.
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You've saddled up your horse for a relaxing day in the saddle when you suddenly realize that you have no idea where to ride him outside of that same little paddock. Are there any more exciting options? Actually, there are plenty of great places to ride your horse, especially if he doesn't mind taking a ride in the horse trailer first.
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The Importance Of Formal Lessons
Riding a horse looks so simple that you shouldn't need formal lessons, right? Actually, while it may be easy to fall off a horse, staying on is a bit trickier. Staying on and looking good is even harder. Few people can manage all of the intricacies of horseback riding without lessons.
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Tacking Up And Mounting Up - Getting Ready To Ride A Horse
So, it's time for your very first horseback ride and you just can't wait to jump on that horse's back so you can gallop off into the sunset. However, before you ride off on your horse, you will need to tack him up and then you will need to figure out how to actually get up there.
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Staying Alert – How To Avoid Potential Dangers When You Are Riding Your Horse
Riding a horse can be one of the most wonderful experiences that a person can have. However, no matter how long you've been riding, you need to be aware of what's going on around you and you should always stay alert. After all, you never know what is coming around the corner that could be dangerous or frightening to your horse.
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When you buy a dog or cat, where to keep your new pet is probably one of the last things on your mind. However, for anyone who is considering buying a horse, housing is one of the biggest concerns. After all, you can't exactly give your horse a pet bed in the kitchen!
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Reading A Horse's Body Language
If you've ever been the victim of an animal bite, you may think that the attack came out of nowhere. However, if you knew how to read an animal's body language, you would probably have seen one or two tell tale signals that may have enabled you to avoid being bitten. Just like other animals, horses have body language that can let us know whether they are feeling happy, sad or frightened. Reading your horse's body language can help you have a better relationship with him and may even help you avoid being injured.
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Horseback riding is a fun and relaxing activity for both adults and children. However, horses are large, powerful animals and are easily startled. Before you or your children go horseback riding, you should know how to behave around a horse.
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If you buy a foal or a horse that is green broke, you will need to be prepared to train your horse. After all, a badly trained horse is not just unenjoyable. A horse is a big animal and can be downright dangerous if he is not properly trained.
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If you are figuring up the cost of buying a horse and haven't added in the cost of tack, you will need to reevaluate your budget. Horse tack is an essential part of owning a horse, whether you plan to ride your horse for pleasure or compete in equestrian sport events. Tack doesn't just allow you to control your horse. It also helps protect you so that you can enjoy riding horses more safely.
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Do you picture yourself riding barefoot on your galloping horse with the wind blowing through your hair? If so, you may want to reconsider your riding apparel. Although it may not be quite as comfortable and relaxed as going barefoot and hatless, some riding apparel is designed to keep riders safe so that they can continue to enjoy those refreshing morning gallops.
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Getting Your Horse To Trust You
It is possible to ride a horse that is uneasy around you, but it is much more enjoyable to ride a horse that trusts you completely. However, getting your horse to trust you is not always easy, especially if he has been abused in the past.
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You've managed to make it up on top of your horse and boy, is it a long way down! Now, how do you get him to move? After all, you don't want to make an animal this big mad when you are on his back. Surely you aren't supposed to kick him, right?
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So, you want to learn how to ride a horse, but then you found out that there are two different types of horseback riding, English and Western. Now, you need to choose the right one for you, but are they really that different? Is one better than the other?
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Dismounting And Untacking Your Horse
You've had your very first experience with riding a horse and it was absolutely wonderful. However, even if you're having the best time of your life, you can't stay up there forever. Eventually, you will need to get off that horse. Luckily, it is not very hard to dismount a horse. In fact, it is actually quite easy, as long as you don't just try to jump off.
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Competing In Events With Your Horse
While there is certainly nothing wrong with riding your horse just for fun and relaxation, competing in events can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Competing brings you and your horse closer together and improves your riding skills. Whether you like to complete intricate dressage movements, jump hurdles or rope calves, you can find an event that is perfect for you and your horse.
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Using The Weight Aids Correctly
Riding a horse that goes in complete self-carriage more-or-less entirely from your seat weight aids is a feeling you will never forget. Executing pirouettes and flying changes or collected canter from halt and canter half-passes just by moving your seat bones and weight, with the occasional suggestion from a rein hanging by its own weight, is, as classical trainer Nuno Oliveira once exclaimed, ‘the heaven of horsemanship’.
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How To Master The Classical Seat
A good riding position will vary according to the equestrian discipline for which it is used, but all good positions are based on the traditional classical seat, including the jumping position devised in the late 19th and early 20th century by two men, Italian cavalry officer Federico Caprilli and a south American, Count Llias Toptani, who made later refinements.
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Strengthening Your Seat To Improve Upper Body Posture
To remain secure in the saddle, one must ride in balance with the horse, maintaining a still, ‘held’ upper body, in all gaits, through turns and over fences. Your waist must help to absorb and softly stop the movement from your horse’s back travelling up into the upper body and unbalancing it.
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Strengthening Your Cross-Country Seat
For a horse and rider to successfully negotiate solid fences and ride across undulating terrain at speed, the rider must first be able to maintain a balanced forward position with the stirrups at jumping length, before even considering approaching a jump. These basics will enable the horse to stay in balance, lighten the load he has to carry and prepare both the horse and rider for cross-country jumping.
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Setting Yourself Up For Success
Success is a word we hear a lot of these days but often in a context, which is quite irrelevant to many people. It does not necessarily mean competitive success; it simply means that you have attained standards or goals you have set yourself.
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It is important to be clear about the classical way to turn or circle. The most effective, simple and light way to turn is to ask with the outside aids and put the inside of the body forward into the turn, moving the inside seatbone forwards. To turn right put the right side of the body forwards and to turn left put the left side forward
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A pirouette is a turn around the horses inside hind leg. Horsemen devised the pirouette because it looks beautiful for display work and also because it gives excellent control of the forehand for quick turns such as getting away from a bull or an enemy. In dressage tests it is an advanced movement when requested at canter but walk pirouettes, developed from the turn on or about the haunches, are not that difficult for any rider.
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Recognizing The Correct Trot Diagonal
Trot is a two-time, diagonal gait with a moment of suspension after each step. The legs move in diagonal pairs like this, left hind and right fore together, then right hind and left fore together with the moment of suspension between each pair.
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Increasing Stability When Cornering & Circling
The horse’s natural technique when cornering at speed or on small circles is to lean in towards the centre and, left to their own devices, to turn their heads to the outside of the circle. You can see this in reining competitions, barrel racing, gymkhanas, jumping, polo and similar disciplines. Many riders experience it when riding in an arena, particularly when the horse has been asked to turn a corner or ride a circle a little smaller than he is comfortable with.
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When riding a sitting trot correctly, a rider absorbs the energy coming up from the horse’s back into the seat and waist without letting it travel any further up the body. To perform this correctly it is crucial that you not only keep your upper body erect and ‘held’ (but not stiff), but also that your seat and legs are completely relaxed. Only in this way can you soak up the energy and dissipate it.
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There are variations of opinion on the classical way to ride a rising trot, however I find that the most effective way is for the back to remain flat as the rider brings the upper body forward from the hip joints, carrying the shoulders above the knees.
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The pelvis is the crux of a good seat because of its facility to tilt back and forth, based on the flexing of the lumbo-sacral joint in your spine.
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Improving Your Position In Canter
The canter is called a diagonal gait and it is the only gait that gives the rider a sensation of rocking vertically up and down and also back and forth.
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Improving Your Jumping Position
As a horse takes off over a jump the rider should fold the upper body down from the hip joints. Folding down over the horse like this is an effective, balanced and economical movement for the rider and minimizes disruption to the horse’s balance.
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Improving Your Balance When Jumping
A jump has 5 phases: approach, take-off, flight, landing and the get-away. The actual jump is not finished until the horse is in the get-away phase. It is therefore important to stay in balance with the horse throughout all phases at every jump you tackle.
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A rider’s lack of balance is akin to the lack of an independent seat, the Holy Grail of horsemanship. Unlike the Holy Grail, though, it is attainable. The first step is to start thinking with your seat, not your head.
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The secret of a good halt is achieved mainly with the seat and legs with an extra suggestion from the hands. Back-up from the mind and the voice are invaluable, especially if you have been having problems. The use of the voice can be dropped later, if required.
