Learn how to look like an expert in the saddle
Riding a horse can be a fun experience. However, it takes a great deal of training and experience to learn to ride a horse properly. This article covers mounting, steering, and grooming your horse properly. Then, we’ll tell you what to wear for a safe and comfortable ride. Plus, we spoke with horse riding experts to get their top recommendations for beginners to horseback riding.
Riding a Horse: Tips for Beginners
- Use a mounting block to mount from the horse’s left side.
- Position yourself in the saddle on your seat bones with your back straight.
- Place your feet in the stirrups with your heels up and under your hips.
- Hold the reins in 1 or 2 fists, depending on your riding style.
- Gently squeeze the horse with your legs to get it to walk.
- Follow the motion of the horse’s head with your hands.
- Use the reins to signal the horse to move right or left.
Steps
Section 1 of 7:
Mounting the Horse
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Stand on the left side of the horse and take the reins in your left hand. While it’s possible to mount from the right side, most riders find it easier to mount from the left, and horses are more accustomed to being mounted from that side. Gathering the reins in your hand helps you control the horse as you mount. Rest your left hand with the reins on the horse’s neck if it’s comfortable. [1] X Research source
- Equestrian Specialist & Trainer Kate Jutagir says, "If you’re a beginner, select a well-trained horse. Younger or poorly trained horses may shift and move during mounting. Choose an older horse with a reputation for being calm and cooperative during rides." [2]
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Expert Source
Kate Jutagir
Equestrian Specialist & Trainer Expert Interview. 31 March 2020. - Many riders find it useful to place their right hand on the top of the saddle to help push up.
- Equestrian Specialist & Trainer Kate Jutagir says, "If you’re a beginner, select a well-trained horse. Younger or poorly trained horses may shift and move during mounting. Choose an older horse with a reputation for being calm and cooperative during rides." [2]
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Kate Jutagir
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Place your left foot in the left stirrup and launch onto the horse. Mount the horse from its left side by placing your left foot in the stirrup. With your foot in the stirrup, bounce on your right foot and push up with your left leg like you’re stepping up onto a tall step. [3] X Research source
- If you're a first-time rider, it's not a bad idea to use a mounting block or small wooden structure you stand on to mount the horse.
- Ask someone to hold the horse's head to help keep it steady as you mount.
- If someone doesn't hold the horse's head as you mount, hold the reins tightly in your left hand, but not so tightly that the horse backs away from the pressure.
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Swing your right leg over the horse and slip your foot into the stirrup. Lift your right leg gently over the horse's back. Be careful not to kick the horse as you swing your leg. Insert your right foot into the right stirrup. [4] X Research source
- Sink gently into the saddle as you mount the horse. Slamming down into the saddle may startle them or hurt their back. Certified Horsemanship Instructor Kathy Richardson says, “I tell people to mount like you're putting on a hat. You don't jam it on your head, and you don't drop your seat on the horse's back.” [5]
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Expert Source
Kathy Richardson
Certified Horsemanship Instructor Expert Interview. 07 February 2024. - Another good reason for using a mounting block is because it's easier on the horse’s back. You use less force to get on the horse and it takes less time to mount.
- Sink gently into the saddle as you mount the horse. Slamming down into the saddle may startle them or hurt their back. Certified Horsemanship Instructor Kathy Richardson says, “I tell people to mount like you're putting on a hat. You don't jam it on your head, and you don't drop your seat on the horse's back.” [5]
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Kathy Richardson
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Section 2 of 7:
Sitting in the Saddle
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Keep your back straight and balance your body in the saddle. Once in the saddle, take a moment to make sure you're in the proper position for balance, with the bulk of your weight resting on the seat bones in your buttocks. Keep your back straight. Picture a straight line running through your ear, shoulder, hip, and heel. Square your shoulders so they’re even and straight. Suck in your belly button and tuck your tailbone under to support your lower back. [6] X Research source
- Don’t pull your shoulders back. Instead, lift your chest and sit as straight as possible.
- Avoid jutting your chin forward, which causes tension in your neck.
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Position your legs so your heels are directly under your hips. Once you feel securely balanced, get your legs into the proper position with your heels lined up with your hips and your knees resting on the horse’s side. Think of it as hugging the horse with your legs. [7] X Research source
- Don’t squeeze the horse too tightly. Simply curve your legs inwards toward him.
- Proper leg placement can be tricky for beginning riders, so take time to position your legs.
- Many beginning riders turn their legs outward with their knees sticking out, which feels more natural. [8] X Research source
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With your feet in the stirrups, place your heels lower than your toes. Your toes should rest higher than your heels. Keep your calves and heels long, but don’t force them down. This puts too much weight in the stirrup, which causes tense legs and more bouncing as the horse moves. [9] X Research source
- An easy stretch or practice for this is to stand on the edge of something higher than the ground or even a staircase and push your heels down, keeping the balls of your feet on the stair.
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Section 3 of 7:
English Style Riding Basics
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Hold the reins looped between your fingers in a loose fist. Once your legs are in the right position, make sure you're holding the reins properly. For English style, loop the rein around your pointer, middle, and ring fingers, passing between your ring and pinky fingers. Don’t wrap the rein around your thumb or pinky. Repeat this for your other hand. Then, place your thumbs on top of the reins to secure them. [10] X Research source
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Signal your horse to move with your legs. When riding English style, there are a variety of ways to signal your horse to move , depending on their training. The most common way is using your legs. Try gently squeezing your horse's side with your legs to signal them to walk. [11] X Research source
- If your horse doesn’t respond to this, they may need further prompting. Gently kick your horse with your heels.
- Use caution when kicking. While horses have thick hides, they may experience pain if you kick with too much force. A gentle tapping is generally all it takes to get a horse to walk.
- Depending on how a horse was trained, they may respond to tongue clicking or other noises. Ask the horse's trainer if they respond to any noises.
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Follow the movements of your horse's head with your arms. When a horse walks, canters, or gallops, their head moves back and forth with the rhythm of their body. Allow your hands to bob back and forth with the horse's head. Not following the horse's movements puts tension on the reins, which may bruise the horse’s mouth. [12] X Trustworthy Source Science Direct Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source
- When starting a canter, let the horse have a lot of rein because they stretch out their neck when cantering.
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Use the reins and your legs to signal direction. Steering in English style involves maintaining more contact with the horse’s mouth. To signal the horse to turn right, very lightly pull back with your right hand. To signal the horse to turn left, very lightly pull back with your left hand. If the horse doesn’t respond to the lighter pulling, gradually pull harder until the horse responds. [13] X Research source
- Use your legs and body to help signal a horse to move by slightly shifting in the direction you want to go while gently squeezing your leg. For example, squeeze your left leg if you want your horse to turn right, as the horse will want to move away from the pressure.
- Looking in the direction you wish to move helps. Richardson says, “You always want to be looking in the direction you want the horse to go. Their bodies are sensitive enough that they feel what we're doing.” [14]
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Expert Source
Kathy Richardson
Certified Horsemanship Instructor Expert Interview. 07 February 2024.
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Gently press your legs into the horse’s side to trot. Once you feel confident, gently press your legs into the horse's sides while walking to cue the horse to trot . Sit deep in the saddle and keep your legs in contact with the horse’s sides. Be careful to keep your elbows relaxed so you don't jerk on your horse's mouth. [15] X Research source
- Some riders prefer to do a posting or rising trot where they rise slightly out of the saddle instead of a sitting trot where they stay seated. This is often more comfortable as a trot is a bouncing gait.
- To do a posting trot, simply rise when the horse's outside shoulder moves forward and then gently sit back down in the saddle to avoid bouncing heavily on the horse's back.
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Move your outside leg back and squeeze to canter the horse. Cantering is a quicker three-beat speed that's natural to all horses. When you canter, your seat will roll with the canter, and you’ll stay in the position you normally ride in. Before you canter, make sure you’re comfortable with posting trot and sitting trot, as both of these are major points for cantering. Getting the timing right to get a horse to canter takes time. So make sure you get plenty of practice. [16] X Research source
- Try not to tense up. Most beginners find it beneficial to hold onto a saddle or neck strap while learning to canter. This helps with their balance so they don't fall.
- If your horse moves into a faster trot when you signal it to canter, ask them to walk and continue asking them to canter from the walk instead of the trot.
- Before cantering, gently squeeze your outside rein to slow your horse to a half halt in a trot before using your inside leg by the girth. Then, squeeze your outside leg behind the girth to give your horse a bit of a push forward.
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Practice the basics before moving on to advanced riding. Galloping, jumping , and dressage tricks are all fun to learn in English style. However, hold off until you've mastered the basics. Spend at least a few months practicing the above techniques before trying anything new. Galloping and jumping are dangerous if you're inexperienced.
- Horseback riding is difficult and takes time and patience. Find a reputable stable in your area and take lessons from an established trainer.
- Jutagir says it's a good idea to have supervision when beginning to take riding lessons in case of an injury to you or the horse. [17]
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Expert Source
Kate Jutagir
Equestrian Specialist & Trainer Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.
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Section 4 of 7:
Western Style Riding Basics
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Hold the reins in a loose fist in your non-dominant hand. The western bridle has reins that are knotted at the top. Make a loose fist with the thumb on the top and your fingers wrapped around. Place your index finger between the two sides of the reins.
- Rest your free hand on your thigh or the saddle horn. Keep the reins loose at all times and hold them in two fists. [18] X Research source
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Gently touch the horse’s neck with loose reins to signal direction. Steering is slightly different in the Western style. When riding Western, use a technique called "neck reining." Neck reining means you hold the reins loosely and gently touch the horse's neck to signal movements. [19] X Research source
- To turn right, move the reins across the horse's neck to the right. To go left, move the reins across the horse's neck to the left. [20] X Research source
- Always hold the reins in your non-dominant hand with your other hand on your thigh. So, if you’re right-handed, hold the reins in your left hand and place your right hand on your right thigh.
- As with English riding, make sure you use your full body to steer as well. Use your legs and seatbones in addition to your hands.
- Use more direct reining, similar to the English style, in emergencies. To steer your horse quickly, temporarily switch to English-style steering. If your horse is not responding to neck reining, grab the reins in both hands. Gently pull or squeeze the left rein to turn left and the right rein to turn right. [21] X Research source
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Squeeze with your legs to signal your horse to move. Start out walking gently. In Western, you also squeeze your horse to get them to walk. Follow the motion of their head again, but as you hold the reins looser you might not move your hands as much as in English style riding. [22] X Research source
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While your horse is walking, squeeze their sides to signal them to jog. Trotting is not usually a part of Western-style riding. A jog is a slow, steady gait. It's a little quicker paced than a walk but not as jaunty as an English trot. [23] X Research source
- It’s comfortable to sit in a Western jog. Posting trot is not necessary when riding in Western style. [24] X Research source
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Section 5 of 7:
Grooming a Horse
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Use a curry comb to remove loose hair. Start grooming the horse by using a rubber or plastic curry comb on their body to loosen caked-on dirt and to bring dust and dandruff to the surface for easy removal. Start currying at the neck and work towards the rear. Richardson says to brush dry hair in circular movements. [25] X Expert Source Kathy Richardson
Certified Horsemanship Instructor Expert Interview. 07 February 2024.- Certified EAGALA Equine Specialist Alana Silverman recommends that you always groom a horse before riding him. [26]
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Expert Source
Alana Silverman
Certified Equine Specialist Expert Interview. 17 March 2020. - Don’t forget the areas you can’t see, like the belly, between the legs, and behind the ears.
- Metal curry combs remove loose hair from horses that are shedding heavily. But it can be harsh on a horse’s sensitive skin, says Richardson. [27]
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Expert Source
Kathy Richardson
Certified Horsemanship Instructor Expert Interview. 07 February 2024. Use them sparingly.
- Certified EAGALA Equine Specialist Alana Silverman recommends that you always groom a horse before riding him. [26]
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Expert Source
Alana Silverman
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Use a body brush to remove dust, sweat, and loose hair. Brushing with a body brush smooths the hair back into its normal position and removes any dirt brought to the surface by currying. Brush the horse’s coat with short, firm strokes. Long strokes only move the dirt around. [28] X Research source
- Use a body brush to brush the horse's hair all over its body, including the belly and underline.
- Some horses are ticklish and may get fidgety when you brush their belly.
- Use a softer body brush to brush the horse’s face, moving with the grain of the hair. Avoid the eyes and be gentle around the nose and mouth.
- Use a mane-and-tail comb or soft brush on the horse’s mane and tail.
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Clean mud, dirt, and pebbles from hooves with a hoof pick. Use the hoof pick to remove mud, dirt, and pebbles from the horse's hooves. Face the rear of the horse and slide your left hand down the forearm. Many horses lift their foot once you reach the ankle. If not, gently squeeze the tendons above the ankle. As the horse raises its foot, slide your hand around to the front of the ankle and raise it to knee height. [29] X Research source
- Always pick out the hoof from heel to toe. Using the pick from toe to heel may result in an injury to the frog.
- Pick the hooves every time you groom your horse. If this is not done before you ride, your horse may get a sore foot and go lame.
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Section 6 of 7:
Tacking & Bridling the Horse
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Gently position the saddle blanket above the horse’s withers. You must tack and bridle your horse before you ride – or outfit the horse with a saddle and bridle – especially if you’re a beginner. Position the saddle blanket above the horse's withers and push it back toward the hind legs to smooth the hair.
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Place the saddle behind the horse’s shoulder. To saddle a horse, gently place the saddle on top of the blanket. Then, pull the blanket into the empty area at the front of the saddle. Silverman says it’s important to gently place the saddle on the horse’s back and not drop it. [30] X Expert Source Alana Silverman
Certified Equine Specialist Expert Interview. 17 March 2020.- Check that the blanket is lying flat without any creases and not pressing against the horse’s withers.
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Attach and tighten the cinch or girth. Lower the cinch or girth and tighten it gently, allowing the horse enough room to exhale comfortably. Place two fingers under the cinch or girth, but no more, to test the tightness. Check the fit of the saddle by placing 2-3 fingers under the pommel. [31] X Research source
- When moving around the horse, do not walk under their neck.
- Never walk behind a horse.
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Gently place the bridle’s bit near the horse's mouth. Most horses are used to bridles and will open their mouths for you to place the bit . If your horse doesn't open their mouth for the bit, gently push your fingers into the sides of their mouth. Place the bit in slowly, fitting it in the space between their front and back teeth. Then, slip the top of the bridle over the horse's ears one at a time. Secure all the straps and buckles, buckling tight enough that you can only comfortably fit one finger under the straps. [32] X Research source
- Stroking the horse on their muzzle also causes them to lower their head, which makes bridling them easier.
- Make sure you have a bridle that is appropriate for your horse's size.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I be safe when first learning to ride a horse?Kate Jutagir is an Equestrian Specialist, Hunter/Jumper Trainer, and the Owner of Blackhound Equestrian, a premier training barn located on 65 acres in Castro Valley, California. Originally designed to be a riding school used as a springboard for dedicated students into careers in the sport, Blackhound Equestrian has grown into a hunter/jumper training program for all levels focusing on providing a solid foundation needed for personal advancement in the sport. Kate has over 25 years of equestrian instruction and training experience. Her focus on developing horse and rider partnerships provides a complete equestrian education for both beginners and advanced riders alike.Absolutely have the benefit of someone who has experience guiding you. You want to read some books and really study horse care and horse behavior. Buy protective headgear and try setting yourself up to work with a horse that has experience so that they can help guide you. The more interaction and the more time you give yourself with the horse, the more skilled you'll become.
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QuestionAt what age should a rider be when he stops riding horses?Community AnswerIt would all depend on the rider, but most healthy people can do it their entire lives.
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QuestionHow do I turn a horse with their mane instead? Like if I am riding bare back.Community AnswerWhen you're riding bareback you normally just steer with you legs and hold on to the mane, however, you could gently pull left or right. It may not work if your horse isn't obedient, but it's worth a go.
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Tips
- The horse can sense when you are scared or nervous. When you feel nervous about the horse you are riding, talk to your instructor. They might be able to help, says Jutagir. [38] X Expert Source Kate Jutagir
Equestrian Specialist & Trainer Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.Thanks - If you are a beginning rider, have a more experienced rider present to give advice and instruction.Thanks
- Remember that every horse is different, and all of them have their own personalities. Take time to get to know the horses you ride and make a bond with them.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Ensure tack fits the horse and riding style. Ill-fitting saddles cause pain that interferes with communication. Western uses loose reins and neck reining while English maintains contact.
- Confirm trainer credentials and methods before starting lessons. Poor instruction ingrains bad form that will require extensive retraining later. Vet trainers thoroughly first.
- Talk to your horse using consistent tones in groundwork and riding. Specific vibrations aid communication and bond-building. Horses follow vocal commands as much as physical.
- Control speed in emergencies with one-rein stops. Reach down gradually on one rein bringing the horse's head to the side. Circles make bolting difficult, slowing the horse.
- Stay confident in the saddle, especially when challenged. Horses sense tension, sometimes testing beginners. Stay calm, firm and consistent when directing your horse.
- Build skills gradually over years, not months. Rushing through paces risks poor balance, responses and injuries for both horse and rider. Master fundamentals first.
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Warnings
- Some states have helmet laws for horseback riding, especially for riders under 18. When riding, make sure you’re following any local laws in your area.Thanks
- If you've never ridden a horse before, it’s safer to have an experienced rider present to guide you as you learn how to position your body and communicate with the horse.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://equinehelper.com/how-to-ride-a-horse/
- ↑ Kate Jutagir. Equestrian Specialist & Trainer. Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.
- ↑ https://equinehelper.com/how-to-ride-a-horse/
- ↑ https://www.youngrider.com/how-to-mount-and-dismount-a-horse/
- ↑ Kathy Richardson. Certified Horsemanship Instructor. Expert Interview. 07 February 2024.
- ↑ https://www.aqha.com/-/horseback-riding-basics-positi-1
- ↑ https://www.aqha.com/-/horseback-riding-basics-positi-1
- ↑ https://www.aqha.com/-/horseback-riding-basics-positi-1
- ↑ https://www.aqha.com/-/horseback-riding-basics-positi-1
- ↑ https://www.horseillustrated.com/english-horse-training-hold-reins-correctly
- ↑ https://horses.extension.org/basic-horsemanship-principles/
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159124002041
- ↑ https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/horse-training/how-to-ride-a-horse-813720
- ↑ Kathy Richardson. Certified Horsemanship Instructor. Expert Interview. 07 February 2024.
- ↑ https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/horse-training/how-to-ride-a-horse-813720
- ↑ https://blythdale.tripod.com/coventryequestriancenter/id34.html
- ↑ Kate Jutagir. Equestrian Specialist & Trainer. Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.youngrider.com/how-to-use-split-reins
- ↑ https://equinehelper.com/how-to-ride-a-horse/
- ↑ https://www.horseillustrated.com/horse-training-horse-neck-reining-69
- ↑ https://rachelshorseblog.wordpress.com/how-to-ride-a-horse-and-about-riding/
- ↑ https://rachelshorseblog.wordpress.com/how-to-ride-a-horse-and-about-riding/
- ↑ https://rachelshorseblog.wordpress.com/how-to-ride-a-horse-and-about-riding/
- ↑ https://rachelshorseblog.wordpress.com/how-to-ride-a-horse-and-about-riding/
- ↑ Kathy Richardson. Certified Horsemanship Instructor. Expert Interview. 07 February 2024.
- ↑ Alana Silverman. Certified Equine Specialist. Expert Interview. 17 March 2020.
- ↑ Kathy Richardson. Certified Horsemanship Instructor. Expert Interview. 07 February 2024.
- ↑ https://nasdonline.org/227/d000026/grooming-horses-safely.html
- ↑ https://nasdonline.org/227/d000026/grooming-horses-safely.html
- ↑ Alana Silverman. Certified Equine Specialist. Expert Interview. 17 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.bristol.ac.uk/media-library/sites/vetscience/documents/clinical-skills/Placing%20a%20Saddle%20on%20a%20Horse.pdf
- ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/saddle-up-how-to-bridle-and-saddle-a-horse/
- ↑ https://www.myhorseuniversity.com/single-post/2017/09/25/The-Dos-and-Donts-of-Equestrian-Attire
- ↑ Alana Silverman. Certified Equine Specialist. Expert Interview. 17 March 2020.
- ↑ Alana Silverman. Certified Equine Specialist. Expert Interview. 17 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.myhorseuniversity.com/single-post/2017/09/25/The-Dos-and-Donts-of-Equestrian-Attire
- ↑ https://www.myhorseuniversity.com/single-post/2017/09/25/The-Dos-and-Donts-of-Equestrian-Attire
- ↑ Kate Jutagir. Equestrian Specialist & Trainer. Expert Interview. 31 March 2020.
About This Article
Article Summary
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To ride a horse, start by mounting it using the stirrups on either side of the saddle. Once you're on the horse, sit up straight and turn your feet inward so you're hugging the horse with your legs. Then, hold the reins with both of your hands and gently tap the horse with your heel so it starts walking. To steer the horse, lightly pull back on the reins on the side you want the horse to turn. When you're ready to go faster, gently squeeze your legs into the horse's sides. To learn more from our Veterinary Expert co-author, such as the differences between Western and Eastern styles of riding, keep reading!
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