How to Get Started in Riding Horses

Horse riding is a sport that people of all ages and from all walks of life can participate in and enjoy. There are many benefits of riding horses as well, although to some people it may look like the rider is just sitting on the back of the horse and letting the animal do all the work. Riding can develop balance and coordination and uses many muscles when cuing the horse and riding correctly.http://horses.about.com/od/learntoride/a/whylearntoride.htm It is not strength alone that guides a horse quietly over a rustling brook in the mountains, but a combination of flexibility and coordination. The movement of a horse at the walk stimulates liver function and digestion and is used as therapy for people who are wheelchair bound.http://horses.about.com/od/learntoride/a/whylearntoride.htm It is also a chance to develop a connection with a creature of nature and a bond that can last the lifetime of the horse or rider. In times of trouble the horse can be a solid friend and riding an emotional outlet and soothing experience. Whether it is hunt type riding behind a pack of hounds, western riding out on the trail, or riding an extreme park horse around an arena, getting involved in riding horses is a start into a whole new world and way of life.

But a person who knows nothing of horses may ask, "How do I get started in riding horses?" Following these few simple steps will get you going on your way.

There are many types of riding out there from rodeo speed events, such as pole bending and barrel racing, to a more sedate western type riding. There is dressage, often seen at the Olympics, and show arena riding such as Park riding, carriage driving, and show jumping. There is riding involving cows such as team penning, roping, and cutting. There is a western form of dressage known as reining as well. The first step you will need to determine is what sort of riding you will be wanting to do.

Local feed stores have horse magazines from all disciplines that you can look at and get a feel for the different styles of riding. You can read up on the differences at your local library. The internet is a huge resource for learning as well. A search on any of the styles of riding will give you a variety of websites you can look up and into to see what is of interest to you.

Another consideration you may want to look at are the different breeds of horses. Some breeds are known for doing certain types of riding, such as the Quarter horse that dominates the western scene and the warm blood the dressage. But there are breeds that can perform well in the whole spectrum of disciplines such as the Morgan horse and the Thoroughbred horse. Some people have been in love with a breed that they may have read about in childhood and then find out that it is not suited for the type of riding they are interested in. The local phone book may provide some names of farms that may have information about specific breeds, as well as the internet and library.

Once you have a feel for the type of riding you may want to get involved in a good idea is to talk to the people that actually do it. This may be your neighbor who goes to a lesson at a stable weekly. You can find out about a horse show in you local area and travel to it. At horse shows there are professional trainers, owners, amateur riders, and parents of riders. All these people will know something about what is going on at the show and many are willing to talk when they have a minute between classes. A trainer may want to schedule a certain time with you so he can devote his time to your questions, but there are often people in the stands that you can talk to as well.

You may find out about the shows in your area by picking up a horse related magazine at the feed store or horse supply store. Some of these are weekly publications and some are free. Many of these will list shows in the back and have advertising for trainers, breeders, farms, and schools that you may be able to get a hold of.

Breeding farms are a good place to start as well and can be found on the internet, by asking at a feed store, or the phone book.

There are different types of lessons available to people. There are group lessons and one on one lessons. There are lessons where you take your own horse or use the horse at the lesson stable. When you are first starting out follow up on your research you did when talking to people by scheduling a lesson with someone in the discipline you are interested in.

On your phone conversation when setting up your lesson ask how much it is per hour or half hour, if the lesson is in a group or alone, how long the trainer has been teaching and how long they have been riding horses. You may also want to know what kind of insurance they carry, if they know first aid and what other credentials and training they may have. You may also ask what kind of awards they may have won in their breed or style of riding.

You may also want to ask what type of equipment you will need for the lesson. At the very minimum most trainers will ask you to wear a helmet and boots with a small heel. Helmets can be purchased at most horse supply stores. The boots should fit the discipline of riding you are wanting to do. Western boots may catch on a dressage saddle so you would want high boots or smaller boots with half chaps. A pair of good fitting gloves is a good idea as well. The trainer will tell you what she is looking for. In the western disciplines you may need a rope.

If you do your homework before hand getting ready to jump into horse riding can go simply and smoothly. Be prepared to begin an new adventure.