First Time Horseback Riding?

We love farms because of the animals, such as pigs, goats, sheep, dogs, and kittens, but one of the main reasons is horses. However, if you are planning on going horseback riding, the best places to look are ranches. Ranches tend to be more specified for horseback riding. So, if you are planning on going horseback riding, here are tips for first-timers.

1. Those cute cowboy boots you have laying in the back of your closet waiting for stampede or western day wear. They do have a function other than being cute. The best footwear are cowboy boots because they fit the stirrups perfectly. It is also a safety thing; if your horse gets spooked, and you need to jump off, it makes it easier to do so.

2. Are you nervous? Don't be, horses can feel if the person that is riding them is nervous, and they'll tend to not listen to you. The person guiding the tour will ask you, and tell them right away. Some horses need more experienced riders on them.

3. Don't do a day trip right away. Start off easy with a two-hour or three-hour ride, otherwise, you might get sore. You will get sore even after a two-hour trip, and you will understand why cowboys walk like they do.

4. Horses love grass. Grass for a horse is like chocolate for a human. Don't be afraid to pull on the reins when you need to.

5. Horses, like all animals, have a personality. I rode a horse named Fire, and he had his own plans in mind; he did not like following the crowd and he wandered through the thicket of trees instead of staying on the trail. Another horse I rode was named Tucker; he was a bit of a troll and would purposefully go slower than the other horses. Then he would need to trot to keep up because he liked running.

6. Sometimes the guide will let you have the horse trot. Now, there is a way so your butt does not hit the saddle every time the horse runs. Believe me it hurts after a while if you don't know what you are doing. One of the tricks is to ride like you are standing and not sitting. Posture is also a very important thing while riding, otherwise, your back could get sore much faster. Remain relaxed while riding because horses do not like tense riders. It hurts them. While trotting, rise a little bit forward and go with the flow of the horse. You are basically rising and falling at the pace as your horse trots.

7. Never stand directly behind your horse. Horses tend to kick when you are directly behind them. They don't like being surprised, and a horse kick is very powerful and painful. You can stand behind them, as long as you are a good distance away.

8. Pat your horse while riding, as this will reassure them and it will make you a lot less nervous. Don't be afraid to talk to the horse. You talk to your dog and cat all the time, right? It's the same concept.

9. Jeans are probably the best because they are the least slippery from all the clothing, and you don't want to slip off the saddle and fall on the ground or... into something worse.

10. Remember to stretch. After going horseback riding your muscles will be sore, and so, after the activity, be sure to stretch and to do some squats or lunges.

11. If you decide to do this regularly, you will notice a few things: Your posture is much better than when you first started, your legs gain a lot of muscle, and you gained a fury friend.

12. Stop horsing around and get on the back of one!