12 Tips for Beginning Equestrians
Troxel Performance Headgear Denim Sierra Riding Helmet
Always wear appropriate clothing to the barn:
Helmets: From my own personal experience, I understand that there may be a perception that wearing a helmet while riding might not appear fashionable. However, I cannot stress enough the importance of prioritizing safety by wearing a helmet. It is crucial to invest in a well-fitting, certified helmet that provides reliable protection, even in the event of a fall. If you are in search of a suitable helmet, the one in my photo above is the Troxel Performance Headgear Denim Sierra Riding helmet. It can be found using my affiliate link here: https://amzn.to/44ieu3c
Boots / Close toed shoes: Even the best horses can accidentally step on your feet. If you don’t want bruised or broken toes be sure to wear the appropriate footwear. The proper footwear is also beneficial when riding as they can prevent your feet from slipping through the stirrups.
Clothing: I strongly advise wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants or tights when spending time at the barn. While it may seem counterintuitive, even in the summer months, I believe it is of the utmost importance. By doing so, you not only shield your skin from the sun’s rays but also protect yourself from potential irritants and scratched caused by hay/grass or in the event of a fall. Wearing long pants or tights further helps to prevent grass from getting into your boots, minimizes scratches, and deters flies from bothering you.
Stay Alert:
Might seem like something that should be common sense, but you’d be surprised at how many people are not aware of their surrounds whether that’s riding or even just walking around the barn.
When walking: It's important to remain vigilant even if you're not riding the horse. Pay attention to potential hazards such as loose horses and snakes. Although it's not a common occurrence, horses can occasionally escape from their stalls or riders. Growing up in southern California, I quickly learned to be cautious of snakes on trails, in arenas, and even near horse stalls. While most encounters were with California King snakes, there have been a few instances of rattlesnakes in the area where I board my horse. .
When riding: always be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards such as other animals, change in terrain, low lying branches, and even the rare umbrella. Stay alert and adjust your riding to ensure the safety of you and your horse.
Practice regular groundwork: to establish clear communication and respect with your horse on the ground.
Investing time in groundwork and nurturing a bond with your horse is immensely valuable. Groundwork serves as a critical foundation for establishing effective communication and mutual respect. Engage in activities like leading, lunging, and performing round exercises to to strengthen the connection between you and your horse. Through this practice, trust is enhanced, and your horse’s training is reinforced.
During groundwork sessions, prioritize the development of clear and consistent communication, utilizing appropriate aids and cues. Consistency in your interactions helps avoid confusion and fosters a healthy partnership. By dedication time and effort to groundwork, you lay a sturdy foundation for a harmonious relationship with your horse.
Don’t wrap the lead rope or lunge line around your hands or fingers:
Always avoid wrapping the lead rope around, lunge line, or any rope that is connected to your horse around your hands or fingers. Hold the rope in a manner that allows you let go easily, if necessary. Horses possess their own instincts and can react unpredictably, especially when startled. For instance, if the horse you are walking becomes spooked by a nearby tarp, it make take off suddenly, potentially dragging you along.
Use proper tack and equipment:
Ensure that your tack, including the bridle, saddle and girth fit your horse properly. Ill fitting tack can lead to a problem horse. Regularly check for any signs of wear or damage that may compromise the safety of your tack or equipment.
Properly warm up your horse:
Before any intense exercise or riding session, allow for your horse to warm up properly with some gentle stretching and light exercise, they are athletes after all. A warm up will help to prevent injuries and prepares your horse for the workout. Be sure to warm up on the ground and in the saddle (if you are riding).
Regularly monitor your horse’s health to address any issues to ensure their well-being:
It is essential to prioritize your horse’s routine veterinary care, which includes vaccinations, dental check-ups, and hoof care. Be proactive in monitoring you horse for any signs of lameness, illness, or discomfort, ensuring prompt attention to any concerns. Before engaging in any riding or ground work sessions, always assess your horse’s well-being. Just like humans, horses can have off days or sustain injuries even within their stalls or turnout areas. If you observe anything unusual or concerning, it is crucial to promptly seek advice from your veterinarian or farrier.
Know your limits:
Acknowledge your current skill level and avoid pushing yourself or your horse beyond your capabilities. While you may witness friends attempting impressive tricks or exploring new training techniques, such as standing on their horse’s back or crawling underneath them, it is important not to assume that your horse will automatically understand or perform these tasks. Instead, focus on gradual progression and seek professional guidance when needed to enhance your riding abilities and expand your knowledge.
Find your ‘seat’:
Develop and maintain a secure seat in the saddle. This can be achieved by ensuring your heels are down, maintaining a balanced position, and engaging your core muscles. By finding your ‘seat’ you enhance your control and minimize the likelihood of falling off. While it is impossible to guarantee that you will never experience a fall (even the most skills riders do), developing a secure seat significantly reduces the risk and improves your overall stability.
Stay hydrated:
Remember to take breaks during longs rides and training sessions to prevent dehydration and fatigue. Always have plenty of water with you and snacks. Even if it’s just a quick trip and not an all day event at the barn, be sure to have water.
Ask horse owners for permission:
Prior to petting or offering treats, it is polite to seek permission from the horse’s owner. This not only demonstrates good manners, but also signifies your respect for the horse and its well-being. Never assume that all horses have the same preferences. While certain horses may enjoy being the center of attention, it’s important to recognize that not all horses enjoy being pet. There are also horses that have specific dietary limitations or health conditions that prevent them from enjoying treats. Additionally, some horses may be protective of their personal space and pose a potential safety risk. By asking permission, you ensure the horse’s comfort and maintain a responsible approach to interacting with them.
Don’t ride alone:
While it is not discouraged to ride alone, having someone present is always safer. However, it may not always be feasible to have a friend, parent, or fellow rider around. In such cases, it is essential to inform someone else of your riding plans, including the location (arena or trail) and the estimated duration of your ride. This precaution become particularly significant in the event of an emergency. Having another individual or rider aware of your plans can be vital in obtaining necessary assistance for you or your horse.
If finding a riding partner proves challenging, it is crucial to carry a function cellphone or even a smartwatch that can be used to alert emergency personnel if you or your horse encounter an injury. This ensures that you have a means of communication and can quickly seek help if needed.
Most importantly, have fun!
Safety should always be a priority when working with horses. Continue to practice and educate yourself so that your experience with horses is a rewarding one!
