Horseback Riding
Approach your horse carefully and from the side—not from behind. You might get kicked! Also, watch your feet, cause it hurts when a horse steps on you. Keep a good grip on the reins at all times so you can control the horse. Lead the horse from its left side with your right hand. Your left hand should hold most of the rope, folded accordion-style. Don't wrap the rope around your wrist, hand, or body, because if the horse takes off, you don't want to go with him!
Wear the right gear—check out Gear Up for all the details. Wear a helmet and sturdy boots in the stable and anywhere there are horses—not just when you are riding. Check all your stuff·the saddle (leather seat), bridle (part that goes on horse's head and reins), and cinch (strap around the horse's belly that holds the saddle on) should be fastened and sturdy.
Until you have some experience in saddle, don't ride alone. If you are riding in a group, keep at least a horse length away from the others. Know the area where you're riding. Ride slowly and carefully until you and your horse are familiar with a new route, and where objects or animals could scare the horse. Try to stay away from soft muddy ground, holes, and ditches—horses can trip too!
Approach your horse carefully and from the side—not from behind. You might get kicked! Also, watch your feet, cause it hurts when a horse steps on you. Keep a good grip on the reins at all times so you can control the horse. Lead the horse from its left side with your right hand. Your left hand should hold most of the rope, folded accordion-style. Don't wrap the rope around your wrist, hand, or body, because if the horse takes off, you don't want to go with him!
Wear the right gear—check out Gear Up for all the details. Wear a helmet and sturdy boots in the stable and anywhere there are horses—not just when you are riding. Check all your stuff·the saddle (leather seat), bridle (part that goes on horse's head and reins), and cinch (strap around the horse's belly that holds the saddle on) should be fastened and sturdy.
Until you have some experience in saddle, don't ride alone. If you are riding in a group, keep at least a horse length away from the others. Know the area where you're riding. Ride slowly and carefully until you and your horse are familiar with a new route, and where objects or animals could scare the horse. Try to stay away from soft muddy ground, holes, and ditches—horses can trip too!