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Prepare For Horse Back Riding Lessons

By: Frances Smith

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Learn about how to prepare for horse back riding lessons to be ready to enjoy this sport. Horse back riding is an enjoyable sport enjoyed by many. To be able to really enjoy riding horses though, it's a good idea to take lessons especially if you've never spent much time around horses. The size of a horse can be intimidating to some so getting useful knowledge from an experienced rider and instructor can go a long way in helping you feel comfortable and have fun horse back riding.

  1. Find a reputable horse back riding instructor or school. Whether you want to work one on one with an instructor or take lessons through a school, do your research and find a compatible instructor to work with.
  2. Ask questions and take notes. When you have found a horse back riding instructor, ask what you need to do before the first lesson. Take notes and follow through with any recommendations the instructor gives you to do before your first riding lesson. This information may include exercises to do to limber up before the first lesson or an eating schedule to make your ride more comfortable. It's best not to eat immediately before your horse back riding lesson.
  3. Wear the right clothes. To protect yourself, it's important to wear long pants, usually blue jeans. The fabric of blue jeans is heavy and protects your legs from rubbing against the saddle. Boots are a good option to help protect our feet around the horse and the heel of the boot helps keep your foot in the right position in the stirrup. Wear a hat or cap to protect your face and to shade your eyes from the sun.
  4. Give yourself breathing room. After the horse back riding lesson, especially the first one, your legs and back may be sore. Leave room in your schedule to recuperate if needed. You may do just fine and not need to recuperate but knowing ahead of time that you may not be 100 percent, is good preparation for your normal schedule.
Posted on: Feb. 14, 2011