Im going horseback riding for the first time in the spring... I am 12.. is there anything that is very important to know before I go? What will happen on my first class? Is there a good website? Thx... just anything inportant that you would have liked to know when you fist started and didn't figure out till later!?!? Thx!
2007-02-28 10:04:40 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
What do I wear for my first lesson?
2007-02-28 10:06:30 · update #1
No, im taking english... And no dont have a horse
2007-02-28 10:21:49 · update #2
Yes but I will take 1 hour private lessons...
2007-02-28 10:22:50 · update #3
When I first got horseback riding lessons I was eight. And the first thing they taught me was to tack the horse, how to saddle the horse, and to groom it. Then hey taught me how to ride. It depends, are these Western Horseback lessons, or English??? I got western lessons and all I wore was boots and a pair of jeans, and a t-shirt. I now have three horses at the age of thirteen and am having a blast! Do you have a horse, or want one?
Have fun! I'm sure ya will!
2007-02-28 10:12:15 · answer #1 · answered by HorseyGurl101 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you are serious about it, and are going to be taking regular lessons, you should probably wear johds, proper riding boots, and a t-shirt or other shirt of some sort. Also, you will need a helmet. For your first lesson, you may just get used to the horses and learn how to take care of the horse, and practice sitting in the saddle correctly at a walk. What happens on the first day really depends on who your instructor is. Some instructors let you trot on the first day, while others do not. Just remember to be very open to the instructor's advice, and do everything they say. Also, what you do on the first day may depend on how well you start out. If you have some riding experience, the instructor may let you go farther. But, if you don't have experience, you will be starting at the basics. Remember to use your voice, legs, body weight, and arms to your advantage. Before you get on the horse, ask your instructor what the horse likes and does not like. Also ask what the horse responds to best (leg or voice signals) I hope you have fun, and I hope this helps! Happy trails!
2007-02-28 11:39:14 · answer #2 · answered by Madison M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry so much. The first couple lessons are just about balancing anyways. The instructor should provide you with a helmet and a safe horse.
What you should wear: tighter stretchy jeans (not too tight that would would be uncomfortable or if they would pull on you, but not so baggy that it would be a hazard). They should also be old and cheap- you probably will get horse sweat on them.
If you are in it for the long run, I would suggest buying a pair of breeches. They grip better and are more comfortable than most jeans to ride in.
Shoes is also important. There are riding boots of varying costs at the store. Some stables provide them for lessons, some make you buy your own. They should have a slight heel and come up past your ankles.
If you are not going to get riding boots, wear comfortable worn in tennis shoes. Make sure that they are narrow in the front and you can flex easily while standing on the edge of stairs (the down motion is what you will need when riding).
Good luck and remember, have fun!
2007-02-28 10:13:14 · answer #3 · answered by D 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I started at 5 and goodness knows, I wish I had learned things differently!
The biggest one would definately be: Don't even think about buying that philosophy of 'don't get off too soon, the horse will think he's won!' If things get scary and dangerous, GET OFF!!!!! DO NOT let the instructor fool you into thinking you're a ninnie for doing so. You're sane. Horse back riding is meant to be fun and safe, not stressful and dangerous.
What I mean by 'scary and dangerous' is not simply beginner's jitters. I mean the horse doing something dangerous. Bucking, rearing, bolting.... If you have a gut feeling that anything serious like that is coming, say, "I am getting off" and let that be all there is to it.
Horses are the most wonderful animals in the whole world, I think. Just don't let any pushy, overbearing instructors ruin it for you. I don't know why, but there are so many rude and pushy women in the horse world. I was an extremely confident rider but one bad teacher ruined it for me and now two years later, I can't ride even a good pony without getting nervous. Confidence is something you have to guard. Don't let it get ruined by going through a scary experience.
The best thing I could suggest for you is seeing if there are any natural horsemanship ranches in your area. They are tough to find, but it would be worth the drive if it's far. There is a Yahoo! Group, Parellinaturally that might be able to help you out if Google doesn't.
Natural horsemanship is about safety, fun, and confidence. I wish so much that I had started riding like that sooner instead of later.
Good luck, and have fun!
2007-03-01 04:09:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most barns don't have you even mount a horse the first lesson. They let you become familiar with parts of the horses body, equine safety, school you on tack names, and then finally grooming and tacking up. Every barn in my surrounding area does this and also will give parents a syllabus and equipment list that you will need to have.
If your barn doesn't practice the first lesson ground rule then I'd figure that you'll be getting a letter in the mail pretty soon welcoming you to their program and also giving you a reminder of things you will need to bring to first lesson.
If they don't here's a short list of must haves---
Jodhpurs- or any other type of riding pants.
Riding boots- if you plan on making this a long term thing go ahead and invest in riding boots
Helmet- some barns provide these...but to avoid the risk of lice or any other type of illness, bring your own. This way you can fit it to your head and never have to change the chin straps.
Riding shirt- most English classes prefer you wear a button up oxford tucked neatly into your riding pants. This is to avoid your shirt getting caught on anything and putting you or your horse in danger
Also don't forget pony tail holders and a bun holder if you want to. This will keep your hair out of your face and your mind on your riding.
Lastly- I recommend you don't eat anything at least 2 hours before your lesson. I've encountered kids in my lessons that would eat a bit before riding and end up having to take a stop at the john. Others that needed to use the restroom held it in and ended up being stiff the rest of the lesson.
Hope this helps and try to have fun. Happy Trails
2007-02-28 10:38:02 · answer #5 · answered by silvaspurranch 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wear comfortable jeans and boots. Your first class, after you meet the horse you are going to ride...you will probably be shown a bit about grooming the horse and then you'll be shown the saddle you will use and shown how to put it on the horse in a gentle manner. I'm assuming that you are going to be taking lessons and it's not just a one-time trail ride. If so, your teacher will probably walk around the ring with you while you are on the horse and let you get comfortable in the saddle and at the same time let the horse get comfortable with you on him and she/he will show you how to sit correctly on the horse. You'll also be shown how to hold the reins correctly as to not hurt the horses mouth. I teach English Riding lessons at a stable near me and that's how I start my students out when they come for the first time. :)
2007-02-28 10:12:37 · answer #6 · answered by Dorth 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I started riding when I was 7, and the first thing I was taught was how to ride properly and to groom a horse. I soon began to give other kids lessons and tack my own horse, all at the age of 9. And once you start horseback riding, you'll never want to stop! ;)
2007-02-28 14:14:33 · answer #7 · answered by CoolNCharismatic21 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have never ridden before you will probably be on a lunge line, or your trainer might put you on a horse to see how brave you are. Most likely the horse will be very broke. If you don't have riding pants you can wear jeans, that is mostly what i wear during practice. You will have fun! Don't be afraid of the horses, they are gentle giants!
2007-02-28 10:27:09 · answer #8 · answered by Just me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bring a bike helmet incase they do not have them or.. even better buy a riding helmet if your serious about it. Wear sneackers or boots with a heel if you have them, or if you can, buy a pair of paddock boots. Jeans are very uncomfortable to ride in (trust me, the seams rub your legs and HURT) so buy an inexpencive pair of breeches or chaps if you are going to ride in jeans but they are more expencive. the amount of stuff you get just depends on how serious you are going to be about riding. don't buy all this stuff and the quit though!!!!
2007-02-28 10:33:40 · answer #9 · answered by KD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wear comfortable clothes
If you wear jeans you probelbly will be uncomfortable.
I am currently having lessons also
2007-02-28 11:31:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋