horse riding school?

Question

me & a friend have decided to start taking horse riding lessons this september....i thought it would be a fun idea its just once a week.... theres a stables near where i live....anyway i ve never been near a horse!!..lol
sooo any tips for my first lesson....:)

Answer 1

Wear some decent trousers - try not to wear jeans as the inside seam rubs your leg. You will need a pair of stout shoes with a heel so your foot cant slip forward through the stirrup.

Other than that have a fabulous time - the school will tell you everything you need to know!

Answer 2

Go to the school BEFORE your first lesson ... up to a week before, and ASK them for 'instructions' on anything you should 'do, wear, or know' before your first lesson. Also see if you can't be 'introduced' to some of the horses ... pet their sides, if possible, pet their noses (the long part, not the soft part in front) and even learn how to 'give them a treat' if that is allowed. Horses are very different from dogs and cats, and since they're so LARGE in comparison with humans, you'll need to 'be comfortable' around them BEFORE you ever get onto one. As for 'tips' on your first lesson ... I won't even TRY that, because you don't say whether you are taking Western or English riding ... but I can tell you that the first lesson you will probably just be 'led in a wide circle' inside a fence so that you can 'get used to the feel of a horse under you. If you are willing and the school allows it, you should learn how to 'groom and feed' your horse ... there is lots more to 'riding' than just getting on and telling the horse where to go and how fast ... you'll 'mature' if you can learn not just the 'mechanicals' of riding, but also the 'care and love' of a horse ... and once you get started, you will NEVER want to stop ... I started riding when I was two years old ... I'm now 56, and still 'totally love horses' ... if only I could keep one in my 'third floor walkup' apartment!

Answer 3

Have you actually called the school and arranged a lesson? I doubt you have, otherwise you would have been told exactly what to bring and what to wear. A helmet is required by law for all riders under the age of 18 and if you are under the age of 18, a parent must come with you to sign a waiver. You may have to bring a bicycle helmet if the riding school has no extra helmets to provide. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes, but try to avoid wide sneakers. If you do have boots with a low heel, those would be best. Your first lesson will probably be spent mainly on the ground, learning about the horse and the proper way to tack him up before a ride. You will learn about the saddle and bridle and many other things, including a proper grooming routine. When you do actually get on, I can guarantee that most of your time will be spent at a walk, getting accustomed to the horses movement.

Good luck

Answer 4

Just do what the instructor tells you and relax. A horse can sense tension in your body. The horse will be happier and so will you. Also, if you've never been on a horse, don't expect to canter or lope just yet. You would not be ready for it and a smart instructor will know that. Wear boots with a normal sized heel. If you don't and you fall, your foot could get caught in the stirrup. Wear riding boots or paddock shoes if you have them. A helmet is always a good safety item and most stables will provide them.

Answer 5

Lessons are the perfect way to really learn not only about riding but horses in general.

The main things to remember are remain calm and listen to your instructor.

Horses can tell when you are nervous or scared and they wonder what there is to be scared of, is there something you see that they don't.. etc.

Horses that a responsible trainer will usually start you on will be experienced and used to beginners so all you have to do is learn and enjoy yourself.

- "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man."

Answer 6

Do not give the horse the slightest idea that you fear him. Do not walk behind a horse, never. You can startle him and he will kick. You will end up in the hospital at best. When you walk beside a horse pat or touch him so he knows you are there. To begin make sure the trainer knows that you have never riden and you want the most gentle horse. He will probably know that but make sure. Never try to get a horse to walk through water unless he wants to. If you push him he will buck or try to jump over the water.

Answer 7

when you mount up on a horse use the left side and its easier with a mounting block i have to push my self up. When you're in the saddle have the balls of your feet in the stirrups and heels pointing down. Keep you back streight and you should be well balanced out. I own 5 horses they are lots of fun so I hope you have fun riding. I suggest you look up riding lessons Horse Illustrated gives some hints and so on.

Answer 8

Just stay calm around the horses and listen to and do every thing your instructor tells you. Thats the most improtant thing.

Horses are great fun but they are big animals that sometimes don't know there own strength. you should alway use caution around them expecialy when you're just starting out.

Other than that, have fun. You can learn a lot from a horse.

Answer 9

well you didn't say if you were learning western or english.
English- Keep your heels down, toes out and keep your back straight. Hold the reins in front of your belt buckle with both hands.
Western- Feel for the horses natural rythm and try to roll with it so you don't get bounced around too much. Hold the reins with your left hand in front of your belt buckle and hold the slack with your right hand resting on your leg.
Try and stay relaxed, your horse can feel any nerves or tention inside of you. Be aware of your surroundings and really try to enjoy it. Have fun!

Answer 10

My 10 year old daughters say: "Don't run around the horse, follow the instructor's guidance carefully. Wear a helmet. Don't expect to stay on for too long the first time. Don't expect to go fast your first time. ....and ask for a gentle horse."