Learning to be a good rider is a combination of knowledge and learning how to be in your body in a way that helps you partner with a horse. In this section, I collect articles on both topics intended to build your knowledge to help you become a better, more responsive rider, as well as exercises to help introduce you to the body movements necessary for comfortable, confident horseback riding.
Horseback riding has a language of its own. Two statements that commonly cause confusion for new riders are “tacking up” and “untacking a horse.” These phrases are used by horse owners and riders in the English and Western riding disciplines all the time and are often the first jargon to confuse new riders. In this …
Learning to be an expert horse rider is not easy – especially when beginning as a teen or adult. In a culture that values expertise but not the long process of learning a new skill, it can be hard to get through the process of becoming an expert rider. In this article, we’ll talk about …
Renting a horse is an alternative to horse ownership that works well for many casual riders, growing kids, and people who are interested in an ultra short-term alternative to horse ownership. Horse rentals are available in nearly every area, and in this article, you’ll learn: Getting started: understanding what it means to rent a horse …
Many equestrians suffer from lower back pain. For some people, horseback riding can provide relief, while for others, time in the saddle may seem to increase discomfort. Luckily, there are things you can try both before and after mounting up to help relieve lower back pain, including stretching or using heating pads and ice packs. …
The idea of riding a horse for the first time is, for many people, equal parts thrilling and intimidating! Horseback riding is a less and less common hobby as the world modernizes, but there is something about this activity that continues to draw us. In this article, you’ll learn what to expect your first time …
Leading a horse with the bridle is more complicated than it seems. While actors in movies and TV shows make it look easy, leading a horse with a bridle requires more skills than using a lead rope. In this article, you’ll learn how to lead a horse with a bridle and reins safely. Where Movies …
Horses are great swimmers. Some horses even love playing in the water. However, other horses find the water unsettling, especially if they can’t see the bottom. If your horse is a bit scared of the water, don’t worry, there are a few ways you can help reduce their anxiety. In this article, you will discover: …
Getting in the saddle again after a long gap can be overwhelming. Many of us find that riding again as adults, after abandoning this hobby for education, family, or work, is a satisfying way to reconnect with our younger selves. Starting to ride again after a long gap is great for the body, mind, and …
If you have been taking riding lessons for any length of time, odds are good that you have heard the phrase “on the bit” by now. Instructors will often tell students to put their horse on the bit. Or, you might hear students saying they are having trouble getting their horse on the bit. If …
If you are just starting to take riding lessons, you will soon realize that there is a lot to learn, and a lot of new words! The horse world is filled with its own special lingo, and learning it can almost feel like learning a second language. Knowing the terms on this list will help …