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 …
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. …
Horses with a reputation for spooking can be unnerving to ride. In this article, you’ll learn tips and strategies you can use to: Exposing your horse to as many obstacles and objects as you can in an environment they are comfortable in will help to build their confidence for similar situations outside of their comfort …
Do you feel like now is the right time to buy a horse? Or are you questioning whether you are truly ready for such a big responsibility? If this is you, you’ve come to the right place. We have made a list of 15 signs that show you are ready to take the leap and …
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 …
If you have a horse-crazy loved one in your life, then chances are you have been invited to watch them ride in a horse show. This means finding a way to make the rest of the horse show interesting and fun to watch as well. Growing up I competed in horse shows often, and I …
Riding Horses can be the most exciting part of a mountain vacation, tropical island retreat, or even African safari! To make the most of your experience riding horses on vacation, though, you’ll need to be armed with information about what to expect, how to prepare, what to pack, and how to avoid soreness the next …
What is a Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Rider? If you are new to horseback riding, may notice people referring to riders based on one of three experience levels: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced. These terms are commonly used to communicate how much experience a rider has. Beginner Riders A beginner rider is someone who is still …