If you’re new to horse riding, then congratulations on starting a new and exciting journey! Horse riding is an excellent activity for both physical and mental wellbeing. However, as a beginner, you need to learn some basic exercises that will help you to become comfortable and confident on the horse. In this article, we will go through the essential horse riding exercises that every beginner should learn.

The Importance of Basic Horse Riding Exercises

Basic horse riding exercises will not only help you become a confident rider but also ensure your safety. Learning these exercises will help you develop balance and coordination, allowing you to control the horse more effectively. As a beginner, you’ll be introduced to the basics of riding, including mounting, dismounting, and steering. Once you’ve mastered these exercises, you can progress to more advanced techniques.

1. Mounting and Dismounting

The first thing you need to learn when it comes to horse riding is mounting and dismounting. To mount, you need to stand on a mounting block, hold the reins, put your left foot in the stirrup, and push yourself up onto the horse. To dismount, you need to slide your right foot out of the stirrup, swing your right leg over the horse’s rump, and step down onto the ground.

2. Walking

Walking is the most basic gait of a horse, and as a beginner, you should start with it. The goal is to develop balance and coordination while the horse is moving. To walk, use your legs to squeeze the horse’s sides gently, and the horse will start moving forward. Keep your heels down, sit up straight, and hold the reins with both hands.

3. Posting Trot

Posting trot is the next gait you should learn. It is a rising and falling motion that keeps you in rhythm with the horse. To post, you need to rise from the saddle as the horse’s shoulder moves forward and sit as the horse’s hindquarters move forward. Keep your heels down, sit up straight, and hold the reins with both hands.

4. Sitting Trot

Sitting trot is another gait you should learn. It is a smooth and steady gait that requires balance and coordination. To sit the trot, you need to follow the horse’s movement with your hips and lower back. Keep your heels down, sit up straight, and hold the reins with both hands.

5. Canter

Canter is a fast gait that requires balance, coordination, and control. It is an exciting gait, but as a beginner, you should learn it under the supervision of an instructor. To canter, you need to sit in the saddle, push your outside leg back, and squeeze the horse’s sides with both legs. Keep your heels down, sit up straight, and hold the reins with both hands.

6. Halting

Halting is as crucial as moving. It is essential to know how to stop your horse when needed. To halt, you need to gently pull the reins back toward your stomach while pushing your heels down. Say “whoa” as you pull the reins back.

7. Turning

Turning your horse is another basic exercise you should learn. To turn left, pull the left rein toward your left shoulder and push your right leg back. To turn right, pull the right rein toward your right shoulder and push your left leg back.

8. Circles

Circles are an excellent exercise to improve your balance, coordination, and control. To make a circle, turn your horse in the direction you want to go and keep a steady pace.

9. Figure of Eight

A figure of eight is a pattern that involves making a circle and then crossing the centerline to make another circle in the opposite direction. It is an excellent exercise for improving your horse’s flexibility and your control over the horse’s movements.

10. Transitions

Transitions are an essential part of horse riding. They involve changing gaits smoothly and seamlessly. To transition from one gait to another, you need to use your body position and the reins to signal the horse to change.

11. Two-Point Position

The two-point position is a standing position that requires you to stand up in the stirrups and lean forward over the horse’s neck. It is a useful position for maintaining balance and control over the horse’s movements, particularly when jumping or cantering.

12. Jumping

Jumping is an advanced exercise that requires a high level of coordination, balance, and control. It involves guiding the horse over an obstacle while maintaining your balance and position. As a beginner, you should start with small jumps and under the supervision of an instructor.

13. Stirrupless Riding

Stirrupless riding is an excellent exercise for improving your balance and coordination. It involves riding without stirrups, which forces you to use your legs and core muscles to maintain balance and control.

14. Lunging

Lunging is an exercise that involves leading the horse in a circle while you remain in the center. It is an excellent exercise for improving your balance and coordination, and it also allows you to observe the horse’s movement patterns.

15. Cooling Down

After riding, it is essential to cool down your horse properly. This involves walking your horse for several minutes to allow their body temperature and heart rate to return to normal.

In conclusion, learning basic horse riding exercises is crucial for beginners. These exercises will help you develop balance, coordination, and control over the horse’s movements. As a beginner, you should start with mounting and dismounting, walking, posting trot, sitting trot, canter, halting, turning, circles, figure of eight, transitions, two-point position, jumping, stirrupless riding, lunging, and cooling down. Remember to always ride under the supervision of an instructor and wear appropriate safety gear.

FAQs

1. What should I wear for horse riding? Ans: You should wear a helmet, boots with heels, and comfortable pants that allow you to move freely.
2. Can I ride a horse without an instructor? Ans: It is not recommended to ride a horse without an instructor, particularly if you are a beginner.
3. How often should I practice horse riding? Ans: It is recommended to practice horse riding at least once a week to develop your skills and maintain your progress.
4. What are the benefits of horse riding? Ans: Horse riding is an excellent activity for physical and mental wellbeing. It improves balance, coordination, and strength, and it also reduces stress and anxiety.
5. How long does it take to become a proficient rider? Ans: Becoming a proficient rider takes time and practice. It depends on various factors, including your dedication, skill level, and the frequency of practice. Generally, it can take several months to a year to become a proficient rider.