What types of things should every newcomer to riding know about?

Gary Stuart · Well Schooled

What types of things should every newcomer to riding know about?

Nikki Salo · Grand Prix

My best advice would be that every rider and every horse progresses at their own level, we're all different and nobody should ever feel ashamed that they aren't riding at somebody else's level. It took me years to figure that out!

Some other things that I have learned over the years are:

- Always have a hoof pick and spare halter handy
- Always wear a belt because it can double as a neck strap to catch a loose horse
- Always pick the best hay that you can afford
- Always buy boots that fit, if you ever need to walk home, you will be sad if they don't fit by the time you get home
- Wear a properly fitted helmet, your melon thanks you
- Disinfect your grooming tools at least twice a year
- Always keep an open mind, never stop learning
- Don't lend out your best tack, buy the cheap spares and lend that out instead, that way if you never see it again, it wont bother you as much
- Allow your horse to be a horse every once in a while

-- Edited by Nikki Salo on Monday 15th of November 2010 05:17:56 PM

SoftTouchTraining · Well Schooled

Remember to have be safe and have fun. Don't put so much pressure on yourself that you no longer enjoy riding. There are thousands of horses out there. Don't settle for one that doesn't fit you. Listen to your natural instincts, if your gut tells you that something isn't right more than likely it's right. This goes for everything from the horse to the trainer. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek help. Everyone needs help/guidance, even the top professionals. Don't be afraid to explore multiple disciplines. That is the wonderful thing about horses there is something for everyone.

Katherine F · Well Schooled

If you're just starting out taking lessons, see if you can go with a buddy. That way you'll have someone else in exactly your position that you can share all your experiences, questions and triumphs with. You can also compare sore body parts!

Hoti47 · Well Schooled

One thing I learned fast was EVERYONE HAS AN OPINION---- but not everyones opinion matters. Don't do something with your horse unless you are well educated and feel comfortable doing it.

justice · Grand Prix

Do not endeavour to OWN a horse until you have considered (and can meet) the financial demand that responsible ownership requires.

-- Edited by justice on Monday 22nd of November 2010 02:57:30 PM

Laura F · Well Schooled

It's not IF you will fall of, but WHEN you will fall off. You've got to be prepared to take that risk.

Barnmouser Ash · Grand Prix

I think everyone here has good points. I particularly agree with Nikki in that everyone learns at their own pace. It has taken me a few years to learn this as well. You can't judge yourself based on other peoples abilities, even if they have been riding for the same amount of time as you, or even less. You have to see it in terms of things like learning a language. Everyone learns at different speeds, and just because one person learns faster than another doesn't make them particularly smarter than the other person. We all have our different range of abilities and and the abilities to master certain things. Everyone is different.

I also have to agree with Justice in that if you are going to buy a horse, PLEASE learn not only the financial responsibilities of it, but how to PROPERLY care for that horse. If you can afford to feed your horse a bale of hay every other week, that doesn't mean you know how to properly care for that particular horse. Like I stated, everyone (including horses) are different. Adjust your budget accordingly. If you can't meet these standards, then please please please wait until you can!

As far as my own contributions, I would say that nobody should ever let someone else put them down because of their ability or lack of ability. "You'll never be as good as me," should be taken as a challenge, or else dismissed, in my opinion. You can't let the little things get to you, or you'll start to resent it. I would also say that particularly for youngsters, never let someone else's opinion of what the best riding style is, influence your future. Too many times I've heard of youngsters being forced to jump when they're scared, or being forced to rodeo, or this/that, because the parents feel that they will be champions if they are started young enough. This may be true, but the rider has to have a passion for it, or they won't get anywhere happily.

Which leads me to my next point; be happy! Have fun! Always keep things fun and refreshing, or you'll grow to resent riding. If you for some reason are unable to ride (as I am now), keep yourself updated on the horse world. If you really love what you're doing, don't let little things stop you!

Alright.. so I wrote a novel...

Marlene · Advanced

I would say for a beginner to lease/rent a horse for at least a year and find out everything involved in care and cost before getting a horse of your own, and take lessons. If things aren't going quite the way you think they should ask someone experienced, but don't fret or blame your horse, or beat yourself up. Give things some time, it takes time just to get muscles in shape, relax and have fun. It takes quite a while, there's lots to learn, but do what you enjoy along the way, and you will meet lots of new friends (as well as possibly a few people who you don't need to take too seriously). Listen to your horse, they are the best teachers if you give them half a chance.
I would have to add, that while handling techniques are important, what your horse cares about is your attitude. A horse can sense your thoughts and feelings even better than you can, so you must be honest and respectful,as well as a confident leader, in all your dealings with them. Eventually you will be a team, but it takes a lot of experiences to develop that relationship.

-- Edited by Marlene on Tuesday 14th of December 2010 09:42:39 AM

-- Edited by Marlene on Tuesday 14th of December 2010 11:03:53 AM

kschmittendorf · Well Schooled

One thing that I learned quickly is this is not a "cheap" hobby. Even if you are not purchasing a horse. There are certain pieces of equipment that are required (helmet, boots, half chaps, possibly breeches) and other that you will find you really want to have of your own (saddle, stirrup leathers, stirrups, maybe bridle). I also found that there is a certain level of "talking down" to newcomers. Those that have been riding, even for just a few years, always want to impart their knowledge even if it is not needed or wanted. Take all of this in stride and use your best judgement. Riding and caring for horses is not some huge "mystery". Just like anything else common sense rules! This is a large animal and basic safety measures need to be heeded. I would reccomend reading horse magazines, riding books and watching as much video as you can and then taking only what you need for YOUR riding goals. The horse industry (and never forget this is an INDUSTRY) is just the same as any other. The bottom line is to make money and gimmicks for training, rider gear, horse gear abound! There is always some new method/trainer/saddle out that will guarantee to improve your horse and riding. Always keep in mind what your goals and needs are and keep to that. It should always be fun to ride! And if all you want to do is trail ride then don't let anyone demean that goal. I am just a recreational rider and am proud of that!

Ap · Yearling

As others have said, everyone has an opinion. Bear in mind that people with opinions don't always know what they're talking about. I found out the hard way, that all "horse people' aren't really horse people. If you need information, go to real experts - trainers who have many students, or horse people who can handle a horse with common sense and compassion. Go with your instincts. If you feel a person isn't what they appear, believe your gut.
I worked for a "trainer" who really wanted to make money, not train horses. In one day, he had a halter broke only, horse that he "trained to drive". With the horse hitched to the cart, and everything. Very scary when he told the owners the next day that their horse was "driving". Yup. Be careful of "experts".
You don't have to have "all the equipment" to enjoy your horse. I started with a halter, lead rope and bridle. I loved bareback riding. It taught me a lot about how the horse moves and "listening" with your legs and seat. You don't need chaps, riding breeches, boots, etc. I used to ride barefoot all the time. Enjoy your horse. Don't be afraid to own a senior horse. They have a lot to teach you.
Spend time watching horses interact with each other.
Have fun.