Monday, October 19, 2015

Professional Horse Riding Lessons California Begin With The Basics

By Mattie Knight


Equestrian training is started when children are as young as four. Of course, they are put on ponies that fit their smaller stature. Height measurements are taken at the withers and each four inch increment is a hand. Ponies are thirteen hands and tall horses may reach seventeen hands or more. The Horse Riding Lessons California Instructors give will teach facts such as this to beginners.

The children age six and under usually take a half hour lesson at a time. For those seven and older, including adults, the classes last an hour. Before riding, the class will tack up their horses. This includes learning to brush, saddle and adjust the stirrups. Then they learn how to put the bridle on.

The riding instructions take up the major amount of time. When the lesson is over, the students untack their mount and sometimes take him to the barn or the pasture. A horse will enjoy having his back brushed after a lesson.

Clothing and helmet requirements must be respected. No person will ride unless he or she is wearing a helmet. Sure, those cowboy hats look glamorous, but, safety is more important than appearance. Pants or jeans are mandatory too. No shorts are acceptable. Shoes should have a heel at least an inch high. No tennis shoes are acceptable.

A riding instructor will take the time to evaluate each student for the purpose of placing him or her in the right class. Those with similar skills belong in the same class. Basic instructions include how to approach the mount while you are still on the ground. Hold out one hand with the palm down which is perceived as a friendly gesture.

If taking him out of a slip stall make a noise or talk to let him know you are there. A slip stall is for one horse. You should always saddle and mount from the left side. When in a slip stall, he is secured by attaching the halter to the hay manger using a knot called the slip knot.

To mount up, put your left foot in the stirrup on the left side. Then placing your weight in the stirrup, swing the right leg up and over the saddle. Settle both feet comfortably in the stirrups. Hold the reins in the left hand if riding Western style. Hold one rein in each hand if you ride English style.

To move forward make a clicking sound or shake the reins gently against his neck. Most horses respond to the sound as they are accustomed to riders using it. When riding Western the reins are connected to each other and held in the left hand. When you ride English, hold one rein in each hand. The reins are not connected in this style of riding.

Initially, lessons are conducted in an area that is enclosed. The instructor will teach new riders how to signal for a right turn and a left turn in addition to stopping and moving forward. The students will practice their reining skills until they do it naturally and are comfortable with controlling the horse. This is the first lesson for those learning to ride.




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