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Trail Riding Tips for Beginners

Experience a new adventure and explore territory you haven’t seen before! Trail riding is a different kind of sight-seeing that allows you to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you want to try something different, or you already know you love trail riding, Pink Flamingo Stables in Lake Worth will provide you with an unforgettable experience.

If trail riding is new to you, there’s no need to worry — the experienced staff at Pink Flamingo Stables will make sure your riding experience is safe and enjoyable. You might also like to read our trail riding tips for beginners. It offers some basic information about horses and horsemanship to help you get the most enjoyment out of your riding experience.

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Wear Proper Clothing

You don’t need to have special gear to ride a horse, but it’s important to make sure you’re properly dressed. Even if it’s a hot summer day, resist the urge to wear a skirt or sandals. Long pants or jeans will help to keep your legs from chafing and close-toed shoes are essential for trail riding comfort and safety.

Greet Your Horse

Treat your horse as your partner. When you meet your horse for the first time it’s important to introduce yourself by saying hello and letting him or her sniff the back of your hand. Speak to your horse in a gentle tone and try not to appear too nervous. Horses have very adept senses and can tell if you’re anxious. Interacting with your horse is a two-way street. If you don’t treat them with respect, your partner may not respond to you on the trail.

Stay in Front

Horses have many blind spots, and approaching from behind is not a good idea. Stay in front where he can see you, and make sure to walk and talk gently. A startled horse is a dangerous horse that can result in running, bucking and kicking.

Mount/Dismount From the Left

Horses are traditionally mounted from the left side. The reason for this goes back hundreds of years to when horse-riding warriors kept their weapons on the left. If they mounted from the right, they would sit on their weapon, so mounting from the left became the standard. If you are new to horse-riding, rely on your instructor for help. They will show you how to properly mount your horse and they will hold the horse’s head to keep him steady.

Keep Proper Posture

Whether you’re nervous, having a difficult time with trying to balance, or you’re just a natural “sloucher,” it’s important to keep proper form while riding. You should sit up straight, but keep a natural and relaxed pose. Having proper posture will help you to maintain balance and ensure a comfortable riding experience for both you and your horse.

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Stay Calm and in Tune with Your Horse

When you first start riding, you may be very tense and nervous. Try to relax and just enjoy the ride. Resist the urge to show you are “in control” of the horse. This approach will only backfire on you. You and your horse should work together to get to where you are trying to go. Never pull back on the reigns strongly like you might see people do on television. Always try to keep movements soft and gentle. Rely on your instructor to show you how to properly communicate with your horse and give you guidance on what to do if your horse isn’t responding to your gestures.

Trail riding can be a great experience with many benefits beyond just having fun. Whether you’re looking for a new activity to share with family and friends, a good workout for your legs and core or you just want to relax, trail riding will quickly turn into your new favorite hobby. Call Pink Flamingo Stables today to schedule your trail riding adventure!