First Riding Lesson
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Your first riding lesson will be exciting, and maybe a little scary. Your instructor has been through this before, with countless new riders, so your first time should go smoothly. Still, it will go better if you know what to expect.
The horse you ride will have its own tack, consisting of saddle and bridle. Unless you’re riding your own horse, the school should have supplied those already. Before you get in the saddle, get the gear you need for comfort, as well as your own protection. Whether you’re riding English or Western, these items are essential; otherwise, your lesson could end quickly, and painfully.
Most importantly, always wear a helmet to protect your head. The latest regulation ASTM/SEI certified helmets are lightweight and affordable, and you’ll be glad you have one if you or the horse takes a fall. In fact, most licensed riding instructors will insist that you wear a helmet for legal and insurance reasons. (If you have long hair, tie it back and put it in a net or bun — mostly so you can see, but also it won’t get stepped on by the horse if you fall. And if you’re riding outside, wear sunscreen.)
A long-sleeved shirt is highly recommended, as it will protect your arms in case of a fall. Breathable shirts allow better ventilation and can wick away moisture on hot days. In cold days, wear layers. Performance fabrics in undergarments as well as overgarments will allow your body to breathe under the layers. It is also recommended that you tuck in your shirt, to prevent any possible flapping that could startle the horse. For even more protection, wear a vest-style body protector. Since you’ll be getting used to holding reins, a sturdy set of riding gloves should help prevent blisters, and also help your grip.
The traditional Western choice for leggings has been jeans or work pants, which provide rugged protection. However, in the English discipline, which requires closer contact with the horse via the legs, jeans can irritate the horse’s body, and impede communication, traditional breeches are the standard here. They should be snug enough to fit inside your boots, but thin enough to allow movement.
Speaking of boots, there are many options, but with the same purpose. A boot with a heel will help you get in the saddle, stay in the saddle, and get out of the saddle. The classic cowboy boot is the epitome of Western style, but for English riding, the tall boot is the classic look, while paddock boots, with half chaps to protect your legs, are also an option for lessons. Boot socks will help with getting boots on and off and are especially handy in cold weather.
Now that you’re all decked out, what will you be doing? First, you’ll be introduced to the horse you’ll be riding, and learn how to approach without showing fear or too much enthusiasm. It’s important that you and your new friend are comfortable with each other at all times, and not just when you’re in the saddle. Once acclimated, you’ll proceed with the basic tasks: mounting and dismounting safely, balancing your body in the saddle and while the horse is in motion, steering and stopping the horse, and learning commands like walk, trot, and canter. From there, you’ll learn and keep learning, while your passion for the animal and the sport grows stronger.
You can also take advantage of group lessons. Lessons can be less expensive with a group of new riders when compared to a one-on-one lesson. Group lessons also allow you to make friends with other riders.
The horse you ride will have its own tack, consisting of saddle and bridle. Unless you’re riding your own horse, the school should have supplied those already. Before you get in the saddle, get the gear you need for comfort, as well as your own protection. Whether you’re riding English or Western, these items are essential; otherwise, your lesson could end quickly, and painfully.
Most importantly, always wear a helmet to protect your head. The latest regulation ASTM/SEI certified helmets are lightweight and affordable, and you’ll be glad you have one if you or the horse takes a fall. In fact, most licensed riding instructors will insist that you wear a helmet for legal and insurance reasons. (If you have long hair, tie it back and put it in a net or bun — mostly so you can see, but also it won’t get stepped on by the horse if you fall. And if you’re riding outside, wear sunscreen.)
A long-sleeved shirt is highly recommended, as it will protect your arms in case of a fall. Breathable shirts allow better ventilation and can wick away moisture on hot days. In cold days, wear layers. Performance fabrics in undergarments as well as overgarments will allow your body to breathe under the layers. It is also recommended that you tuck in your shirt, to prevent any possible flapping that could startle the horse. For even more protection, wear a vest-style body protector. Since you’ll be getting used to holding reins, a sturdy set of riding gloves should help prevent blisters, and also help your grip.
The traditional Western choice for leggings has been jeans or work pants, which provide rugged protection. However, in the English discipline, which requires closer contact with the horse via the legs, jeans can irritate the horse’s body, and impede communication, traditional breeches are the standard here. They should be snug enough to fit inside your boots, but thin enough to allow movement.
Speaking of boots, there are many options, but with the same purpose. A boot with a heel will help you get in the saddle, stay in the saddle, and get out of the saddle. The classic cowboy boot is the epitome of Western style, but for English riding, the tall boot is the classic look, while paddock boots, with half chaps to protect your legs, are also an option for lessons. Boot socks will help with getting boots on and off and are especially handy in cold weather.
Now that you’re all decked out, what will you be doing? First, you’ll be introduced to the horse you’ll be riding, and learn how to approach without showing fear or too much enthusiasm. It’s important that you and your new friend are comfortable with each other at all times, and not just when you’re in the saddle. Once acclimated, you’ll proceed with the basic tasks: mounting and dismounting safely, balancing your body in the saddle and while the horse is in motion, steering and stopping the horse, and learning commands like walk, trot, and canter. From there, you’ll learn and keep learning, while your passion for the animal and the sport grows stronger.
You can also take advantage of group lessons. Lessons can be less expensive with a group of new riders when compared to a one-on-one lesson. Group lessons also allow you to make friends with other riders.