How To Train Yourself On Horse Riding

By Leonard Schmid


Prior to being ridden your mount must get used to the halter, bridle, saddle and any other equipment that will be used in the genre it will be trained to participate in. Horse training begins when the halter is placed over the head. It is outfitted with a metal ring to attach a lead rope to. Through gentle urging, he will learn to follow when the lead rope is pulled forward.

Next comes the bridle, which will be used to guide the horse during riding. It consists of the leather straps that are placed over the head to hold the bit and reins. The bit is made of metal and placed in the mouth. In some cases a Martingale is used in place of a bit. This puts pressure on the nose to guide the animal during riding.

The back must be carefully brushed so no debris is left to cause a sore from something rubbing against the it. A saddle blanket and pad are put in place and then a saddle. When the saddle is lowered on the back for the first time, the horse may be surprised. The weight is unfamiliar and he must get used to it slowly before being ridden.

Some breeds start training later than others. The usual time is between age two and four. The Lippizan breed matures slowly and thus, training begins at a later age. It is best to allow the horse with a barcoo bridle to get to know the trainer well before actual riding begins. Some owners, who wait till age two or so, and start right in abruptly, will have a more difficult time of it. The animal, as a result, may develop some bad habits.

There are numerous contests, performances and activities for an equestrian to take part in. The larger breeds are suitable to train as draft horses. The impressive Clydesdale and Percheron are strong enough to pull circus wagons and stage coaches. They are taught to tolerate heavy harnesses and be driven.

The equine intended to be ridden strictly for pleasure will still need to know the basics of how to respond to signals, both spoken and communicated through the reins. The Western style bridle has a single rein attached to each side of the bit or Martingale. The rider holds both in his left hand.

Barrel racing is a fast competitive event seen in Western horse shows and rodeos. It requires a short, compact mount, usually a quarter horse, that is adept at making sharp turns. Three barrels are set up in a cloverleaf pattern in the arena. The pattern is to circle the one on the right, race across to the second and circle that one. Then race to the third barrel, circle it and race over the finish line.

The rules include not tipping a barrel over. The goal is to cross the finish line in the shortest possible time. Horse training for this event takes patience, skill and a significant length of time. Start by taking him slowly through the cloverleaf pattern. The goal is to progressively shorten the time it takes to finish because fastest time wins.




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