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Minouri

12-17-2007, 12:21 PM

Advice from a backyard rider....

I put a lot of new people on my horses and I tell them that every part of their body communicates something to the horse. Lean forward and you're saying run. Clench your legs and you're asking for speed. I have them follow behind the horse and watch as I use basic leg aids. Don't get upset if the horse isn't "listening" to you. Chances are you're telling him wrong...be open to figuring out how you might be saying it wrong. I walk beside them while they ride the first time and talk them through some basics.

Riding is like having a conversation without words. Be aware of what you're saying.

I usually have people start riding in just a halter and reins in the backyard. I teach about how softly you can stop a horse with even your seat and often just the oral command.

With Snowy, I make the kids start bareback with a halter to work on balance and confidence before riding Scooter. He's a wonderful teacher.

I put a bit in their hands and show them how little pressure is actually needed to say something to the horse. Never, ever make fast moves with the reins....and don't pull back on both at the same time hard thinking you'll stop the horse better...slow and smooth is the key.

And a well timed release from pressure is the key. They work for release. No release and the horse will either ignore your commands or he will keep trying to please you by offering something else.

First time riders often stop the horse and continue to pull back on the reins...then they think the horse is out of control as it backs up.

People don't understand at first the concept of horses moving AWAY from pressure. So I show them the right way to move a horse with your legs....and I show them how even where they look changes their seat position which changes the direction of the horse.

I tell them that a horse is only as brave as its rider. If you're scared....the horse is going to think there is a reason for them to be scared. Relax...even your butt and you'll feel the horse relax.

I also tell them that if something happens....(and it almost never does with new riders...my boys seem to know to take care of them) just let the horse go -- he's just going to head back to the barn anyway and the whole area is enclosed by a fence. I had one fool nephew hop on Scooter....drop the reins and give him two kicks to the side....Scooter went for one really fast ride around the yard and then came back to me...I believe he even pointed to the kid on his back when he asked me to get him off.....lol

That's when I increased how much I say before I put a very new person on the horses. I had just told my nephew to be light on the reins. He said that's why he dropped them...he didn't want to have to worry about pulling on them at all.

My neice terrified me one day by clenching her legs so hard that Scooter started to run and then pulling back on the reins in a panic. I saw him bunch right up. I finally got her to release the reins and he came right to me. I was sure he was going to buck her right off.

Never underestimate the possible crazy decisions a new rider can make and always ride in an enclosed area with new riders.

JMHO :) Hope this helps.

Mo.D

12-17-2007, 02:09 PM

Great points! My plan is to go through a little lesson explaining things from the ground before they ever get on and then when they do still yet keeping the lunge line on untill i'm completely comfortable with the way it's going.Explaining things from the ground is a different concept for me though because i'm the only one to ride them and am just used to just "doing what I do".Please keep those reminders of what we do when we're around our horses and also riding that a brand new person to horses will need to know coming.I'd HATE for someone to get hurt because I didn't think to tell them to do or not to do something that I just automatically do or never do.Guess i'm asking for help with a lesson plan.Thanks y'all!!!Your friend,Moniece