Horse Riding Lesson – Initially Young Riders Need to Learn Fundamental Seat and Body Position

A lot of anticipation can build up as the first horse riding lesson becomes a reality rather than a long sought after dream, and quickly excitement can turn to nerves as the child contemplates coming face to face with a horse for perhaps the first time. Unsurprisingly parents also feel an equal level of nervous excitement, knowing that their child is about to take control of an animal which typically has a 15-time weight advantage.

This short article takes a look at the objective of the first riding lessons.

It is vital to start with a qualified instructor who will certainly understand these fears and would never place a child on the back of a horse before the child is ready. Early lessons are structured towards teaching beginning riders the basics on how sit properly and guide these marvelous animals.

Riding classes often focus on teaching students English style riding. Advanced English style riding includes areas such as dressage, fence jumping and basic riding skills. However, for the first class only simple fundamentals will be the focus. The instructor may choose to lead the horse out from the stable or allow the student to lead. This is simply a matter of holding the reins and walking in front of the horse to where the lesson will begin.

The child will first be instructed on the names of the equipment such as bridle, reins, saddle and stirrup – thus ensuring that when the instructor says, for example, pick up the reins, the young student will understand the instruction. Then it is time for the student to mount up and find proper seat position.

The proper seat and body position are some of the most important aspects for learning to ride a horse. The rider communicates to the horse using body position and legs. A rider improperly leaning forward is communicating to the horse to move faster, for example. Proper position includes sitting with the back straight and legs slightly bent. The feet will be in a straight line with the shoulders. Horseback riding differs from a number of sports because the rider keeps the weight in the heels instead of the balls of the feet. This helps to keep the back straight. The knees always maintain contact with the side of the horse.

Once the child has learned a proper seat, it is time to ask the horse to walk. There will be no trotting or cantering in the first class. The young rider will first need to learn how to properly guide the horse using the reins and legs. Most important, the student need learn the proper command for stop. Sometimes the instructor could choose to guide the horse holding extended reins called lead line.

An approved riding school provides well-trained school horses for novice riders. The younger less-trained horses are reserved for more advanced riders. Parents can confidently observe their child work on developing a good body position and the fundamentals of guiding the horse on a well-behaved animal.

The child will also be in the capable hands of a qualified instructor. Approved schools provide instructors with the essential experience and patience for working with young children. Parents will see their child develop confidence working with large animals while learning an enjoyable new skill.