Older adults are fearful about getting started riding horses because they might get injured.
This is a realistic fear if you are not used to being around horses and have not been athletic.
I began riding horses as a young adult.
After years away from it because of family and work needs, I restarted.
I can tell you how.
Tip 1.
Ride the Right Horse The most important thing to do is to choose the right horse.
This may seem obvious, but a lot of people ignore this step.
They engage in wishful thinking, either through ignorance or because of desire to ride a horse that may be inappropriate for them at the start.
The horse should be well schooled and recently ridden.
That means someone who rides well should have been riding the horse regularly and right up to the time you get on.
This experienced rider should attest that your horse is obedient, easy to mount, doesn't shy, and is used to beginner riders.
Tip 2.
Ride in the Right Place You should ride in controlled surroundings.
That means an area that has borders, such as a field with a fence or indoor arena.
Preferably, the area should have normal everyday noise and not be unusually hushed or be subject to sudden unexpected noise.
It's best if the horse is used to the setting and has just been ridden there.
Tip 3.
Ride With Others Don't ride alone.
Adults who are comfortable around horses should be nearby.
The best situation is for you to ride under the supervision of a qualified, experienced, and patient instructor.
The particular riding discipline doesn't matter.
Good experiences can be had no matter what form of riding you do, Western or English.
Tip 4.
Wear Comfortable Riding Clothes and Check Your Tack When you are beyond the first couple of rides and riding seriously, the clothes and boots you wear do matter.
You can be uncomfortable and ride poorly if you wear regular, not specific riding, apparel.
However, when you are just getting started it isn't necessary to be in a special rider's outfit.
Comfortable flat shoes that fit and long pants are highly recommended.
You should have on a regulation safety helmet.
It's likely that you can borrow this until you get your own.
What gear is on the horse is important.
Saddle and bridle have to be comfortable on the horse and appropriately put on and adjusted.
You shouldn't be doing this by yourself if you are inexperienced.
Have your expert friend or instructor take charge of these steps.
Tip 5.
Ride When You Are Feeling Healthy In the optimum circumstances that I've just outlined, almost anyone can get on a horse and be safe.
However, I will tell you what helped me the most.
It was to do some stretching exercises ahead of time so that I felt a little limber and loosened up.
Getting on a horse for the first time is a wonderful experience, but many people feel stiff and uncomfortable for a few minutes before they start to relax and see that they are going to be okay.
Tip 6.
Make It a Short Ride Don't overdo it.
It's best psychologically and physically to make the first horseback ride short.
If you are led around an arena one time by your instructor, feeling as though you are being treated like a 4-year-old child on the first pony ride, that's just fine.
Have fun.
Laugh.
Have a great little experience.
Your confidence will soar when you take your first rides under these safe guidelines.
As a result you'll be eager to ride your horse without fear, progressing a little bit more with each ride.