If you are planning on purchasing a horse for your child, you may want to get them riding lessons so that they can know how to seat a horse. While it may seem easy to learn to ride, certain styles can be more difficult than others. A child can learn quite easily when the trainer [...]
Horse Riding Games are an Important Training Tool
The Many Types of Riding Boots
Those who love horses and who are going to start riding need to have some equipment first. The first item that is needed is riding boots. These boots are important protection for the feet and legs when on a horse. There are many types of boots that can be chosen from and knowing their unique [...]
Selecting the Right Equestrian Riding Boots for You and Your Family
Finding the right equestrian riding boots can be done quite easily with an online search and a few minutes of your time. Whether it is just you or the entire family that needs to be outfitted, you are sure to find a style that each of you likes at a price that is well within [...]
How to Choose the Right Horse Riding Boots
Purchasing a new horse can be an exciting time for the entire family. Everyone is going to be excited at the prospect of having a pet that can be ridden for fun or in competitions. Before grabbing your dirty sneakers and jumping on the horse, it is important to know that there are horse riding [...]
Horse Riding Equipment for Both Safety and Pleasure
One of the greatest joys in the world is spending time on the back of a horse. Horse riding is a favorite pastime for many, whether for enjoyment or actual competition. However, if you are new to the activity of riding horses and are contemplating getting a horse of your own, you must know that [...]
Video: The Horses of Iron Springs Farm
Here’s a great video from YouTube about the horses of Iron Springs Farm. These showhorses are amazing and graceful. The background song is called, “Chemicals React” by Aly & AJ. Be sure to watch this!
Problems when Mounting Up
Horses that move around when you are trying to mount are at best irritating, and at worst dangerous. You always want to avoid any situation where your foot is in the stirrup and you have the potential of being dragged. Being able to mount safely is also important should you need to get off your [...]
Trail Riding Safety During Hunting Season
Riders who board their horses near the city and stay on relatively urban trails probably never have to worry about riding during hunting season. However, if you ride your horse in a shared use area that is open to hunters, you must take measures to ensure that you and your horse are not confused with [...]
Arena Horse Riding Safety
When riding with other horses in an arena, are you the rider that everyone else is cursing for being unsafe and inconsiderate? Check out the following key points in arena etiquette and safety.
Always pass left shoulder to left shoulder. This is a standard rule in [...]
How much weight can my horse carry?
An often voiced concern of riders, both novice and experienced, is whether their body size is a good match for their horse. Of particular concern is often whether a rider is too big for their horse, and how heavy a rider the horse can carry. Although our horses are incredibly strong and resilient creatures, it [...]
Riding on Heavily Traveled Trails
With more and more people accessing small numbers of recreational areas for such activities as hiking, mountain biking, and horse-back riding, many recreational parks are under heavy use, particularly during summer months. When you are riding on the trails, always be polite to other trail users and adhere to the following trail etiquette:
Always [...]
Trail Riding Safety
For many horse enthusiasts, sharing a trail with an equine companion is the closest thing to heaven to be found here on earth. But without the right preparation, even small emergencies can turn that blissful ride into a nightmare. Always let someone know where you will be riding and how long you expect to be [...]
How to Handle Water Crossings When Horseback Riding
Many horses have a strong and innate fear of stepping in water. If your horse is one, you will understand the frustration of having your horse plant his feet in front of a large puddle or small stream, refusing to go any further. This is an incredibly exasperating experience for any rider, and may often [...]
Horseback Riding on Roadways
With more and more people housing their horses within city limits, riding on roadways has for many riders become a necessary evil to get to the trails that they love so dearly. If you do find yourself having to take your horse out onto a roadway, ensure that he is safe with traffic. Even if [...]
Safety Tips for Horseback Riding at Night
Riding at night can be extremely dangerous, and should always be done with caution. However, should you find yourself caught after the sun goes down, or if you are intent on taking your horse out for a moonlit ride, it is important to be prepared. Have a flashlight with you, or even better, a headlamp [...]
Bareback Riding Safety
Learning to ride without the security of a saddle or stirrups might seem like a scary proposition, but it can actually help you to bond more closely with your horse and improve your seat at the same time. With bareback riding there is a greater chance of falling, so be sure to always wear your [...]
Pregnancy and Horseback Riding
For many women horse owners there is not much that can keep them from the barn. But what happens if you find out you are pregnant? Unfortunately there is little other than anecdotal evidence on the relationship between pregnancy and riding, but there are a few basic things to consider. Falling is your biggest risk, [...]
Safe Horseback Riding in Extreme Heat
Riding in extreme heat can be at best uncomfortable, and at worst cause serious injury to you and your horse. Before heading out on the trail on a hot summer day, consider the following:
Is your horse well conditioned? The heat will add increased stress to your horse’s body, so it is important not to ask [...]
Winter Horseback Riding Tips
Many riders shy away from winter trail riding but with the right preparations it can be just as nice, and even nicer, than summer riding. One of the key safety issues is footing, so you will probably want to ask a farrier about shoeing options that will give your horse better traction on icy ground. [...]
How to Safely Fall Off a Horse
The more you ride a horse, the more likely you are to fall off. You need to be prepared for when the inevitable strikes. If you follow these rules, you will greatly improve your chances of falling off with no injuries.
How Do I Avoid Falling?
Keep your skill level in mind; ride a horse you are [...]