Horse riding is an exciting activity for kids. It not only helps them to stay active but also teaches responsibility, patience and empathy. As parents, encouraging your kids to take up horse riding can open up a world of adventure.
However, to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable experience, it’s crucial to learn the basics. Here are the top six horse riding tips for beginners that will help your child start their journey on the right hoof!
Our tips for horse riding beginners
1. Start with the basics
First, it’s essential for your child to understand the fundamentals of horse care and behaviour. Horses are magnificent creatures with unique personalities and needs. Learning how to groom, feed, and handle their individual needs not only builds confidence but also lays a strong foundation between rider and horse. Watching instructional videos and reading beginner-friendly books about horse riding can give your child a head start before they begin practical lessons.
2. Invest in the right gear
Safety should always come first when it comes to horse riding. Investing in the proper gear can make a big difference in your child’s riding experience. This includes:
- A helmet: A secure and certified riding helmet is a must to protect your child’s head in case of a fall.
- Riding boots: A good pair of riding boots with a small heel will prevent the feet from slipping through the stirrups.
- Gloves: Riding gloves improve grip and protect the hands from blisters.
- Comfortable clothing: Ensure your child wears comfortable, fitted clothing that doesn’t restrict movement such as jodhpurs.
3. Get familiar with your horse
Building a strong bond with the horse is a crucial step in becoming a confident rider. The more time you can spend with them, the better you’ll be able to understand their behaviour and body language, communicate effectively, and enhance the overall experience of riding.
When meeting a horse for the first time, approach calmly, speak softly, and offer the back of your hand to let it smell or touch it. This “horseman’s handshake” helps build initial trust. Also, getting involved in activities like grooming, feeding, tacking up, and hand-walking can further strengthen their bond with the horse.
4. Be Confident
Horses can sense their rider’s emotions, and a confident rider can positively influence their behaviour. If your child is naturally nervous, maintaining a calm demeanour will help both the rider and the horse feel more at ease.
Use plenty of positive reinforcement and celebrate your child’s achievements and efforts to boost their self-esteem. Remember, mistakes are part of the learning process, and with persistence, your child will soon progress to an intermediate rider in no time!
5. Sit up straight and keep your heels down
One of the most important horse riding tips for beginners is having proper posture to maintain balance and control while riding. Your child will be taught to sit up straight with their shoulders back and heels down.
This posture not only helps them stay relaxed and stable in the saddle but also prevents them from being easily unseated in case of sudden movements or shifts from the horse. Additionally, it allows them to use their leg aids effectively to guide the horse’s gait and direction.
6. Take it slow!
Horse riding is a skill that takes time to master, so it’s important to take things one step (or hoof) at a time. As beginner riders, it’s perfectly fine to go at your own pace and focus on getting comfortable with the horse’s movements.
A skilled instructor will gradually introduce more complex techniques and increase speed as your child gains confidence and readiness. Ultimately, the goal is to have fun; the more enjoyable the experience, the more motivated your child will be to continue improving their skills.
Overall, horse riding is a wonderful activity that offers numerous benefits for children. By following these top horse riding tips for beginners, your child can start their riding adventure safely and enjoyably.
Go on a horse riding camp with PGL!
One of the best ways to immerse your child in the world of horse riding is by enrolling them in our PGL Beginner Pony Camp (8-13 years). Here, kids can learn from experienced instructors, make new friends, and enjoy a fantastic range of outdoor activities–all in a safe and supportive environment!
For more advanced riders, we also offer:
Pony Improver Camp (11-16 years)
Pony Trekking Camp (11-16 years)
Get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today to see how we can help.
While you’re here, why not explore our other amazing outdoor adventure camps? We’ve got Multi-activity holidays, Watersports, Adrenaline Quest and much more!
