| No matter if you are engaged in horseback riding | | | | Next, ride the horse in figure eight patterns, |
| lessons on a horse provided by your school or riding | | | | maintaining a constant cadence and focusing on easy |
| your own animal, it is critical that you are able to | | | | changes between the left and right sides. Be sure to |
| maintain the horse's complete attention. If not, you | | | | walk a full horse length prior to switching course, and |
| will not get much out of your lessons. | | | | get the horse ready for the next bend. |
| The horses provided by horseback riding schools are | | | | 2. Trotting Techniques |
| known for nodding off in the middle of lessons, | | | | The preceding techniques may also be used while |
| because they grow weary of the routine nature of | | | | trotting and can be very helpful in keeping the horse |
| the sessions and the repetitive nature of effective | | | | from becoming accustomed to a particular direction |
| teaching. It can be particularly difficult for newcomers | | | | and from leaning on a particular single rein. |
| to alter the horse's activity at the same time they | | | | Introduce changes between trotting and walking, and |
| are trying to remain focused on giving aids properly | | | | then return to trotting once more. Try hard to make |
| and directing the horse accurately. | | | | easy changes, in order to get the horse to listen |
| However, a major component of learning to ride is to | | | | compliantly to our aids and starts to accede to your |
| gain the ability to change the routine sufficiently to | | | | contact. |
| prevent the horse from dozing off during the session. | | | | Riders of a more advanced level may perform |
| Luckily, several techniques exists which will help | | | | trotting serpentines in the arena in three equal loops. |
| maintain the horse's attention and focus. | | | | Riding from one longer side to the other one, request |
| Select the tactics that you are capable of | | | | that the horse complete a couple of walking strides |
| undertaking and put them to work in making the | | | | prior to ramping back up to a trot. The horse will |
| horseback riding experience more enjoyable. | | | | begin to anticipate your aids, which is a positive thing, |
| Those involved in horseback riding lessons may wish | | | | though you should make use of your legs to assure |
| to inquire with the teacher to see if they might put | | | | that you are always moving forward. It is important |
| the techniques to work prior to starting the session. | | | | that the horse not become anxious as he begins to |
| Perhaps you might suggest that the entire class give | | | | expect a shift downward. Therefore, you do not |
| them a try. | | | | want to consistently request walking at the same |
| 1. Walking Techniques | | | | spot. |
| Take the horse for a walk on a light contact one | | | | 3. Canter Techniques |
| time through the arena, using two reins. Next, | | | | Request lengthening as you reach the long side, and |
| traverse a 20 meter circular path, beginning with the | | | | gain control of the horse prior to reaching the short |
| horse's easier side, using a heavier contact. Demand | | | | side. Consistent switching from canter to trot and |
| longer strides, followed by shorter ones, followed by | | | | then a resumption of canter, incorporating cantering |
| longer ones. | | | | changing to walking, will help your horse remain at |
| Ease the pace prior to beginning the path in the | | | | attention, as lengthening and shortening the horse's |
| opposite direction. Prior to turning the horse around, | | | | stride on the circular 20 meter paths. |
| take him for a straight line walk for a full horse | | | | The preceding techniques will assist in maintaining |
| length. Request the horse to again switch between | | | | your horse's attention, as it changes his accustomed |
| long and short strides. | | | | routines and acclimates his body to the desired |
| The horse now ought to have a heightened alertness | | | | movements, facilitating his cooperation. Helping the |
| to your aids, as you are continuously changing | | | | horse enjoy the things asked of him will result in |
| movement, which requires his attentiveness. | | | | more enjoyable horseback riding lessons for you. |