Choosing the Horse That is Right for You
If you are what is called a Green Rider (new at horseback riding), your best bet is to start by learning to ride on a seasoned horse (a horse that is well tamed). The reason I say this is because it's easier to learn how to ride on a seasoned horse than it is a horse that needs additional training. Remember your most important lesson about horses is to be safe around them. If you are learning to ride, get on a horse that is trained to teach you what you need to know before you venture out to find just any horse. Never buy a horse because you think it is pretty or you like it's color. That's not being safe. Learn how to ride, take some lessons and at least learn the basics about horses before you purchase one. By taking lessons you will know what breed of horse is right for you. There are feeding instructions, exercise instructions and a very big responsibility that goes along with owning a horse. You can of course do what most people do and board the horse at a horse facility close to where you live or on your way home from work or school to make the most of your time. Oh, yes....that's another important thing about horses, your time that you must devote to them in order to be their best friend and favorite person in their life. Many people think that they can work all week and then go to the barn for the weekend and ride their horse and some people only have time for that. That's OK, but you cannot just expect your horse to walk out of that stall and go right out there to the arena or on the trail without having issues. One issue might be, your horse will be barn sour. Horses like a routine and I think that many people get discouraged not knowing how to handle a situation with a horse and if you are not sure how to respond to the issue you are faced with, it's easy to give up. After all, they are a large animal. They can be intimidating and sometimes dangerous given a particular circumstance. That's why it's always a good idea to learn as much as you can about them before you ride them. The best way to get to know your horse is to go for a walk with them. Don't ride them, you walk with them. Spend the time with them and you will find that you will learn how they react to different things, different situations, water, cars, etc. The more you are around these things you will notice your horse becoming more and more comfortable with you. Teach them that you are the leader by just walking with them. Don't let them run over you, put them in their place. There are such easy ways to handle your horse. Check out my link from this page on Training your Horse. I think you will be glad you did.