Riding Terminology Gait - The speed and pattern of footfalls in a horse's stride. Standard gaits include walk, trot, canter and run. Trot - A slow to medium-speed gait, faster than a walk. When a horse trots, two of its legs (the diagonally opposite legs) are up at the same time, while the other two are on the ground (figure A). Canter - A medium-speed gait when the horse has broken into a slow gallop, but slower than a full-on run. When cantering, three of the horse's legs are off of the ground at the same time (figure B). Post - A style of riding in which the rider rises and falls in the saddle in rhythm with the horse's stride. The post is practiced in English-style riding when the horse is in a trot.
Posting Learning how to post is generally included in the first lesson of English-style riding lessons. It's fairly easy to do, but it takes a while to master the technique and rhythm precisely. When you're first starting, you can practice posting with the horse at a walk. Gradually coax your horse into a trot, then try to synchronize your rising and falling with each of the horse's alternating strides. Rise to the count of one, and sit to the count of two. In typical riding, posting is only done when the horse is trotting, not during a walk or canter.
Mastering the Trot Even though it's slower than the canter, the trot can make for a rough ride because the horse's body bounces in this gait. Learning how to post properly will take some of the impact out of riding at a trot. To trot, begin by holding your reins firmly yet allowing enough slack so that the horse can move his head. Sit upright with your shoulders back, head up and eyes looking forward. Begin by having your horse at a walk, then squeeze both your legs to get your horse to move forward. Squeeze your horse with the leg from the thigh down. Release the pressure from your legs and loosen up on the reins, and then your horse should begin trotting. - Tip: When you ride, don't forget to breathe. Holding your breath creates tension in your body that a horse can pick up on.
Mastering the Canter Now that you've learned to trot, you can move on to canter, a faster gait. To get started, your horse needs to be in a steady trot, but without rushing. Sit for one or two strides, then bring your outside leg back and squeeze hard on the horse's side. Sit deep into the saddle and push your seat forward. At the same time put a little bit of pressure on the inside rein. Once the horse breaks into a canter, simply relax and enjoy the ride. Keep your hips relaxed and ride with the motion of the horse. Feel your seat lift and sink in the saddle with the three-beat motion of the horse's stride. A horse's head bobs slightly when he's cantering, so you'll need to relax and allow your hands to move with the motion of the horse's head. Avoid bringing your horse to a sudden stop from a canter. The stop should be gradual. Switch from cantering to trotting, then from trotting to a walk or full stop.
Remember that your horse relies on signals from you, regardless of what gait you're riding in. If you want to slow down, stop squeezing with your legs and take a firmer hold on the reins.
Trail-Riding Safety Riding in a ring is a great place to learn, but sooner or later you'll want to get out onto a trail (figure C). Keep in mind that trail riding is different from riding in a ring because you're not in a controlled environment. Remember that horses can be readily frightened by loud noises or abrupt motion. In their natural evolution, horses are prey animals, and they tend to run away from danger rather than confront it. Once a horse becomes panicked, it may be difficult to get it to stop running. Avoid situations that could startle or spook your horse. Here are a few other safety tips to keep in mind: - Children should always wear a helmet when trail riding.
- When going out on a trail, always let someone know where you're going.
- It's a good idea to carry a cell phone in case of an emergency.
- When riding in a group, always keep a distance from the other horses. The one in front of you should be one horse's length away.
At the end of your ride, your horse will be hot. Walk the last part home to give him a chance to cool down. Stabling a horse before he's had a chance to cool down can be harmful to him.
RESOURCES :
American Horse Shows Association (AHSA)
4047 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511-8483
Phone: 859-258-2472
Fax: 859-231-6662
Web site: www.soccer.org
Great Outdoor Recreation Pages (GORP) Web-site -- horseback riding
Great Outdoor Recreation Pages (GORP) is an informational Web site about outdoor activities.
Below is the link to their section on horseback riding.
Web site: www.gorp.com/gorp/activity/horsebak
Complete Idiot's Guide to Horseback Riding
Model: 0028639332
Author: Jaheil Jessica, Ph.D.
Macmillan / Alpha Books
Website: www.macmillan.com
The Handbook of Riding Essentials
Model: 0060155175
Author: Francois Lemaire De Ruffieu
HarperCollins
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-207-7000
Fax: 212-207-7145
Cottonwood Riding Club
Cottonwood Riding Club was featured in DIY Family Outdoors episode on horseback riding.
Web site: www.cottonwoodridingclub.com
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