Guide To Your First Riding Lesson
Published by GHC • Nov 19th, 2008 • Category: Riding Advice, by Madelainaby Madelaina, age 13
Christmas is nearing, and last year I was one of the extremely lucky girls to be able to have her first riding lesson! Continuously I’m thinking about the hundreds of other girls who are experiencing the same holiday present, or are about to. To those girls, congratulations! To help you along and look past the anticipation, excitement, anxiety and nerves, below are some tips for your first horse riding lesson and what to look out for.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The best way to describe what you’ll expect at your first riding lesson is amazement and pure happiness. You’re about to have the time of your life and embark on an unforgettable experience. Nobody would expect you to be a professional right at the start, so stay calm and relaxed. Mostly you’ll be working on the walk and possibly the trot which requires you to relax and move with the horse. Some students even learn exercises in the saddle such as “Around the World” where the rider turns 360 degrees in the saddle by bringing his or her legs over and around the horse. You’re definitely not expected to get everything on your first try, so take it easy and always keep trying. You are also, most importantly, expected to listen to your instructor and thoroughly understand him or her. Never be afraid to ask questions.
RIDING ATTIRE
It is best to wear shoes with sturdy heels as they give you a better grip and keep the stirrups from sliding all the way back to your ankle. When that happens, it can be dangerous as your feet can get stuck in the stirrups. Also wear comfortable and relatively flexible shirt and pants to allow easier moving in the saddle. 
You can always borrow one from where you’re riding (unless stated otherwise) although I find they aren’t nearly as comfortable as your own. So if you’re about to ride long-term, it is best to invest in your own riding helmet. Ask your instructor or search for a saddlery near you if you’re looking for riding equipment.
HORSE SAFETY
Horses are naturally flighty animals, and although beginner horses aren’t as skittish, they are still unpredictable. To avoid injuries or accidents, don’t make fast, sudden movements such as running or waving your arms and making loud noises. Many things perfectly normal to us can be quite frightening to horses. Kicking is also an unpleasant surprise, so avoid approaching horses from the back and when around them make sure to stay a safe distance from their hindquarters and hind legs.
APPROACHING YOUR HORSE
When approaching horses, try not to walk towards them in a straight line as that is similar to how a predator may stalk them in the wild. Instead, look away from them to let them know you’re not a threat and walk in arcs or sideways if possible. Horses have superb vision, allowing them to see nearly 360 degrees with the exception of the area around their tail and between their eyes. It is best not to pat the horse around the blind spot between their eyes as they can’t see what is going on there. As a result, this movement may startle them. The recommended approach to a horse is to first let it smell the back of your hand and then give it a pat on its neck.
YOURSELF
Your first lesson may tire you out quite quickly, so be prepared when that happens by eating food for energy and drinking water to prevent dehydration. I’m always too excited to eat before a ride, but food and water are very important (not excessively of course). Don’t go easy on the sun cream either! Even on a fairly cloudy day you can still be vulnerable to the sun. Your first lesson might be quite overwhelming, and if you feel any discomfort, make sure you tell your parent or your instructor. It is never safe for both you and the horse if you’re not feeling well. Last but not least, don’t let nerves stop you from having the time of your life. After time, I realised it’s all in the mind, and once you’re on the back of a horse there is no need to feel anxious.
I agree there are many more aspects of a first lesson that I didn’t cover, and probably never will, since horses are still unpredictable animals we can never learn about completely. My best advice is to rely on your horse love and let it take you on one of the most magical flights you can ever experience. Trust in your horse and you’d be riding like you’re born in the saddle in no time!
Prepare for your life to be changed (for the better), good luck and have fun!
Madelaina, If I was half as good a writer as you, I would be a grateful!
As for the beginner rider, it’s always a good idea to ask around the barn for help. I’ve been riding for over 4 years now, and the riding stuff I grow out of I give to the kids who need their own. That way if you decide you don’t like riding so much, you haven’t wasted too much money.
Another point I’d like to stress is ASK QUESTIONS. Chances are, you won’t understand everything you’re told. The best way to ensure your safety and the horse’s is to ask if you’re unsure.
Great blog, great advice, and good luck to any beginning riders out there.
This is great! It is exactly what I needed to know!
Thanks Allison. I’m glad I could help you :)
Julia: If I’m half as good a writer as YOU, I’d be over the moon! Thanks for listing some of the points I missed out on. Your advice are very important. I really appreciate your contribution.
Wow, Madelaina! I wish I had this when I went to my first lesson! It covers it all, good job!
Wow! This is a great blog.
About six or seven years ago, I had my first lesson. I was started off right and now I am where I am today. This is a great blog for anyone who is having a first lesson. Anyone who is should read this.
Madelaina: WOW! I can only wish that you had written this blog about three years ago! It would definatly have helped to ease my nerves. You did a really great job on the format and information. Watching you grow as a writer has been a moving experience for me! Never stop writing, you have to much talent to waste!
I guess this was a bit late for some of you (but better late than never right?). Thanks everyone.
Horsecrazzz: I don’t think I’ve been doing much growing, but I see some serious improvement in your blogs and stories, all of which greatly inspire me to keep writing. There’s an unlimited supply of skill and talent in there somewhere too*examines Horsecrazzz’s head* and I’m glad I get to see them being released :D
i need serious advice!! Im going to be in my first jumping comp. Ive mastered my flats but now im found out that im going against a kid who used to be my friend but she was mean!! what should i do! Please respond soon! I need this by saturday
HorseLoverofall, just relax. Don’t let your old friend know you’re upset and that you’re affected by the fact that you’re competing against her. Make as little contact with her as possible and ignore anything negative she says to you. Just remember to breathe and have faith in yourself and your horse. I know you’re going to really well. Good luck!
thanks :D that really helped alot, the shows tomorrow so thanks for being a big help :D
WOW! Your advice got me through it, i ended up with the 1st place!! Thanks for being a ig help