What It Takes To Be a Rider
Published by GHC • Oct 7th, 2008 • Category: Junior Blogger Archives, Riding Adviceby mustangmane, age 10
Have you ever wondered what it really takes to be a true horseback rider? These are the five steps to being a true rider…
1) HAVE CONFIDENCE. You wouldn’t want to be paranoid, and always be worrying when you are riding. Be strong and brave. Maybe you heard a scary story at school, and want to go riding to keep your mind off of it. Then you realize you are in a forest, and start to get scared. Keep in mind that your horse can feel what you feel.
2) BE PREPARED. Hey– that’s the Girl Scout motto! Always be ready for things to happen. If you are going on a long ride, you might want to bring along a snack, and see if you are going near a river or stream so your horse can drink. Or, maybe you see a glimpse of a cougar on the trail ride. Do what you can, and be prepared.
3) ALWAYS BE KIND. Not just to your horse, but for everyday. Your horse may not be doing so well on a certain gait, so don’t yell and get mad. That will scare him, and make your horse somewhat sad. Be kind, and maybe talk to him in a soft, soothing voice. Give him a treat for trying, and repeat the gait the next day. Horses do have feelings. Don’t forget that.
4) TRY SOMETHING NEW. Your riding instructor thinks that you should start working on another riding skill, and says to do something a little different. Don’t be afraid to do so. Try something new, and you will learn something new each day. It’s good to be a little adventurous sometimes. Whatever you do, keep in mind to…
5) ALWAYS STAY SAFE. With whatever you do, be safe. Maybe you decide to go on one trail you have never been on. From the map, it looks long and rough. Ask your mom or dad if that trail is safe to ride on. Or you could have a friend, family member, or parent go with you. While you’re being a true rider, remind yourself that true riders stay safe.
Since you’ve read this, you just might be thinking, “That sounds easy.” Believe me, there are many other things to being a true rider. But those, well, you’ll just have to figure those ones out.
I can always count on learning important stuff from your blogs mustangmane
You are incredibly talented for your age! I very thoroughly enjoyed this blog. I get unsure of whether or not to try new things in riding, but I’m sure now that I’ve read what you said I would be a much better rider in confidence. You’ve really helped me pick up that extra slack I have in my lessons. Fantastic writing, and I hope to read more soon!
incredible i think my Quarter horse Keesha would even love it!
thanks now i now went wrong when i rode Rowdy i got neverous a little can i get a few more tips though because i have to clean this quarter horse’s stall for free lessons and i saw some pictures of him he looked jittery but his owner didn’t oh this is a good question how do you keep your feet in the stirups
sorry i haven’t been writing latley, this is real good! thanks for the tips, and it definatley applies for the english and western riders! i ride english and loving it. very nice mustangmane, keep up the great work!
Wow!!! Great job!!!!!:)
I’m shure you’ve helped many ‘want to be/soon will be’ riders!
horsewhispers- I am happy to hear you are learning from my blogs. I am glad you like my blogs.
Madelaina- You are talented too! I always look forward to reading your blogs.
Rusty’s Rider- I will be glad to give you more tips. How about putting those cleaning tips in a published blog? :)
You keep your feet in the stirrups by putting your heels pointed down (but not too much), and the tip of your boot leveled.
Lauren- Thank you for the compliments. I am happy you like my blogs.
-mustangmane
I really want to start jumping my horse. But when we start i am scared that i will panic and then scare my horse!
I think that is really good advice, especially for Ziggy hes really sensitive and would get worse if you shouted at him or something.