Horses are very popular among kids. It’s one of the animals that they learn about in picture books and trips to the zoo. Cowboy wannabes naturally would want to have a horse of their own. For people who live in the urban jungle, this might not be possible at all. If your child’s interest in horses and horse riding is more than just a passing fancy, you can enroll them in a riding school. You can support your child as he learns equestrian skills and tricks to excel in the sport of horse riding.
The first thing that you should do is to determine whether your child is serious about the sport or not. The lessons and the equipment needed in the sport are not inexpensive. You want to make sure that your child will really pursue the sport. There are riding schools that you can visit for a go-see. Ask if your child can ride one of the horses to see how it feels. Take your child on a tour of the riding school and stables. Introduce him to the instructors. Some schools might have introductory promos that will also allow the instructors to assess the child’s skills.
You also have to talk to the instructors at the riding school to find out what the sport entails and what resources you need to have. Let him give you and your child a walk-through of what the lessons involve, what skills your child will develop, and what you can expect your child to achieve both over the short term and in the future.
This will help anchor your child’s goals with respect to riding as a sport. When you talk to your child later on, you can discuss these goals and work out a plan on how you can support him. Remember that succeeding in horse riding as a sport takes a whole lot more than learning how to trot and gallop. It takes the commitment and dedication of yourself, your child, and your child’s riding instructor in working towards helping your child develop the necessary skills to excel in the sport and who knows someday soon, your little one would be seen competing at one of the grand national horse riding competition in your area or perhaps as an equestrian at the Olympics!
I grew up seeing horses used merely for carrying loads of stuff. We used to live in an area where farmers would pass by mounted on their horses with two big baskets on each side of the horse. I think chaps were not the usual getup of those farmers but plain trousers, perhaps those that are ready to be used at the muddy farm…but they do wear boots, high up the knees, so in a way they are like half-chaps.
If like me, you’re new at horseback riding and would love to learn more about it, knowing the basic stuff and what one needs is a good step. Especially since my kids love riding horses/ponies – I wouldn’t want them getting hurt because of my ignorance and negligence.
Pony Ride during our summer vacation.
English Saddles are different from Western ones. In size, the all-purpose, eventing, close-contact and dressage English saddles usually range from 14″ to 19″ using 1/2″ increments. Saddle seat or cutback saddles usually measure from 17″ to 22″ using 1″ increments. Western saddle sizes usually range from 13″ to 17″ using 1″ increments. They also differ in appearance and features as seen in these photos.
For saddles, look for your most appropriate ones at Bates Saddles.
leather straps or rope attached to the outer ends of a bit and extend to the rider’s or driver’s hands. Reins are the means by which a horse rider or driver communicates directional commands to the horse’s head. Pulling on the reins can be used to steer or stop the horse.
Breastplates, breastcollars or breastgirths attach to the front of the saddle, cross the horse’s chest, and usually have a strap that runs between the horse’s front legs and attaches to the girth. They keep the saddle from sliding back or sideways.
Stirrups are supports for the rider’s feet that hang down on either side of the saddle.
Helmets and Riding Hats – Buy them always brand new, bc hats uk has a lot of lovely designs to offer. If your hat suffered any impact, replace it immediately.
Pants and Legwear – Riding tights can be bought with leather knee and seat patches that provide grip compared to regular pants. Don’t forget chaps, jodphurs, breeches too according to your need.
Shirts, Jackets and Vests – You need appropriate garments when you plan to show your horse, go out on trail and dress according to the weather too. Be sure you wear something comfortable and what can protect you from the cold, visible /colorful when out alone.
Boots – There is no one-way rule in buying boots but it is highly recommended to buy them for specifically horseback riding, get them from a tack shop.
Like any other accessories, caring is not only to prolong your tack but to make sure you have a safe experience. Your leather equipment can crack when not cared for, worse, when you’re riding it and you can really get hurt.
There are special soaps and cleaning materials for your tack, make sure you research which is which. Store them in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew and and mold from growing…better make bags for them so they don’t get dusty.
Horses have 4 natural “gaits”, the (a) walk (b) trot (c) canter (d) gallop.
There are a lot more to learn so let’s try to know each in future posts.
— Other images and information credit: http://www.equusite.com.