Horse Riding Articles

Beyond the Basics of Horseback Riding Lessons

Once a rider has mastered the basics, there comes a time when they must make a decision about which field they would like to specialize in. Generally, those who take horse back riding lessons in the basics of English riding will further learn jumping or dressage. Those who learn the basics of western riding can take riding lessons in western pleasure, barrel racing or a rodeo sport. A student should definitely consider what kind of riding they would like to do, and not simply depend on a trainer to direct their future.
Transitioning from basic English horseback riding lessons to jumping lessons is a relatively smooth process. In learning jumping, one will begin by riding at a trot over cavaletti poles. The rider will then learn how to jump over small cross rails at the trot—starting with one, then two and three in a row. Eventually the rider will be able to ride an entire jump course at the trot. Once this is accomplished, the rider can learn to canter through the jumps, and incorporate lead changes into a course of jumps.
Dressage is a wonderful English form of riding. Every English rider practices the fundamentals of dressage in horse riding. If one chooses to concentrate in this area they will learn even more of how to collect a horse at every gait. They will learn complex movements. Dressage riders will focus upon drawing distinctions between the variations of each gait, learning, for example, collected trot, medium trot and extended trot. To be able to ride a horse in dressage is truly difficult but also rewarding when movements are achieved and goals met.
Western pleasure is a very popular equestrian field. It is similar to dressage in the manner that one is trying to achieve a certain way of being in the horse. The horse is not jumping or racing, but rather performing movements to an ideal standard. Western pleasure horse riding is about making the horse appear as relaxed and free as possible. Riders will learn how to collect a horse without making it look like one is trying—no heavy pulling on the reins or obvious cues. Horses and riders must be calm quiet in their maneuvers.
Regardless of which field a rider chooses to explore, they should put forth their entire effort into the sport. There is a great deal of knowledge to be obtained from, not only these three fields, but every form of horseback riding. One should take away all that they can from these horse riding lessons.

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