So, you've decided to take up horseback riding. Congratulations! But before you tackle that half-ton of hot, living weight, there are a few helpful tips to consider.
Tip number one: before your trip, don’t forget to buy some carrots, apples, or, at a pinch, at least some cookies.
Next: you come to the stable or the racetrack, or wherever you are, and ask for a ride—that's common here. Don't forget to let them know you're new and want to be given a calm horse.
Another very important point. For saddling, horses are usually brought out “in tie-downs”—that is, they stand in a corridor tied to a chain or rope stretched between the walls. Before this, ask to enter the horse's stall to establish what's called the initial contact. Believe me, this is much more exciting than the riding itself.
So, you entered the stall—a small room three by three—and the door closed behind you! Now you're alone with this enormous creature, looking at you questioningly with its large, kind eyes. He tensed up, raised his head, began to noisily inhale, and pricked up his ears.
“Calm down, little one, don't be afraid, it's me, I just came to chat…” – so gently and barely audibly, so he'll listen. Approach slowly but confidently, holding out your hand, palm open. There's his soft, warm muzzle already in your palm… don't be afraid, don't worry. He won't bite; his nimble horse lips are just looking for a treat, so now's the perfect time to give it to him!
The main thing is to be confident and don't be afraid. Give the food with an open, slightly tense palm, fingers together and bent back as far as possible. Horses don't bite, but they might mistakenly grab your finger, mistaking it for another carrot. Pat and stroke your new friend's shoulder with your other hand while giving the treat. Note: the shoulder , not the neck or head! This is important! You've just arrived! You're not close enough with this handsome horse to scratch its face. And most importantly, God forbid you make any sudden movements near an unfamiliar horse! It could even be dangerous! Although it's rare, why would you want to frighten it unnecessarily?
So, the carrots are all eaten, the apples are gnawed, the cookies too, and the handsome guy, excited by the delicious treats, is poking his nose into your belly, trying to pick your pockets… It's just time to take things to the next level! You were scratching his shoulder and neck, just like I advised, weren't you? Now, slowly move on to his neck .
Horses usually happily accept such attention and reciprocate. This is where it gets confusing for new riders! After all, what's your 70, let's say 80, kilograms compared to his half-ton? Look how lovingly he'll scratch you with his teeth! And I must say, they have some pretty big teeth! They even have fangs!
Therefore, I recommend immediately placing your palm against his muzzle, just like you did during the treats, and, holding it open, let him scratch as much as he likes. For some reason, many people at this stage begin to show signs of fear: they lower their hand, tense up, smile shyly, and walk away. Don't do this! The horse won't be able to understand why you suddenly decided to leave in the middle of a conversation—it will remain a mystery to him.
In herds, horses often scratch each other; this mutual affection is called grooming and is a sign of friendship. Congratulations, you've found a new friend! So give him a good scratch—he loves it, and he'll let you know where he needs it.
When he allows you to pet and scratch his face , especially around the eyes and ears, you can be sure a friendly relationship has been established. Now you can begin saddling, although you still need to brush the horse first. But that's a whole other story…
