Being an equestrian requires that you are a life-long learner of all things horse related. Never stop researching or asking questions. For example, if your horse reacts oddly to a certain harness, look up possible reasons online.
If you own a horse and choose to board it, your fellow riders at the boarding stable will become your community. To find a good boarding stable, search online for boarding and training facilities by state. You will want to choose a stable close to your home to make visiting easier. Visit your stable options to assess their cleanliness and general atmosphere. [2] X Research source You can also build a community by going to a stable for riding lessons. In this case, you will want to very carefully choose your riding instructor. Make sure that they are a member of the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). Request references and ask questions about their experience level as well. To keep the conversation going, before you head to the barn each day, think about a few questions to ask other riders. For example, you might say, “How long should I cool down my horse after a one hour work-out?”
For true equestrians, riding is only part of the experience. You will also need to get your hands dirty mucking stalls, grooming, and feeding/watering. Don’t shirk these responsibilities or other riders will not take you seriously. It is great to own a horse, but make sure that you have contact with other horses as well. Expose yourself to different horse personalities and alternative skill sets. For example, if you are interested in barrel racing, both you and your horse would benefit from spending time with an experienced racing team.
Treating all health concerns seriously is important for the horse, but also for your safety. Animals in pain are more likely to lash out, injuring their caretakers in the process. Get to know all of the equine professionals who care for horses, including veterinarians and farriers. Vets take care of a horse’s vaccinations and dental work while farriers watch over a horse’s all-important hoof care. Horses will often take a wide variety of supplements and vitamins. It is important to note what a horse takes in so that you can trace its outward effects.
Take note of the physical strength and size of a horse as well. They can hurt you without even meaning to if you aren’t careful. For example, when you walk beside a horse, watch the placement of your feet. If a horse steps on your foot it can lead to bruises and even fractures. [3] X Research source
When you are a more experienced equestrian, make sure that you return this favor by accepting apprentices yourself. Or, even less formally, act like a mentor to younger riders.
Remember that riding a horse is excellent exercise, but does not include weight resistance. So, it may help you to develop muscles, but will not build bone density. [6] X Research source If you want an exercise boost, muck out a stall. It provides both cardio and weight resistance.
To get real results you will need to spend time with horses on a regular basis, more than just once a week. Schedule “horse time” into your calendar and be consistent in attending. Some riding locations will allow you to spend time with different horses each week while others will encourage you to stick with the same horse. Ask about the policies before you commit. Select equestrian programs at the college level will provide access to a stable of pre-selected horses. If you are interested in joining a collegiate equestrian team, look into this option.
The standard Olympic equestrian events are: dressage, show jumping, and eventing. Dressage is essentially dancing in sync with your horse. Show jumping involves a horse and rider jumping over various obstacles on a course. And eventing is a combination sport requiring endurance and jumping on untamed terrain. [10] X Research source Western style riding requires that the horse and rider navigate a variety of obstacles and demonstrate proficiency in corralling. [11] X Research source Western dressage riding places an emphasis on a smooth gait and clear communication between horse and rider. [12] X Research source Western reining is judged on control during the demonstration of reining patterns. [13] X Research source Other styles of riding include hunter, which mimics the process of a hunter pursuing prey on horseback, and English pleasure style, which places an emphasis on smooth transitions. You can even focus on carriage pleasure driving, which takes into account a driver’s skill in managing a team or single horse. [14] X Research source
Remember to invest in a quality helmet. It needs certifications from both the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI). [15] X Research source If you choose to ride competitively and/or often, it is also a good idea to buy a body protector. You wear this vest over your torso and it helps to absorb the energy from a fall or kick. Many different models are available online. You will also want to wear some sort of leather shoe, preferably with a small heel. Riding boots are standard for many equestrian sports, although western riders often go with cowboy boots. You can purchase riding gloves online or at a local tack shop. Gloves are especially useful in the winter and are also required for some equestrian sports. Here is an example of sport-specific dress: General Western style riders prefer leather chaps, cowboy hats, and brightly colored western-themed shirts. Western dressage riders often wear themed-riding jackets as well. In addition to the above, Western reining riders must wear a collared shirt and necktie. [16] X Research source For safety reasons, try to remove most of your jewelry. If your hair is long, tie it back and secure it under your helmet.
It is best to practice at least once a week with a trainer who has experience in your specific sport. If you belong to an equestrian team, it is possible that you will have group lessons as well as individual ones. In addition to working out with a trainer, you should practice at least 2-3 times a week on your own. This is yet another reason to choose a stable near your home.
If you are considering a competition sport, you will want to think about whether or not you should stay amateur long-term or transition to a professional at some point. Seek the advice of other trusted equestrians as you make this decision.
This is an especially important to consider if you are thinking about becoming a horse owner. Horses are social creatures and don’t do well cooped up in a stall without visits for long periods of time. This can seriously damage your relationship with your horse and may even put you in danger while riding.
If you are on a limited budget, all is not lost. Look for an riding center that provides long-term or group discounts. You can also offer to work part-time at a facility in order to get additional horse contact hours.
