| Older adults are fearful about getting started riding | | | | When you are beyond the first couple of rides and |
| horses because they might get injured. This is a | | | | riding seriously, the clothes and boots you wear do |
| realistic fear if you are not used to being around | | | | matter. You can be uncomfortable and ride poorly if |
| horses and have not been athletic. I began riding | | | | you wear regular, not specific riding, apparel. However, |
| horses as a young adult. After years away from it | | | | when you are just getting started it isn't necessary to |
| because of family and work needs, I restarted. I can | | | | be in a special rider's outfit. Comfortable flat shoes that |
| tell you how. | | | | fit and long pants are highly recommended. You should |
| Tip 1. Ride the Right Horse | | | | have on a regulation safety helmet. It's likely that you |
| The most important thing to do is to choose the right | | | | can borrow this until you get your own. |
| horse. This may seem obvious, but a lot of people | | | | What gear is on the horse is important. Saddle and |
| ignore this step. They engage in wishful thinking, either | | | | bridle have to be comfortable on the horse and |
| through ignorance or because of desire to ride a horse | | | | appropriately put on and adjusted. You shouldn't be |
| that may be inappropriate for them at the start. | | | | doing this by yourself if you are inexperienced. Have |
| The horse should be well schooled and recently ridden. | | | | your expert friend or instructor take charge of these |
| That means someone who rides well should have | | | | steps. |
| been riding the horse regularly and right up to the time | | | | Tip 5. Ride When You Are Feeling Healthy |
| you get on. This experienced rider should attest that | | | | In the optimum circumstances that I've just outlined, |
| your horse is obedient, easy to mount, doesn't shy, and | | | | almost anyone can get on a horse and be safe. |
| is used to beginner riders. | | | | However, I will tell you what helped me the most. It |
| Tip 2. Ride in the Right Place | | | | was to do some stretching exercises ahead of time |
| You should ride in controlled surroundings. That means | | | | so that I felt a little limber and loosened up. Getting on a |
| an area that has borders, such as a field with a fence | | | | horse for the first time is a wonderful experience, but |
| or indoor arena. Preferably, the area should have | | | | many people feel stiff and uncomfortable for a few |
| normal everyday noise and not be unusually hushed or | | | | minutes before they start to relax and see that they |
| be subject to sudden unexpected noise. It's best if the | | | | are going to be okay. |
| horse is used to the setting and has just been ridden | | | | Tip 6. Make It a Short Ride |
| there. | | | | Don't overdo it. It's best psychologically and physically |
| Tip 3. Ride With Others | | | | to make the first horseback ride short. If you are led |
| Don't ride alone. Adults who are comfortable around | | | | around an arena one time by your instructor, feeling as |
| horses should be nearby. The best situation is for you | | | | though you are being treated like a 4-year-old child on |
| to ride under the supervision of a qualified, experienced, | | | | the first pony ride, that's just fine. Have fun. Laugh. |
| and patient instructor. The particular riding discipline | | | | Have a great little experience. |
| doesn't matter. Good experiences can be had no | | | | Your confidence will soar when you take your first |
| matter what form of riding you do, Western or English. | | | | rides under these safe guidelines. As a result you'll be |
| Tip 4. Wear Comfortable Riding Clothes and Check | | | | eager to ride your horse without fear, progressing a |
| Your Tack | | | | little bit more with each ride. |