Horse riding is a unique sport because it can be practiced regardless of age. What should you know before your first horse riding lesson and how to prepare for it in order to avoid injuries?
After signing up for thefirst horse riding lessonand the initial joy that you will learn new skills, questions start to appear about what the lesson will look like and what you need to know at the beginning .
Equestrian attire raises the most doubts. Are you wondering if you need to bring breeches (trousers that protect against abrasions), Chelsea boots (riding shoes) and leggings (calf protectors) with you? Should I have a toque (helmet)?
First riding lesson - how to dress?
Horse riding is a very enjoyable and relaxing sport. However, you cannot forget that there are falls. Remember never to mount your horse without a t-shirt. This is extremely important as the headgear will protect against possible injuries. You can rent the first toque at the stud, and use a special knob to adjust its size to the head circumference. The instructor will show you how to check if the toque is too big. Additionally, children should learn horse riding in a special protective vest.
Professional attire is not needed at first. The new apprentice should learn about the horse and its habits, and learn to groom and saddle it. Therefore, in the first horse riding lessons, instead of professional breeches, leggings or tracksuits are enough. Pants should not have seams on the inside so as not to chafe the thighs.
Remember!If you decide to wear tracksuits, choose those with narrow legs, it will help to prevent the leg from accidentally getting entangled in the stirrup.
You don't need to buy special footwear for your first ride. Indoor shoes with a flat and stiff sole are enough.
- I advise against wearing sneakers made of fabric, because the shoe has an additional protective function, because the horse may step on the rider's foot during preparation for the ride -says Magda Kozakiewicz, horse riding instructor at the Droblin Manor.
You don't need professional clothes either - but remember that the clothes should not restrict your movements. Depending on the weather, wear a ventilated sports T-shirt or sweatshirt and jacket. It is better to wait until the moment when you buy a professional outfitget used to the animal and learn basic riding skills.
Warm-up before horseback riding
The rider should be fit and well-stretched - it will make it easier to get on the horse efficiently. Some stud farms recommend doing some stretching exercises before class. But it is not always necessary:
- Getting your horse ready to ride takes about half an hour. It is the best way to warm you up before the lesson. The movements made while cleaning and saddling the horse require a lot of energy. These activities are so diverse that they warm up and stretch all parts of the body - advises the instructor.
How to choose a good stud (riding school)?
During the first visit to the stud, keep a close eye on how the horses are treated: do they have large, bright boxes, are they regularly cleaned and have an appropriate amount of outdoor exercise every day. If the stud farm is clean and the horses look he althy, see if there is also a special room for riders where you can sit on a comfy couch and rest after the ride. You may think that it is unnecessary, because you want to learn to ride horses, not hang out over tea. However, everyone changes their minds when it turns out that the lessons take place regardless of the weather - and a warming drink after an hour's drive in the cold wind can be beneficial.
If you decide to take regular lessons, you will also quickly find out that you will spend more time at the stud than you initially assumed. Preparing the horse for riding, a lesson, cleaning the horse after the ride, talking to the instructor and other students - it turns out that the time spent at the stud is not an hour, but almost three! Therefore, this place should be pleasant not only for horses, but also for riders - with warm water in the tap and a toilet, and preferably also with a shower, which will come in handy on hot days or after a fall from a horse.
First riding lesson: rules of safe behavior
The most important rule of behavior in the presence of a horse is: never walk behind a horse unless the animal knows you want to do it! The horse is called escaping animal. This means that when you get scared of something, you first defend yourself (kick it) and then run away. So if you suddenly find yourself behind a horse, his reaction can be very quick and very painful.
What to do if walking behind the horse's rump is necessary, e.g. when cleaning the animal?
Stand at the horse's eye level, let the horse see you, say a few words. Gently pat the animal and move your hand along its body towards its hind legs. In this wayyou will safely follow the horse, and he will not be scared that a stranger suddenly appeared behind him -advises the instructor from the Droblin Manor.
After a few meetings with your horse, you will begin to understand his body language. You will learn to recognize what snoring movements, ear clipping and snorting mean. Once you reach an understanding by movement and touch, it means that the first riding lesson is not over and you already have some experience and new hobbies.
This will be useful to youDwór Droblin- is a hotel and recreation complex with a 4-star standard. It is located in one of the cleanest regions of Poland - Lublin Province, in the small town of Droblin, 2 km away from Leśna Podlaska.
There is amodern stud farm at the disposal of the court's clientswith large boxes, automatic drinkers and feeders, a solarium for horses, a washcloth, a cage carousel and a saddle with packages for riding equipment.
Currently, over 20 horses have found their place in the stud. When in the area, it is worth visiting this place and signing up for a horse riding lesson under the supervision of qualified instructors. Prices for a lesson range from PLN 25 to PLN 50.
Check on the website of Dwór Droblin, what are the stages of improving your equestrian skills: http://www.dwordroblin.pl/pl/koholcje/w-siodle/