Taking horseback riding lessons is a memorable experience. From the first time you meet your horse to your first trip around the arena or pen, you will remember these moments for a lifetime. We want to ensure that your horseback riding lessons are both memorable and enjoyable. One of the ways that we can do this is by ensuring that you stay safe. In this blog post, we are going to discuss some safety tips that we think each first time rider should know. Continue reading to find out how to keep you and your horse safe during your horseback riding lessons.
Visit Pink Flamingo Stables in Lake Worth for horseback riding lessons from experienced instructors. We will provide you with the knowledge and tools to keep you safe and make your horseback riding experience an enjoyable one.
If you have signed up for your first horseback riding lesson, don’t forget to read one of our previous blog posts, “Getting Ready for Your First Horse Riding Lessons,” for some great tips!
Choose the Right Horse
To ensure your safety while horseback riding, you’ll want to choose the right horse for your skill level. As a beginner, the best choice for a horse will be one that is well-mannered, quiet, and patient. You’ll want a horse that does not overreact to mistakes that beginners often make. You’ll want to stay away from horses that have not been fully trained or have a history of spooking easily.
When you attend lessons at Pink Flamingo Stables in Lake Worth with one of our experienced instructors, we will match you with one that will be patient and kind with a first-time rider. Schedule your lesson today!
Approach Your Horse With Caution
Once your instructor has helped you to choose the correct horse for your riding level, be sure to approach your horse with caution. No matter how docile or calm the horse seems, you have to always take into consideration that a horse is an animal and may react in a way that you are not prepared for. Common things that spook horses include camera flashes, wasps, crowds of people, sudden movement, and loud, sudden noises. Your instructor will teach you how to approach your horse in a way that keeps the horse calm and allows you to bond.
Use Safety Stirrups and Toe Stoppers
These are both safety items that your instructor should already have in place. Safety stirrups are designed to break away in case you fall off the horse. They prevent you from being dragged. They are extremely important for both new and seasoned riders.
Toe stoppers are a piece of safety equipment that attaches to the stirrup. They prevent your feet from slipping through the stirrups and help you to maintain balance.
Wear the Proper Attire
There are a few points we are going to touch upon for the proper attire for horseback riding. First, avoid loose-fitting clothing. Riding a horse requires both vocal and physical cues from the rider and you don’t want your clothes prohibiting your range of motion. You also don’t want to risk your clothing getting caught on anything.
The proper footwear is also extremely important for horseback riding. Boots that cover your ankles, have a smooth tread, and a one-inch heel are preferable. Remember, our suggestions here are all about keeping you safe during your horseback riding lessons, and if you have any questions, you should ask your riding instructor.
Gloves and a helmet are also both necessary for safe horseback riding. Gloves give you a sturdier grip on the reins and prevent them from slipping out of your hands, especially in the event of rainy weather.
Your helmet should be certified by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI). It should fit snugly, but still be comfortable.
Before you arrive for your first horseback riding lesson, ask your instructor or another staff member at the Pink Flamingo Stables in Lake Worth about which items they provide and which you will have to bring with you. Contact us today to schedule your first horseback riding lesson!
Learn Emergency Dismounts
During your horseback riding lessons, your instructor will be with you every step of the way, however, it is still pivotal that you learn how to do an emergency dismount. No matter how calm and experienced the horse is, unfortunately, you can’t completely control your environment. A car backfiring, a loud lightning strike, or even a bee or wasp could startle the horse without notice and you need to ensure that you are able to protect yourself. Have your instructor teach you how to quickly dismount your horse in case of emergency.
Never Leave Children Unattended
Whether the horseback riding lessons are for an adult or a child, if there are children present, don’t ever leave them unattended. Children can be unpredictable and so can horses. You don’t want to risk injury or tragedy. If a child is receiving horseback lessons, ensure the instructor is with them at all times. If you are a parent and your child wants to watch your horseback riding lessons, bring another adult to keep an eye on the child so you can focus fully on your lessons.
Attend Professional Lessons
If you want to learn how to ride a horse, please attend professional lessons given by an experienced instructor. Riding a horse does not just involve saddling up and a series of “giddy ups” and “whoas.” It takes time to get to know your horse, learn how to properly ride, and how to be safe while doing it.
When you’re ready for your first horseback riding lesson in Lake Worth, schedule a lesson at the Pink Flamingo Stables. We are family-owned and operated and have more than 20 years of experience. Get started today with private or group horseback riding lessons.
Inspect Riding Equipment
This is something that your instructor will teach you, most likely, within your first lesson and will continue to enforce throughout all of your lessons. Always inspect your riding equipment before mounting your horse and if anything looks questionable, ask your instructor. Taking a couple of minutes before you get started can prevent major injuries.
Do Not Use Drugs or Alcohol
This should go without saying, but if you are learning to ride a horse, you should be sober to do so. Drug and alcohol use affect your mental and physical abilities and you will need all of those intact to safely ride a horse.
Listen to Your Instructor
You may have seen hundreds of movies and television shows in which your favorite characters ride horses. However, seeing it on tv and doing it in real life are completely different. Your instructor has extensive experience in handling horses and in teaching others to ride. Listen to your instructor and do as you are told. This is for both your safety and the safety of your horse.
Schedule a Horseback Riding Lesson at Pink Flamingo Stables
Pink Flamingo Stables in Lake Worth is a family-owned and operated stable. We have horses for every skill level and offer both English and Western horseback riding lessons. Come in for a tour to meet our horses and see our stable or schedule a private or group lesson!