There are several things to consider when you are taking up the task of learning to ride a horse. Whether this is a new endeavor for you or you've been working at it for a while, showing up prepared for your lesson will get you started on the right foot with your instructor. As you get into a routine you will figure out how much time you need to allow yourself for grooming, tacking, and warm up. The better prepared you are the more comfortable and confident you will be. Comfort and confidence will lead to having a great time and taking the most from your lessons.
Yourself
Be sure to check with your instructor to see what equipment they prefer. A general rule of thumb is an ASTM safety helmet, boots with a heel, close-fitting pants (loose pants tend to rub) and gloves. The longer you ride the more you will develop your own personal preferences for riding attire. There are several options and your instructor will help you select what is appropriate for your style of riding. A close-fitting shirt allows the instructor to evaluate your riding position better (make sure you shoulders and hips are parallel) and gives a more put-together appearance.
Grooming
Always make sure your horse is well groomed and presented, he doesn't have to be bathed, but there shouldn't be shavings in his tail or manure on his neck. A good curry followed by your favorite grooming spray (avoid where the saddle goes so it does not get slippery) and a good brushing will be sufficient. This gives you a chance to have a look and a feel all over the horse's body to notice if there are any skin problems, lacerations, or swelling. If you notice something that looks abnormal or new, be sure your instructor is made aware of it. Take care that the horse's legs are clean so if boots or wraps are used there will not be any rubbing or chaffing. A soft-bristled curry comb can be used to loosen up dirt from the legs, while a stiff bristled brush will smooth the hairs down and wick any leftover debris away. A soft-bristled brush used all over the horse will polish the coat and be your final step before tacking up. Finally, do not forget to pick out your mount's feet. It is important to be sure there is nothing lodged in the feet before and after you ride.
Equipment
Tack should be wiped down before it is put away, but if this is not the case, make sure you take a sponge and some glycerin soap and wipe your saddle down before you tack up. A clean saddle is easier to ride in because it is not slippery. If you are using a saddle that belongs with the horse you are riding, your instructor should have already verified that the saddle is appropriate for you and the horse. If you are using your own saddle on someone else's horse, be sure to check that it is not pinching anywhere and fits appropriately. Padding is another variable to consider with lots of options. Be sure the saddle pad fits underneath the saddle and the straps are all secured or tucked away safely. If you have questions about the fit of your saddle do not hesitate to ask your instructor, you wouldn't go to work in shoes that are too small, your horse deserves a well-fitted saddle.
Bridles should also be wiped down and well-fitted. In most cases each horse will have their own bridle. Be sure that the bit is clean, and if you are riding in cold weather, warm the bit up with warm water or your hands before putting the bridle on. Be sure the straps are all neatly tucked into the keepers and again if you have any concerns about the fit of your bridle or if you are using an appropriate bit, ask your instructor.
Mounting
You are now ready to mount up. Do one last visual check that everything is in order. All buckles are secure, boots are not slipping down, horse well-groomed, helmet on your head and fastened, boots and gloves in place. Tighten up your saddle and up you go!
Warm-up
In your first few lessons an instructor may teach you how they prefer you warm up your horse. If not, there are a few simple exercises that will be effective across all disciplines. Let your horse walk out on a loose rein for 5 to 10 minutes to let them get warmed up and relaxed. You don't want the horse to be sluggish, this is an active warm-up so be sure he is marching in an active rhythm.
Once your horse has had a chance to get acclimated get his attention focused on you. Walk some shallow looped serpentines along the long sides of the ring to bring your horse on your aids. Practice some walk-halt-walk transitions to be sure the horse is in front of your leg. If he is sluggish to walk off, make the correction now so that he will be less likely to make the mistake later. If you put your leg on and do not get a response, follow with a stronger aid to sharpen him up. Next, pick up a trot/jog and proceed all the way around the arena. I prefer large figures in the warm up, to let the horse's muscles get ready for the tougher work ahead in the lesson. Continue to work on changes of bend/direction to loosen up the horse's body. Make sure you canter/lope on both leads and work on several transitions between all the gaits in order to have your horse paying attention and ready when your lesson begins.
Being prepared and put-together for your lessons will allow you to get most for your money. Be sure if there is another lesson going on while you are warming-up to yield to the other student. Keep your eyes up and a good rule of thumb is to pass left shoulder to left shoulder. Generally speaking being warmed-up and ready to go is appreciated by a riding instructor whose every minute is scheduled. Presenting yourself and your horse well shows respect for yourself, your instructor and your sport.
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Laura Wagner is a full-service professional in Aiken, South Carolina. Laura and her students compete in dressage shows from Intro through FEI with a goal to create safe riders and happy horses.
