Horse riding

Questions and Answers

Horse riding?

Q) My boyfriends family are due to move to the UK from Iran next week and are all devout Muslims. His parents, sisters and brothers will be staying in our 2 bedroom semi initially while they sort out their benefits. I need to try to keep them occupied while my boyfriend is at work and I think horse riding could be the answer. I have been told that horses are almost none existent in Iran and this would be a great culture shock for them to ride a great British horse. However, the females of the family insist on wearing a full burkha. Would this cause problems while horse riding? The family do not speak much English so this may cause a problem but I have tried to draw some picture cards in preparation for their arrival - does anyone have a suggestion which picture I could use to comminicate the idea of mounting a horse? Any ideas? Sorry.. just to make it clear, they are coming to the UK not to America. Although thanks for the idea about the restaurant, I know a good Indian around the corner that I might take them to.

A) While it sounds like you have good intentions, I'm not sure I would rely on this for an activity. According to some of the websites I'm seeing, certain Muslims will not ride horses. See the link I posted below and do a quick search yourself online. However, if they do feel comfortable riding a horse, they could always ride sidesaddle rather than having to straddle the animal. In order to convey this, why not look up the Farsi characters to write it out to them? You can find a translation service, or ask your boyfriend to write it. If all else fails and you're still looking for a horse picture, here's one. Just print it up and show it. http://hiddentrails.com/america-central/costa-rica/images/costa-rica-girl-rider-h.jpg Why not take them shopping? Or to a restaurant or museum? Show them the cultural aspects of the UK. I think they'll get a "culture shock" just by virtue of being in the UK. Good luck.

Horse-riding?

Q) When you have your own horse, do you need an inside riding school to ride them in, e.g. in winter when the weather is more wet and cold or can you ride outisde all year round? Do you need a special outside field to ride in or can you ride in the horses paddock that they graze in all day?

A) It all depends on your comfort level. You can ride outside all year around if you'd like. I used to. It's just making sure you are careful where you are going, how long you are out, and definitely not pushing the horse to hard by running him a lot and overheating him when it's 20 degrees outside. The winter tends to bring more obstacles as well. Ice and snow can cause the horse to slip and hurt himself as well as you, so you just need to be more careful and keep in mind your surroundings if you are riding outside in the winter. If there are other horses in the paddock he's kept in I wouldn't ride him in there. It's dangerous because the other horses could get riled up which will cause him to get riled up as well and possibly toss you in the midst of a running herd of horses!

horse riding?

Q) does any 1 know where a good horse riding place in melbourne?

A) Try Googling "Riding schools Australia" or try this link: http://horseridingschools.schoolson.com.au/search.php

horse riding?

Q) why do people get on and off a horse on the left hand side?

A) The origin of this practise has been given - dating back to cavalry times. As was mentioned, the sword on the left leg made it necessary to mount on that side - As a result of that, halters, bridles and saddles were all designed to be done up/adjusted/removed conveniently from that side, and it bacame known as the "near side". The right side became known as the "far side" or "off side". When they were running around with swords (and now, running around with ropes), it was most common for a rider to hold the reins in his/her left hand, as the right hand was often used for "other things". When you mount from the left side, you hold the reins in your left hand, and you mount up "ready to ride" - sword in hand, if necessary. In practise, it is just that - horses get accustomed to having everything done on the left hand (or "near") side, and are handled much less of the far side, and so they are more nervous with someone over there. A good trainer will teach a horse everything from BOTH sides equally, because what they learn on one side they won't necessarily know on the other side. All of the horses I train have everything done on both sides, and I regularly mount and dismount on both sides.

Horse riding question??

Q) I used to have riding lessons when I was young but stopped when I was about 16 years ago. About 2 years ago I started riding a friend's horse (just hacking) & he's incredibly forward going & required very little or no leg to get him going. I've just moved & have started lessons again at a riding school to become a better rider but I'm really struggling to get whichever horse I'm on going forwards rather than bimbling around at about half a mile an hour!!! I've only been twice so far but find I have become conditioned to never kick a horse on unless I want to end up in a heap on the ground or disappearing across the countryside at a horrendous speed! I know riding school horses can sometimes be lazy but I feel like I spend so much effort kicking them on but not getting anywhere!! At the min I'm in quite a large group (although this will change soon) so the instructor hasn't got the time to give me much 1-to-1 advice. Can anyone give me some hints to work with?!

A) instead of a kick move your inside leg behind the girth and squeeze with an even pressure until you can feel some impulsion, riding school horses are numb to the feeling of people giving them Thelwell-esque boots in the ribs but will often respond to more subtle requests. This is why you will see the same horse being clobbered around the school by a complete novice and going nowhere during one lesson, and then going forward with very little effort and in a nice outline for a more advanced lesson. All riding school horses have been well schooled and with the right aids will still willingly give you what you ask, maybe you could splash out on a one to one lesson with your instructor to make some fine tuning adjustments! Good luck, it will all come together all of a sudden and you will never look back.

Horse riding help needed please?

Q) I am a 21 year old lad about to graduate from University. I want to join the army after graduation, but due to family commitments would like to be stationed as near as reasonably possible to home. My local regiment is a cavalry unit and I wish to apply for a commission with them. I have no experience with horses (although the farm I live on may soon be acquiring an old horse for rehoming), save a year or so of lessons when I was very young, at primary school. The easter holidays are coming up; that's 3 weeks which I can use to get literally as much experience as possible. I know the regiment doesn't always look for riding experience, but just a history around horses. Would a stable be willing to take on 21 year old lad who'd be happy just to make the tea and shovel up the poo, just to put it on his CV as work experience? I know 3 weeks isn't really long enough to actually get much experience on a horse, but something is better than nothing. Thanks!

A) Very possibly, if you are willing to do the work and won't get in the way! (bog standard ans I guess!) I'm currently studying a degree in equine science and I came to the course with an intermediate level of riding but there were two guys who are more or less beginners and they learned alot in a month with only one days riding per week (and I've improved a huge amount.) With riding schools it's a matter of how busy they are and what the culture is like, ie is it very formal, if so it could be hard to get some work for a short period, more laid back (not to say that they are inferior) businesses may be more willing to take on short term p/t help. Phone round, get onto to all the horsey people you know, if you don;t just get talking, I've made two really good contacts in the last few months outside of uni that should help me a long way with my career - so as the ad said it pays to talk! Good luck with it and I will say if you want to improve as fast as possible some book work does help, I often thought because horses are so hands on that theory wouldn't help me that much, man I was wrong oh and check out the wwoofing websites, or helperx.org (google help exchange) they take on people to help with manual labour and if you searh for the term horse you could be lucky

Horse riding near Glasgow?

Q) My partner and I would like to go horse riding for a day- preferably a trail ride through picturesque forest/countryside etc. Does anyone know a place accessible by public transport e.g. trains etc from Glasgow (UK) where I can do this? I have ridden before but my partner has never been on a horse so hopefully it would be somewhere that caters for all levels of ability. Thanks! Angel, why LOOOOL? is it so funny that a lady desires a pleasant day's trotting on the lord's great equestrian beings?

A) I live 20mins from Glasgow and if you head west then pretty much every school does hacking / trekking. My fave is Kelburn Country Park, they are really reasonably priced and have hour long trekks for any level of rider. x

Horse riding film extra?

Q) I have just signed up to an agency supplying background artistes/film extras (in the UK) One of my main skills is horse riding, and I was just wondering whether anybody has themselves, (or knows of anyone) who has actually been able to use this skill on set, and has ridden a horse in background work?

A) Yes I had a friend who did that and our yard often supplied horses for films when they wanted a 'crowd'! I believe you need to belong to one of the stunt riding groups now, because of the insurance implications. The best is I understand; The Devils Horsemen or somesuch. Good luck.

Beginner Horse riding?

Q) Ok Im 12 years old and want to start up horse riding and i have never rode a horse once so what do i do ?? and any tips or tricks?

A) Hi. I leant to ride as an adult! Contact your local stables and they will let you know when beginners lessons are. It is great fun and I just wish I had done it as a child. Have fun.

horse riding school?

Q) me & a friend have decided to start taking horse riding lessons this september....i thought it would be a fun idea its just once a week.... theres a stables near where i live....anyway i ve never been near a horse!!..lol sooo any tips for my first lesson....:)

A) Wear some decent trousers - try not to wear jeans as the inside seam rubs your leg. You will need a pair of stout shoes with a heel so your foot cant slip forward through the stirrup. Other than that have a fabulous time - the school will tell you everything you need to know!

Horse riding?!?!?

Q) Recently I found out I was taking lessons with this girl that I was sharing the same horse with for a show four months ago. While I was doing 2ft classes, she was doing the beginner w/t and w/t/c classes and she didn't even get high placings. Since then I had gotten a horse (three weeks ago) and I have been riding. Well now she is taking lessons with me and this other girl! Also, I have jumped 2'3" and I am working with a green jumping horse on x rails probably the whole winter unless we move up when he gets comfortable. I was supposed to be showing 2'3" this September if I didn't stop taking private lessons. It seems every where I look riders who were lower than me or on the same level are jumping 2'6" and getting better with each passing day. Some are leasing horses and half leasing and I am sitting here wondering 'how?". Any tips on really improving my riding? I can't two point or drop my stirrups on my horse because he freaks out on the xtra pressure and the hitting stirrups (con) Also, I want to get more familiar with the horse before I start lounging lessons with him and my mom. (We were going to start today because the indoor arena flooded and there was a circle left, but we didn't have the lounge line or whip and my mom said no riding so we went home after leading him around.) I recently have been taught how to post right by my mom (one advantage over these other people because they all post up and down and their legs move. I am riding hunters.) Any other tips on really improving my riding at home and on my horse? I am really serious about this because every video I see of me riding after three days of the taping, I want to cry. (not literally). :) Yeah I know, 2ft isn't a big deal, but the highest I am going is 2'6" so yeah. I know I am not the best, but I really want to be good and do well. I am not trying to brag or anything because I know I have nothing to brag about. :) Wow, it looks like I confused some people here! Okay, the reason I am not riding with out stirrups: I LOVE to ride with out my stirrups because I am crazy. My horse used to be spurred to go back behind the girth and so if a stirrup hits him there, he will gallop. He used to be a barrels horse and speed events. I can do it and I want to do it, but I need to get used to my horse first and train him to see that it is okay. Two pointing: I have been two pointing my whole life basically. I am training him to except the pressure behind there and the shortening of the reins. We got it at the halt, walk, and we are starting it at the trot. I can't do it prolonged though because I need to release and sit to reward him. Jumping thing: I am not going to jump any higher than 2'6" or 2'9" probably in my life. So it is not technically fence height, it is equtation. *****I have a trainer and take lessons 1 a week and ride 3 times a week.******* Oh and I am training him over the winter. I just said that I will be doing cross rails all winter with him probably to build up his confidence. I just got him three weeks ago and his training WILL continue under the guidance of a trainer all winter and then in the summer/spring of 2008 we are going to show.

A) You answered your own question. You can be the best rider in the world but you are only as good as your horse and if he's having issues, freaks out with pressure and the stirrups hitting him, you are adjusting the way that you ride to accommodate him and therefore hindering yourself. The others are learning and riding on horses without those issues so that it's easy for them to learn and progress quickly but you are getting left behind, not because you aren't picking things up or not as good. You are trying to get better and learn while having to deal with the horse's issues. It shows that you are a competent rider because you are still holding your own but I think you'd go further if either your horse didn't have these problems or you were able to get another horse that will enable you to go forward and progress quicker without the hassles. Keep the faith, it'll work out - good luck!

Horse Riding?

Q) I've been riding horses for about 4 months, and until now, i haven't had a problem keeping the horses head down while he jogs, trots, and lopes, but now he's not wanting to keep his head down, and i'm doing the same thing i have been for the past 4 months. It's an Arabian horse, i'm still using the same bit and everything, i don't know what could be wrong.

A) Has he had his teeth done? He could be putting it up to avoid the pain in his mouth. Horses need their teeth floated every 6 to twelve months. Another thing could be your hands. He could be learning to put his head up to avoid getting jerked around in the mouth. Make sure that you keep your hands still and don't move them suddenly, but gently. It could also be a sore back. Does he seem more stiff than usual when he moves? He could have pulled a muscle in his back, not necessarily while being ridden. Basically, he's trying to avoid something, once you find out what that is you can change it and make for a happier horse (and rider). Good Luck :)

horse riding?

Q) I have a 9 year old grandson who wants to learn about riding horses. I have collected numerous books and CD's on the subject. however I have been unable to find a book or CD refering to cues, leg cues, how and when to use them, along with the body positon in the saddle. These are must know things before riding a horse in my opinion.

A) I agree that he should have a good, basic, knowledge of riding in theory before he starts to ride. It will help him progress muck more quickly and will help his confidence. There are some great DVDs for younger riders these days, and seeing how to ride will be good for him. Check out the links: http://www.simplyequine.com/productlist.asp?ProdText=Children%27s&CatID=155 http://www.amazon.com/Lets-Ride-Horse-and-Pony/dp/B00005NFCR and for basic information: http://www.horsemanpro.com/articles2/riding-aids.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riding_aids http://www.meredithmanor.com/features/articles/faith/aids.asp http://www.britishhorse.com/acatalog/BritishHorse_For_the_Novice_Rider_39.html

Horse riding??

Q) i like horse riding i do it every friday do u guys like riding???

A) I love riding, especially competitive trail and endurance. Anybody can compete in competitive trail, and the horse can be any breed, registered or not.

horse riding?

Q) I have started Horse riding not to long ago, about two months ago & am loving it. I have often gotten asked by my guy friends that does it not break a females viginity. I am not sure about this & why it would happen. ANyone??? I know its a stupid question

A) If you have not had sexual intercourse by definition you are a virgin. This is different from rupturing the hymen either by cycling.,horse riding, masturbation(by yourself or by another) or any injury to that area.All these may cause the hymen to rupture-BUT because you have not had sexual intercourse you are still medically and legally a virgin

Horse riding?

Q) I need to find a place were a person can teach me how to ride horses but it has to be near Virginia or in Virginia.

A) Check the local yellow pages for Stables and Riding Academy. Also check yahoo local. If there is a Petsmart with a horse section near you ask an employee.

horse riding?

Q) my sister is getting a horse and i'm not she has the right weight what is the most weight that can sit on the horse???????

A) There are a lot of factors that go into figuring out what weight a horse can comfortably carry. The size of the rider is one thing, but also how skilled the rider is? A person who rides well and has a good seat will be much easier for a horse to carry even if they physically weigh more. What is the size of the horse? Some breeds can easily carry a heavier rider? Also, what condition is the horse in? Does he get ridden regularly and is in good health, or is he very young or very aged? What kind of riding does she do? Just light hacking along a trail or does she jump or is in serious training? There are just too many factors to be considered to determine the right sized horse based on your question. If your sister is a well-trained, capable rider, there are many horses that she can ride comfortably. I don't know how old she is from your post, but I've seen pre-teens handling Quarterhorses without difficulty. If she's a heavier rider, she could look at a cob which are able to carrier riders who weigh more.

Horse Riding.?

Q) I have been riding western for 4 years now. And Saturday I am learning how to ride english. Is it alot harder? Do I have to post? Or can I just trot? And what do I need to wear?? Please Help

A) English just doesn't have all the extra stuff, and some find it harder to switch from. English stirrups are also usually a bit shorter than Western, which are below the ankle and English hits the ankle [well, my instructor does that.] Usually in English you do post, though you do practice your sitting trot to canter and for shows. I usually just wear my paddock boots, jodphurs/riding pants or jeans. If you have a pair of nonshow riding pants, I'd wear them, but jeans work just as well. The only thing I find easier about Western is sitting in the seat while cantering, which is hard for me in English. I hope you have fun!

HORSE riding?

Q) i wounder how much time in average would someone take from zero to be a good horse rider

A) I guess it would also depend not only upon the rider/the horse/& the instructor, but also what you define "good" as..... If you define good as Olympic level, Grand Prix jumper, or world class level reiner, etc...... then consider, that *most* of theeeeee top riders have ridden every day of their lives since their early childhood, and have ridden many horses per day. This is best chance of learning - riding more than one horse-- getting that vast experience, it is what will get you over the bumps, and get you to learn your trade better. Ride many horses a day and in 15 years or so, you'll probably be a top competitor, with quality instruction and the right horses, of course. If you consider good a person who can go from not knowing anything to being able to properly ride through a walk,trot, canter, and basically build a safe enough level of skill to go out and enjoy themselves on a trail or something like that, I would say that this goal would probably be acheivable in 12 months--- with the right instruction, the right horse, and regular lessons at least 2 a week.

Horse riding question?

Q) After few months break in horseback riding my friend has asked me to assist in riding her horse. I have more than 10 years of riding experience, most of it in Western saddle. This horse has 'traditional' European saddle. The horse is also quite dynamic, strong, impatient.. I am confident I will cope, but it is always the first time on a new horse. My friend will be around to support me and the horse, but it's my nerves.. The horse will realize I do not feel confident, and will buck me off. What suggestions would you have for the first lesson- for me, I'd like to get to know the horse first, and for him to get used to me too- I have no plans of testing the showjump arena this time.. The horse is a 8 year old gelding.

A) groom him yourself and warm him up on the ground by having him do lunges, once you think you have gotten to know his personality somewhat go ahead and mount. Just take him slowly around the arena, and if he begins to give you any problems pull his head into one of your ankles and make him do tiny circles until he is ready to stop, once he stops make him do one more. That shows your dominance as well as wont allow him to rear or buck.