Horseback Riding

The general public loves horses, and it shows. Horses are currently in the number two position in human attachment.

Riding is a noble sport and bonding with the horse will teach young students confidence, responsibility, and respect. Overcoming obstacles through communication introduces you to the effectiveness of body language and the use of the obstacle course at liberty.

Most people feel that flatwork is a vital part of any type of riding, it is the basis of anything more advanced than the walk, trot, canter. There is no substitute for work at the three basic gaits. The skills developed in flat work straightness, lengthening and shortening, bending, and turning will be useful over fences as well.

Many feel that horseback riding can also help poor posture. Every rider and horse compensates for one or more parts of the body, but the basic fundamentals of riding lessons will improve both horse and rider. Some horses will learn faster than others. A well trained horse is a horse that is calm, supple, and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with its rider.

It is important to remember that horses are unpredictable creatures. Even well trained horses will often test boundaries and challenge dominance.

Also keep in mind that horses are fragile animals and that a single traumatic experience can affect your horse for the rest of their life. Horses are not stupid and will remember if they are not treated kindly. Just as you can tell one horse from another, be certain that horses can tell riders apart as well. Training that encourages cooperation rather than punishment are generally more effective.

About the Author:
Rob Daniels has been an equestrian rider for 25 years. He has studied various disciplines additional articles are available at: Riding Stable - http://www.riding-stable.com and Horse Stall http://www.horse-stall.net