You’d like to communicate with these amazing animals, to feel the wind in your face, to realize a childhood dream… in other words you simply want to ride! You have many questions; maybe you even have fears and doubts. Maybe you wonder – is this your kind of thing? Will you manage? Isn’t it already too late to learn? Or you might even be afraid of horses…
See what Adgor riding stable has on offer for beginners, and if you still have questions do not hesitate to contact us.
A “beginner” is anyone that has never ridden a horse. But also, a beginner is someone who hasn’t yet attained a good balance and an independent seat on a horse, does not have well established basic skills – in other words if the rider cannot stop a horse, make it move with the desired gait and uphold it, to change directions and to keep distance from other horses.
Phases
The study process is divided into several different phases. The readiness of the student to pass to the next phase is determined by the instructor. Together with riding skills you will acquire knowledge about horse psychology and behavior. You’ll start to understand horses.
Attainment of good balance and an independent seat on a horse
During this phase, the student builds a proper independent seat and learns how to use the body while riding. The student develops a sense of rhythm, sync and correct reaction to the movement (and change of movement) of the horse. During this phase the rider uses his/her hands to hold on to the saddle. This phase ends, when the rider no longer needs the hands to hold on to the saddle during walk, trot (sitting trot and posting) and gallop.
The lessons take place out in the nature (not on the riding arena) and at this phase the horse is controlled BY the instructor, not the rider.
Independence of hand movements from other parts of the body
During this phase the rider learns to control his/her hands and not to move them unnecessarily. The rider starts to use the legs and body posture to ensure his/her balance.
This phase puts the rider on a new level – here his/her hands do not hold on to the saddle, are free or hold the reins, which are very long and hang loosely. In such a way the mistakes of the rider cannot affect the horse. The phase ends, when the rider is capable of holding his/her hands steady, in place, and without unnecessary movements, during walk, trot (sitting trot and posting) and gallop. During stopping and starting.
The lessons take place out in the nature and at this phase the horse is controlled BY the instructor, not the rider.
Basic riding skills
Here the rider learns to use the reins, legs and body weight to steer the horse.
The phase ends, when the rider:
- Can stop the horse from walk, trot (sitting trot and posting) and gallop,
- Can initiate and uphold the desired gait and direction
- Can keep distance from other horses
- Does not hang on the reins or jerk for balance support
The lessons take place out in the nature and/or on the riding arena at this phase and the horse is controlled by the rider.
How does it happen that on one side the student does not control his/her horse, but at the same time the lessons are conducted out in the nature?
While the rider still does not have a good balance and correct posture, he has to use his hands to hold on to the saddle and thus cannot use them to steer the horse. Until the rider learns to keep his hands free, independent and steady, he cannot use the reins without having the risk of pulling, jerking and even hanging on the reins.
That is why during the first phases the student does not control his own horse and instead it is controlled and steered by the instructor.
The student and the instructor ride side by side, the instructor’s horse positioned a little ahead of the student’s. The horse of the student is tied to the instructor’s horse by a lead rope attached to the saddle horn. In such a way, the instructor can direct his horse, change gaits at will and if necessary stop the student’s horse very quickly. Thus the instructor has additional control over the student’s horse and respectively more safety for the student is provided.
This gives the beginner a possibility to concentrate on his independent seat (balance and posture) and perfect it on varied terrain.
Why don’t we start with lunging?
We believe that leading the student’s horse from an instructor horse is safer for the student, because thus the instructor has better and quicker control over the student’s horse. Besides, the uneven terrain out in the nature and thus the different, often uneven steps of the horse soon help the body of the student to instinctively react to the movement of the horse.
How long is one riding lesson?
That depends on you. The usual way is to begin with half-hour or one hour lessons, not to overdo with the fatigue, which is not only physical. Soon enough, though, you will learn to feel comfortable with longer lessons.
How much time does it take to advance?
There is no answer to that question - everyone advances in their own pace.
Who can ride?
The answer is - practically anyone who wants to. The desire to ride is more important than age or how physically fit you are. There are some differences for little children, however (See Kid’s riding section). If you have doubts or fear horses, groundwork is a good way to help you understand and communicate with them. The fears and doubts will recede, because they are usually created by lack of understanding or through possibly negative past experiences.
In Adgor we offer riding helmets and encourage people to use them.
Important information