Discover a world where you and your horse become one--a journey filled with empowerment, connection, and a deep appreciation for equine grace. Our Horseback Riding 101 course is your personal gateway to a transformative adventure that transcends mere knowledge. It's about crafting an unbreakable bond with these magnificent creatures while learning to ride with confidence and poise.
Feel the thrill as you master the art of horseback riding, guided by expert mentors who share your passion. Whether you're stepping onto the saddle for the first time or refining your technique, this course offers something rare: a comprehensive, holistic approach that encompasses not only the technical skills but also the heart and soul of equestrian companionship.
Immerse yourself in a supportive community that celebrates your victories and helps you navigate challenges. Imagine the tranquility of riding through scenic trails, the satisfaction of achieving seamless harmony with your horse, and the joy of being part of their herd.
Join us, and transform your equestrian dreams into reality. More than a course, it's an invitation to a lifelong partnership filled with endless adventures. Your journey to a powerful and fulfilling equestrian experience begins here. Enroll today and redefine what it truly means to ride.
Aspiring riders should seek lessons to properly develop their skills and ensure safety, beginning with gentle trail rides to acclimate the body. Rookies should start with short rides to allow underused muscles to adjust gradually to the new activity.
Lesson 1-
Lesson 1 The Joys of Riding+
Horseback riding is a wonderful outdoor adventure, taking you off-road to places you wouldn't otherwise see, and allowing you to go much farther than you would probably care to hike.
Introduce Yourself+
Introduce Yourself
Lesson 2: Navigating the World of Western vs. English Riding Styles
Western and English styles are distinguishable by their saddle design and purpose, with the Western style being more prevalent in rodeos and ranches, while English is favored for dressage and jumping. The choice between these styles can be influenced by local customs, personal goals, or familial connections.
Lesson 2-
Lesson 2 Why Take Lessons and Basic Horse Sense+
here are several important reasons to take lessons.
Lesson 3: Choosing the Perfect Riding Instructor: A Comprehensive Guide
Finding a good riding instructor involves exploring various resources like horse clubs, online directories, and direct inquiries at horse shows. It's important to observe lessons and ask pertinent questions about their teaching methods and qualifications.
Lesson 3-
Lesson 3 Finding a Good Instructor for Lessons+
Someone who trains both horses and riders, and teaches riding, is ideal, but if you have friends who own horses, ride a lot and are willing to teach you, that can be great, too.
Lesson 4: The Essentials of Buying and Caring for Your Horse
Purchasing a horse involves upfront costs of $2,500 to $3,500 for a safe and gentle animal, with monthly stabling and training adding to the ongoing expenses. To avoid pitfalls, consult professionals like trainers and veterinarians to assess the horse's health and behavior before buying.
Lesson 4-
Lesson 4 Should you Buy? Finding a Trainer and Vet, Buying Your Horse+
If you love riding, your next dream may be owning your own horse. The first decision is whether you can afford it.
Lesson 5: From Nomadic Roots to Modern Rides: The Evolution of Horse Breeds
The versatile Quarter Horse, known for its speed over a quarter-mile, is a hallmark of the American West, excelling in rodeo events and having a calm temperament suitable for various riders. With their sturdy yet compact build and distinctive solid coloring, Quarter Horses adapt well to both Western and English riding styles.
Lesson 5-
Lesson 5 Horse History and Breeds, Choosing a Breed and Riding Style+
Horses originated as wandering herd animals. In general, they are friendly gentle, and reciprocate loving care with affection and loyalty.
Lesson 6: Boarding Insights: Creating a Safe and Nurturing Environment for Horses
Proper nourishment of a horse involves a balanced mix of high-quality hay, grains in moderation, and supplemental nutrients like vitamins, oils, and salt licks for overall health. Horses naturally need more calories during winter months, and owners should monitor feed for any potentially harmful elements.
Lesson 6-
Lesson 6 Horse Habitats, Food and Grooming+
Most horse owners board their horses at a commercial stable or farm. Veterinarians and other horse owners can recommend good ones. For pleasure riding, a stable next to or near good riding trails is a must.
Lesson 7: Understanding Halters and Bridles in Horse Riding
Quality horse tack is crucial for safe and enjoyable riding, encompassing items such as halters, leads, bridles, and hackamores. Consideration of a horse's comfort with bits like snaffles or curbs can lead to better control and communication.
Lesson 7-
Lesson 7 Horse Tack: Halters and Leads, Bridle or Hackamores+
Riding gear for horses is called tack. Basic tack includes bridles, saddles, bits, cinches, saddle pads, lead ropes, halters and stirrup leathers. Many riders also invest in horse boots, and some in complete outfits matching their riding style. One caveat
Lesson 8: Understanding Saddles: Design, Fit, and Materials
Achieving an ideal saddle fit for horse well-being and rider stability requires awareness of equestrian terms and reliance on expert advice. Maintenance and accessory considerations are explored, alongside cost-effective strategies for saddle procurement and preservation.
Lesson 8-
Lesson 8 Saddles and Other Tack+
A saddle that fits both your and your horse is the second purchase to be made with great care.
Lesson 9: Equestrian Essentials: Back to Basics
To ensure a smooth riding experience, the lesson provides detailed steps for preparing and mounting a horse, emphasizing the importance of equipment checks and proper positioning. Techniques for effective rein control, stopping, and turning are also discussed, giving riders confidence in managing their horses.
Lesson 9-
Lesson 9 Horse Talk and Reviewing the Basics+
You're probably starting to feel pretty comfortable on a horse now, and looking forward to learning more about riding. In this lesson we'll review basics and give you written and photo resources you can double check when you're on your o
Lesson 10: Ensuring the Longevity and Vitality of Your Horse: A Comprehensive Guide
Ensuring a horse's wellbeing includes observing for subtle changes in behavior or health, which could indicate issues like parasites or digestive distress. Equine health resources recommend a holistic approach encompassing proper nutrition, regular professional check-ups, and meticulous grooming practices for longevity.
Lesson 10-
Lesson 10 Keeping Your Horse Healthy and Happy+
As we've said, horses have relatively long lives for domestic animals. Twenty to thirty years is pretty common.
Lesson 11: The Intricacies of Trotting and Cantering
Adaptation to a horse's quirks might be necessary, especially with older horses, bearing in mind that some habits may not pose safety concerns. Unless you're interested in special events or competitions, this lesson concludes your current training--happy trails!
Lesson 11-
Lesson 11 Medium and Advanced Skills Progress+
This lesson will cover trotting and cantering, and briefly discuss any bad habits your horse may have.
Lesson 12: Saddle Up: A Beginner's Guide to Horse Sports and Vacations
Swimming between English and Western styles, horse-related sports and competitions offer something for every enthusiast, from the structured grace of dressage to the rugged thrills of rodeo. Each discipline demands not only proficiency but also commitment to training, with a myriad of local and international venues to explore.
Lesson 12-
Lesson 12 Horseback Vacations, Camps, Showing, Racing and Performing+
The first thing to know about entering competitions is that they take a tremendous amount of practice time, require that both you and your horse have high-level skills and can quickly get quite expensive if you need to travel to participate.
The Final Exam+
This is the final exam, comprised of questions taken from other lesson exams.
In This Course
4 Hours average completion time
0.4 CEUs
12 Lessons
14 Exams & Assignments
12 Videos
13 Reference Files
Mobile Friendly
Last Updated December 2021
Description
While it's impossible to describe the exhilaration and connections to yourself and to nature you will experience while riding a horse, be assured that nothing else you ever do will be quite like it. That may not seem true the day after your first ride, when you will probably have some aches and pains from muscles you don't use often and may feel like your legs have forever become an "O" shape, or when you are learning to ride the trot, which is a big challenge for most of us, but those kinds of problems will disappear quickly as you learn and love to ride.
You'll also love horses themselves. They are friendly, gentle animals and companions -- and enjoyable riding requires that you and your horse, or a stable horse you may ride, work together. Since horses are herding animals in the wild, they enjoy having at least one other horse companion, and will take you into their herd, too. You'll like that!
This course will cover all the basics about riding, both beginning and advanced, and introduce almost everything you will need to know as you ride and/or decide to buy your own horse. Since all that knowledge and lore couldn't possibly fit into one course, and because there are some absolutely wonderful resources both online and at bookstores, we include many links so you can pursue information you want to deeper levels.
Skills You'll Develop
Safety awareness and best practices
Effective horse care and management
Understanding Western and English styles
Proficiency in trotting and cantering
Horse communication and connection
Horse sports and competition insights
Basic horse riding proficiency
Knowledge of horse health essentials
Saddle and tack selection skills
Skills You'll Develop
Safety awareness and best practices
Effective horse care and management
Understanding Western and English styles
Proficiency in trotting and cantering
Horse communication and connection
Horse sports and competition insights
Basic horse riding proficiency
Knowledge of horse health essentials
Saddle and tack selection skills
More About This Course
Ensure Horse Health: Adopt a holistic approach for horse's vitality
Grasp Tack Usage: Understand the importance of quality horse equipment
Master Riding Basics: Gain skills for both beginners and advanced riders
Explore Horse Breeds' History: Appreciate various breeds and their traits
Find Ideal Saddles: Achieve proper fit for rider stability
Learn Riding Techniques: Manage horses confidently with expert strategies
Understand Riding Styles: Learn differences between Western and English methods
Create Safe Boarding Environments: Ensure horse well-being with proper care
Build Bonds with Horses: Connect deeply with these gentle animals
Discover Horse Care Essentials: Learn caring and buying for your own horse
What You'll Achieve
Identify safety precautions necessary for horseback riding, such as wearing helmets, understanding spooked behavior, and the importance of riding with experienced individuals or adults.
Describe the physical and emotional benefits of horseback riding, including improved core strength, calorie burning, balance, and emotional connection.
Demonstrate the correct approach to a horse by following safety guidelines and receiving positive feedback from an instructor in a controlled setting.
Define the differences between Western and English style horse riding, including saddle types and riding purposes, with 90% accuracy during a quiz.
Identify and describe the necessary gear and preparation activities required for beginning horse riding lessons.
Demonstrate the ability to identify qualified riding instructors through research and evaluation of credentials and teaching methods.
Identify the key criteria and process for selecting a suitable horse, including health checks, trainer, and vet recommendations.
Describe the financial and time commitments involved in owning and caring for a horse, including purchase and maintenance costs.
Recognize various riding styles suitable for different horse breeds and evaluate their appropriateness based on horse temperament and physical attributes.
Demonstrate the ability to identify different horse breeds and describe their specific characteristics and historical significance within American culture.
Demonstrate proper grooming techniques, including hoof care, to ensure a horse's cleanliness and well-being.
Identify the nutritional requirements and suitable dietary supplements for maintaining a horse's health and energy.
Define the essential characteristics and amenities of a high-quality horse boarding stable, including staff competence and care standards.
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4 Hours average completion time
0.4 CEUs
12 Lessons
14 Exams & Assignments
12 Videos
13 Reference Files
Mobile Friendly
Last Updated December 2021
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