What To Expect

YOUR FIRST HORSEBACK RIDING LESSON

Welcome to our lesson program at Autumn’s Gate. We’re excited to have you and your family members of our little community. It’s important to us that you are satisfied with every facet of your experience, please let us know how things are going and how we can make it better.

Do I need to wear or bring anything?

Other than the horse, the equipment you’ll use when riding is one of the most important aspects of riding. Of course, the horse isn’t the only one who has to wear the proper equipment; you, as the rider, need to make sure that you show up to your first lesson with the right equipment. While some lesson facilities may have different requirements, in general riders need to have:

Ø An approved riding helmet will be provided by Autumn’s Gate

ØIf you choose to purchase your own it must be an ASTM Standard F 1163 Helmet

Ø Boots with at least a ¼ inch heal are preferred

Ø Pants that are comfortable for riding

Ø Weather appropriate clothing

ØAccount for the weather, although we have an indoor arena it’s still typically only 20 degrees warmer than outside. With our winter that could still be pretty cold.

*Lessons will be rescheduled if the outdoor temperature dips below 10 degrees.

What does the horse wear?

Before getting on the horse, you’ll need to know what the horse is wearing and why. The equipment that the horse wears is called the “tack.” While a horse’s tack will depend on the specific horse’s needs, in general tack will consist of:

ØA bridle that will be on the horse’s head

ØA saddle on the horse’s back

ØA saddle pad underneath the saddle to protect the horse’s back

What should I expect to learn?

Mounting: In order to ride a horse, you have to know how to get on a horse. Your instructor will show and teach you the correct and safe way to mount and dismount a horse.

Balance and Control: Once you’re on the horse, the next skill you’ll learn has to do with balance and control of your body. In order to ride and be one with the horse, you have to develop your seat and center of balance. One of the most important parts of developing your balance and harmony with the horse is learning how to “post.” Posting is the motion that allows you to get off of the horse’s back and move in harmony with him while he’s trotting.

Stopping and Steering: Once you’ve developed your balance, you’ll then be taught to stop and steer the horse. Stopping and steering are essentials to correct and safe riding.

The Gaits: Once you’ve developed your seat and have learned to stop and steer, you’ll learn how to ask the horse to walk, trot, canter, and halt.

*May vary with each curriculum developed for the I individual rider and by instructor preference.