Sample Our Newsletter
"How To Make Horse Training Affordable," from my FREE monthly newsletter

From the Basic Horse Training Series:

"What you should do: Diagnose the problem and form a plan. Is your horse simply being a pest as you feed him? Or is he literally trying to kill you when you enter the pen? Do you know the difference? Are you looking to improve his transition into the proper lead – or does he have a bucking fit every time you mount up? To put it succinctly, if the horse is annoying, you've got time to figure things out. If the horse is dangerous, you don't. If the horse is dangerous, you don't get on him, you don't get near him. What about the gray area in between? To decide which end of the spectrum your horse falls into ("dangerous, not dangerous") I would advise listening to that little voice in your head and you may need to do so daily. If you're about to get on your horse and that little voice says something's amiss, get back off. I realize that's no "fix," but that's not what this article's about. This is about diagnosing situations, creating plans to remedy the situations, and moving forward.

So, let's break this down. Let's say that there are five different levels you can find yourself facing: 1) My horse is going to kill me today. 2) I believe my horse is going to hurt me the next time I ask for (a lope, a halt, fill in the blank). 3) My horse makes me nervous (when I'm on the trail and he sees something spooky, for instance). 4) When I try to (bathe the horse, bridle the horse, etc.) he gets really cranky. 5) I would like to improve my horse's (lead departure, spin, etc.)."

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From John Lyons Trainer Keith Hosman

Rein In Your Horse's Speed Online Course
A Downloadable Book

A sample from Day 1:

"We learn in a lot of ways: Reading, listening, writing, doing. Each has it's time, place and merit. You should read these articles – but you'll also need to read books, watch DVDs, attend symposiums and ride in clinics. Now, some of those things are not going to be free – but each is a terrific investment. Each gives you more tools you'll need to "fix" your horse yourself, (in the same way that learning simple plumbing saves on plumber bills). The more knowledge you gain, the easier it is to just fix a problem yourself. Throughout this short series, I will give you recommendations for appropriate books, videos and other tools I've found to be useful. I was able to make huge changes with articles, tapes and books written by John Lyons – and I'd like to guide you toward the same, rewarding experience.

After all, horses are expensive, right? You want to get your money's worth. We've got to shoe them and feed them and worm them and… the list goes on. And, while you want to get the most of your horse, the temptation is often to scrimp on a few things – like training. You can't skip feeding your horse – but it's kinda easy to delay that call to the trainer. But what's that lead to? Lousy rides. Dangerous mounts. Horses that are more often than not referred to as "lawn ornaments." And, it could lead to more serious issues like bolting or bucking. With that in mind, how much does a broken leg cost these days? Luckily, you can learn to do quite a bit of the training yourself."

- Print out from home
- 5 Days, 5 chapters
- Learn at your own pace

Just $3.99

For more info:
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Available Downloads:
"Stop Bucking"
"Rein/Speed" (for Nervous Horse Owners)
"Round Pen First Steps"
"Trailer Training"

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GUEST AUTHOR ARTICLES Beginner Horse Riding Lessons

 
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"Preparing for Your First Lesson"
Written by Ron Petracek

You've always wanted to ride a horse, and now you finally have the opportunity as your first lesson is soon approaching. No doubt, you'll be feeling some anxiety as you don't know what to expect, but that feeling is normal!

The first thing you need to do is make sure you have the proper attire. At the beginner stage, your only concern should be safety and comfort. Leave the show ring attire to the pros.

You will absolutely need an ASTM/SEI certified helmet. Lesson facilities typically provide these helmets for the first few lessons, but they expect you to purchase one should you intend on riding beyond two or three lessons. (Keep in mind, if you borrow a helmet, they are "general" use and have been worn by others. Though they may be sprayed and treated before your use, you might prefer to start with your own helmet regardless.)

An ASTM/SEI certified horseback riding helmet is the only helmet you should wear. Bicycling helmets are not appropriate and are not tested to the same safety and impact measures as horseback riding helmets. A good facility will not let you use a helmet that is not ASTM/SEI certified, and do not let any tack shop owner talk you into otherwise. Make sure you look for the label that ensures the helmet is certified, and your riding school should do the same on the day of your lesson.

The next thing you need besides the helmet is a pair of shoes with a smooth sole and a square heel. (Picture cowboy boots or jodhpur boots, but you don't have to spend a large amount of money on real riding boots just yet; you can find smooth soled ankle boots with square heel in many shoe stores.) A preferable boot comes above the ankle and offers some ankle support. Army boots, dockers, sneakers are all entirely unacceptable for riding wear. Army boots have a thick tread, and, if you fall off, your foot could get caught in the stirrup and you can suffer serious injuries. Alternatively, wearing something that does not have a square heel could allow your foot to slide all the way through the stirrup and become caught that way, with your heel up in the horse's side, which is dangerous. Just remember: no treads, smooth sole, square heel.

Now, what will you wear for riding pants? This can be a dilemma for some new riders for a few reasons. One, most pick standard jeans, but, here's the rub-jeans with their loose fit and inner seems may give you a rub on your inner thigh, knee or calf. They can also rub in a way that slides them up your leg, leaving your calf bare and rubbing against the stirrup leather. Conversely, running pants tend to be somewhat slick on the outside and cause you to slip in the saddle. To prevent rubbing, you need pants that do not have inner seems, and to prevent them from riding up all over, they need to be fitted so they stay in place. Thick tights may be your best bet, or use women's pantyhose under your jeans. (And, yes, I've known male students to do so when necessary.) You can also use long john bottoms under your jeans in winter, but just be sure to tuck them well into your socks so they don't ride up. You can try thick tights with leg warmers in the winter, especially now that leg warmers are back in style. If you decide to continue riding, you may wish to purchase an inexpensive pair of riding tights or breeches. Riding jeans also exist, and they are made to not have an inner seem and to be fitted and stretchy.

Depending on the temperature, you need to select your outwear knowing that a: you'll be outdoors and b: your instructor will want to have a good view of your form in order to show you how to sit correctly. That means you should avoid bulky ski jackets that will make you look round shouldered even if you're not. Form-fitting outwear can be combined with a layer of long johns, turtleneck and fitted sweater for a clean look that will work.

Now that you have your certified safety horseback riding helmet, your smooth-soled shoes with a square heel, your pants that won't ride up and rub your legs and your fitted outwear, you are ready to show up to your first lesson already looking like you know what you're doing! Good luck and happy trails!

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Next, I'd Read:

Recommended articles featuring the methods of John Lyons:

• The First Thing I Do
• Horse Riding Tips
• Scared of My Horse

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