Common Beginner Horse Riding Mistakes
Furthermore, as you increase the pace, you will need to shorten the reins, because the horse actually lifts its head up slightly as it trots and canters or lopes.
Holding Your Breath
Even experienced riders do this when learning something new. However, beginner riders who are tense or are concentrating very hard, often hold their breath.
The Fix: Smile, laugh, hum a tune, or try breathing in rhythm with the horse's strides.
Death Grip on the Reins
Pulling hard on the reins can confuse and frustrate the horse as the rider's legs and seat say 'go' but their hands say 'whoa'. Doing it over a period of time will lead to the horse ignoring rein aids because their mouth becomes desensitized, or they will toss their heads to avoid the pressure and pain. If the pulling becomes too constant, some horses will become balky, or rear to evade the pressure.
The Fix: Learn to feel the horse's mouth without pulling. Squeeze back with your hands in downwards transitions, rather than yanking and tugging. As with letting the reins slide and get too long, learn to readjust the rein length as the horse moves. Hold the reins firmly but lightly, as if you were securely holding a baby chick in each hand. Don't squeeze too hard and squish your chicks!
Looking at the Horse
Beginner riders are often infatuated with their horse and want to look at it, or they're nervous and want to keep an eye on it. Looking down means you can't see where you are going, your head is down and neck is bent, which stiffens your spine. Any stiffness in your body makes it more difficult for your horse to carry you.
The Fix: You might have heard that you should look between your horse's ears. This is only partially true. You really need to look where you are going. When turning, look at your destination, before cueing for the turn. This puts you in better balance, with your chin up, and your eyes forward.
Disregard for Safety
Before you ever get on a horse, make sure you are wearing a proper riding helmet and safe footwear. Not having regard for safety before everything else is perhaps the biggest riding mistake you can make, and one that can cause the most injury.
