First English lessons is tomrrow? :)?

Question

Yep, I'm UBER excited. xD I've ridden mostly western at horse camp every year, and I've had a few lessons from friends, but I've ridden english only twice.

Any tips or pointers? :) Thanks!

Answer 1

You'll be just fine.  Welcome to english riding - I started western too, and made the switch (I like english much better!).  if you've only been riding at camp, you'll probably make the transition easy, especially if you rode with two hands at camp.

The only problems I had was that the horses could neck rein where I took western lessons, so I was riding one-handed.  When I switched to english, I was still holding my hands palm down, horizontally, instead of thumbs up.  It took a couple years for my teacher to break me of that :P  You also tend to sit with a more forward angle in english, versus vertical or even a little bit leaning back in western, and ride with a little bit of a shorter stirrup, which could all take some getting used to, but I'm sure you'll handle it fine.

You might want to invest in half chaps or full chaps or tall boots eventually, too, because the thin stirrup leathers on an english saddle can pinch if you ride in flared leg jeans or anything even a little loose around your calves.

Answer 2

*Have Fun

*Be Safe

*If you don't get something ask your trainer

*Pay attion to what your horse is telling you. (if they are hurt or *scared ect)

*Sit up

*Keep your heels down

*Don't rest your hands on the horses neck

*Expect the Unexpected

*Always Wear a helmet

*Don't pull on your horses mouth.

*Don't lean forward going to the jump

*Be prepared (run-outs, falls ect)

*Falling is a part of learning

*Talk to your horse while your tacking and riding

*Praise your horse after your jumps or course to let him know they did a good job

*Don't punish your horse for tripping or knocking down a jump

*Don't get stuck doing the same thing (same jumps, same flat work ect) throw in new things every time you ride

*Try new things. Once in awhile try a western or bareback lesson

*Don't let anyone tell you riding is not a real sport or it is lame and that you should give it up. If you like it keep with it.

~REMEMBER: Horses are like humans. They are not always perfect, they might trip. It is also important to remember horses have minds of their own and won't always do as they're told.

~For nervousness:

*Listen to music going to the barn

*Stay relaxed it will keep your horse relaxed

*Tell yourself positive things

Answer 3

I started western, too (boring)!  English is so much more challenging, you'll find it thrilling!  I'm excited for you.  Just have fun and sit up!!!  Listen to your trainer and have a good time.  

Answer 4

just remember to make sure you hear EVERYTHING the trainer is telling you.. even if it means asking them to repeat it over and over. whatever they are telling you is going to be important. then if you dont understand anything that they do say, ask them what they mean by that. youre paying them to teach you, so make sure you learn everything you can! i was just trying saddleseat for the first time the other day and i had to keep asking the trainer questions about what she was saying, but i learned ALOT more by doing so..

other than that just remember to relax and have fun..! be a confident rider and REALLY work your legs when posting.. almost like you have no stirrups.. it will help build your leg muscle and make riding alot easier [later..], although it may leave you sore, so do this in moderation. lol.. but if you plan to show english, it will make your riding look alot nicer!

Answer 5

Welcome to a very different world of riding a horse, I really hope you like it. It is more difficult than western and not as comfy for long hours in the saddle, unless you have an endurance style saddle.

Remember to sit tall, keep your elbows bent and back at your sides, your elbow should be in line with your ear, which should be in line with your hip and heel. You need to keep a consistent contact with the horses mouth via the reins, which means keeping your hands still but allowing and not restricting his head movement by using your elbows.

Try to relax and remember to breathe ..... listen to your instructor and ENJOY :D

Answer 6

keep your heels down and when u post dont stand up straight, kinda lean forward a bit.

Answer 7

Have fun!! you'll be fine, especially since you have ridden western... they have the same basics..it will just be getting used to a different position. Just stay relaxed and open mided to what the instructor is telling you.

Good Luck! :)

Answer 8

well i would wear breeches and i would get some english short boots. it is soo fun to ride english. you will love it. good luck.