Wow, i dont know anything

[Mitchandozzie]

I just realized that i know liek nothing about horses. Can anyone tell me just some basic stuff so that when i start riding this summer i dont look like an idiot?THNX.

[Shemmyboy]

dont walk behind the horse until you know he hears you
don't show off when you are riding- recipe for a fall
Feed horses treats on a FLAT hand- including thumb.
heels down!
head up!
hands down!
remember, you can't hold on to the horse by the reins... USE YOUR LEGS TO TURN him!
wear BOOTS not sneakers or sandals, and make sure they have a heel.
anything elso u want to know?
U R WELCOME

[Mitchandozzie]

Thats great thanks. anything other basic junk i need to know?

[MagnoliaFly]

Realize that horseback riding doesnt come naturally to everyone and takes more work for some people to get good at it. Listen to your instructor and dont get flustered/frustrated. Horses feel those emotions and can become nervous. They need to trust you because your the one in charge, so show them your a good trustworthy leader. Be sure to praise your horse if it saves you from a fall or does something good like you told it too. They remember that.

Theres lots of other stuff, any specific questions about beginning lessons?

[lovechick]

you will learn more as you spend more time with horses, I work at the barn and take lessons there, I feel like I got to know horses so well, I know how will each one react and what they will do, I think it's really important to study equine character by working with them in any way, like grooming or washing, whatever, I know that horses know me there well, and how I treat them, and people are often suprised that some horse reacts gently to me but to other people completely different, like this one horse for example has very sensitive, thin skin, I only use soft brush on him, and brush very gently several times, when i brush his rear, I put my hand on his shoulder and brush with soft strokes, I've been very careful around him, and try to change his behavior a bit, well one of his problems was putting his bridle on, its imposible for nearly everyone there(students), but he was given me for my lesson I easily petted him on the neck and gently slipped the bridle on, everyone there was shocked, they couldnt believe, I as a beginner did is so easily. I just have my own way with horses, which pays me in positive way.

[Mitchandozzie]

thanks guys its helped alot. I did do riding and found i was good because i bonded with teh horses. I think ill do alright, no liek im pro or anything, but ill get alot better.once again thnaks, im picking up some stuff from my freinds as well(one of them part boards a horse)

[lovechick]

You should read "Horses for dummies", I checked it out from the library and it's a great book, it has a lot of tips on everything, and can be used as reference guide. A lot of stuff from there I already knew, but there's always something new you learn about horses all the time, so read more books, do more reasearch, it really helps..
http://www.stallions-online.net/photos/920.jpg

[Mitchandozzie]

ok thanks ill go and check it out t teh library. i need a new card though, my dad lost my other one