In this guide, we’ll cover essential tips and tricks to help beginners get started with confidence, safety, and a solid foundation.
Start with the Right Mindset
Before you ever step into a saddle, understand that horseback riding is a partnership. Your horse isn’t a machine — it’s a living, breathing animal with its own instincts, moods, and preferences. Riding well means learning to listen to your horse as much as you expect it to listen to you.
Approach riding with patience. Progress will come, but it’s not about “mastering” the horse — it’s about building trust. You’ll need to learn to relax in the saddle, stay calm when things don’t go perfectly, and celebrate small victories along the way.
Find a Good Instructor
Self-teaching might work for some hobbies, but horseback riding is not one of them. A knowledgeable instructor will help you develop safe, effective habits from day one. They’ll teach you proper posture, how to communicate clearly with your horse, and how to respond in situations that could otherwise be dangerous.
When choosing an instructor or riding school, look for:
- Good safety practices – Helmets, properly fitted tack, and safe mounting/dismounting procedures should be standard.
- A focus on horse welfare – Instructors who treat horses with respect often teach students to do the same.
- Clear communication – You should feel comfortable asking questions and getting straightforward answers.
Dress for Success (and Safety)
You don’t need to buy a closet full of equestrian gear right away, but there are a few essentials every beginner rider should have:
- Helmet – A well-fitted, certified riding helmet is non-negotiable for safety.
- Boots – Closed-toe boots with a small heel (about 1 inch) will help keep your feet from slipping through the stirrups.
- Comfortable pants – Jeans or riding breeches work well; avoid shorts, which can chafe.
- Gloves – Optional, but they help with grip and prevent blisters from the reins.
Dressing properly not only makes you safer but also more comfortable — which means you’ll be able to focus on learning rather than adjusting your clothing.
Learn to Mount and Dismount Properly
Getting on and off a horse seems straightforward, but doing it correctly sets the tone for your ride and helps prevent accidents.
Mounting tips:
- Hold the reins and the mane in your left hand, standing on the horse’s left side.
- Place your left foot in the stirrup while holding the saddle pommel or horn with your right hand.
- Push up off your right leg, swing your right leg over the horse’s hindquarters, and gently settle into the saddle.
Dismounting tips:
- Remove both feet from the stirrups.
- Swing your right leg over without kicking the horse.
- Land softly on your feet beside the horse.
Always check that your horse is standing still before you mount or dismount.
Focus on Your Posture
Good riding posture isn’t about being stiff — it’s about balance and communication. Think of your body as the primary tool for speaking to your horse.
- Sit tall with your shoulders back, but stay relaxed.
- Look where you’re going, not down at your horse’s neck.
- Keep your heels down and toes pointed slightly forward.
- Bend your elbows softly, keeping your hands low and steady.
When you’re balanced in the saddle, your horse can move more freely, and you’ll feel more secure.
Learn the Basic Aids
“Aids” are the ways you communicate with your horse — through your seat, legs, hands, and voice. Mastering the basics will make your riding smoother and your horse more responsive.
- Leg aids – Apply gentle pressure with your legs to encourage movement forward or sideways.
- Rein aids – Use light pressure to signal turns, stops, or backing up. Avoid pulling harshly.
- Seat aids – Shift your weight slightly to signal direction or speed changes.
- Voice aids – Words like “walk,” “trot,” or “whoa,” paired with tone changes, can help reinforce commands.
The key is consistency. Use the same cues each time so your horse learns to associate them with specific actions.
Start with the Walk
It’s tempting to rush into trotting or cantering, but the walk is where you’ll build your foundation. At the walk, you can practice:
- Steady rein contact
- Keeping your balance
- Coordinating your aids
- Guiding your horse in straight lines and gentle turns
The walk is also the safest pace for beginners, giving you more time to react and adjust.
Progress to the Trot
Once you and your instructor agree you’re ready, you’ll move to the trot. The trot is bouncier than the walk, and it’s where many beginners struggle with balance.
You’ll learn posting — rising slightly out of the saddle in rhythm with the horse’s steps — to make the ride smoother. Posting reduces strain on the horse’s back and keeps you from bouncing uncomfortably.
Take it slow. Mastering the trot may take several lessons, and that’s perfectly normal.
Practice Stopping and Steering
Before you ride in open areas, you need reliable control of your horse. Practice:
- Stops – Sit deeper in the saddle, close your legs lightly, and gently pull back on the reins while saying “whoa.”
- Turns – Use a combination of rein and leg aids. For example, to turn left, gently pull the left rein while applying light pressure with your right leg.
Good control isn’t about force — it’s about clear, consistent communication.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Riding requires as much mental awareness as physical skill. Always be mindful of:
- Other riders and horses nearby
- The terrain beneath your horse’s hooves
- Potential distractions or hazards (like loud noises or flapping objects)
Your awareness helps you anticipate problems before they become dangerous.
Build Confidence at Your Own Pace
Some beginners feel ready to canter after a few lessons; others may take months to feel comfortable at the trot. Both are fine. Confidence grows with experience, and pushing yourself too fast can lead to mistakes or accidents.
Celebrate your progress, even if it feels slow. The trust you build now will serve you for years to come.
Care for Your Horse After the Ride
Riding doesn’t end when you dismount. Learn to:
- Loosen or remove tack so your horse can relax
- Check for any signs of discomfort or injury
- Offer water and a cool-down walk
- Groom your horse to remove sweat and dirt
This post-ride care not only keeps your horse healthy but also deepens your bond.
Final Thoughts
Horseback riding is a skill you’ll develop over a lifetime. Every ride teaches you something new, whether it’s a better way to cue your horse or simply the reminder to take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. As a beginner, your focus should be on building trust, learning the basics, and developing a feel for the unique partnership between rider and horse.
Remember: every expert rider was once a beginner. With time, patience, and respect for your horse, you’ll go from tentative first rides to confident adventures in the saddle — and that journey is worth every step.
