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What is the best gear to wear when riding

admin — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Whether you are a beginner or professional at horseback riding, having the right gear is very important. To ensure your safety and to make your ride as pleasant as possible, investing in durable gear is top priority. There are thousands of companies selling horseback riding gear buy not all of them produce quaility products so it is always a good idea to do research before making any purchase. You will want to make sure you have the proper saddle for your horse. There are lightweight saddles, heavyweight saddles, and saddles with leather stirrups. The next piece of gear you want to have is a good pair of riding boots to make sure you have a tight grip on the stirrups while riding. If you are planning to ride a lot during the winter, thermal winter boots would be good. A helmet would also be good to have to protect your head in case of an accident. Chaps are also important to have as they prevent you from causing too much friction between you and the horse. All of this equipment can be purchased at affordable prices. However, be careful not to purchase equipment too cheap. As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.”

What to expect for first time horseback riders

admin — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If you are going on a horseback riding adventure for the first time in your life, there are a few things you should know. You can have a great time, but you will have to expect certain things from the moment you approach the horse to a few days after your ride. Just remember, that whatever happens, you have chosen to experience being a part of our country’s past history of travel and fun.

Always wear long pants when you are getting ready to ride. Bare legs can become very sore if they rub against the saddle with the horses movements. Do not sit stiff. Relax your muscles and move with the horses movements. If you are a first time rider, it is ok to hold onto the saddle horn with one hand until you feel comfortable about riding. Everyone may laugh at first, but they have all done the same thing so just enjoy the ride.

Be kind to your horse and treat it gently. Do not yank on the bit. It can cut or bruise the animals mouth. It is to be used as a guide, not as punishment. After your first ride, your legs are going to ache. The next day the muscles on the inside of your thighs are going to hurt. If you keep moving, the soreness will work itself out and you will get used to it soon enough. Always remember, your horse is a lot smarter than you think.

Best European spots for horseback riding

admin — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The best European spots for horseback riding are surprisingly in Scandinavia Long known for it’s unique nature at a latitude identical to Siberia, the Scandinavian nations are green, have tempered climates, and a rich landscape well suited to horseback riding.

For starters look at Sweden’s Forest and Lake trails. Located in the Sami region of Northern Sweden, the site offers farm-based horse riding holidays and full day riding trips along the powerful Swedish cold bloods. The location uses natural horsemanship to foster a bond between the horses and riders.

Also found in Sweden is the Lapland trails along the Kebnekaise mountains of Northern Sweden along the Norway border. The horses used are well tempered Icelandic horses. Not only do the riders bond with their horses but they will get acquainted with Sami culture (the oldest indigenous people of Sweden) and even live in Sami tents or lvvu.

In the wintertime, experience horseback riding near lake Kalix along the Swedish-Finnish border riders explore the snowy trails on Icelandic horses. The winter experience is enhanced further by opportunities to do dog sledding, lassoing reindeer, and ice fishing.

The locations are for experienced riders ages 12 and up and make for memory family fun in a way that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

US Horseback Trips to Consider

admin — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

So you’re planning a horseback riding trip, huh? There’s a lot more to do than look into adt security and pack your bags, you’ve got to pick your destination first! Here are a few of the places in the US we think deserve a look if you’re looking for a horseback vacation.
The Big Island, Hawaii: Who knew that the area of Waimea on the Big Island is really a horse lover’s paradise? Horseback riding is offered year round and it’s a great way to see neighboring Waipi’o Valley and other car inaccessible areas. You can even book a several day camping expedition on your horses!
Maine: The coastline of Maine is the best place in the northeast to explore cragged coastline without a lot of crowds. When you plan your trip for the summer or winter you’ll avoid the leaf lookers and really get the full experience.
Portland, Oregon: Portland’s developed quite a reputation for food but did you know it’s an outdoor paradise, too? Horseback riding is a favorite activity here and there’s nothing better than a sunset in the woods via horseback.

Best way to find a good horse for riding

admin — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

With the current economic crisis our country is experiencing, shopping for a good quality riding horse is easy and relatively inexpensive. There are quite simply more horses available than there is demand.

Don’t let color fool you. Many people are drawn to flashy colors and will overlook bad disposition or lack of training for a pretty coat. Unless you are willing to let that horse stand without being ridden, then color is not a primary importance when looking for a great riding horse. The old saying “a good horse is never a bad color” certainly holds true.

Do look for a horse that fits you size wise, disposition wise and matches your skill level. An older horse that is quiet and an easy ride will be a better match for a new rider than a young prospect. The horse’s soundness needs to be checked by a knowledgeable veterinarian prior to purchase to save surprises later. Taking an experienced horse person with you when shopping is always a good idea to keep from being lured into an unsuitable purchase by savvy horse traders. In the end you will be a happier rider when fitted to a suitable horse for your needs.

Top things to expect when horseback riding

admin — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The back of a horse is a good way to see and experience parts of the world that have few roads. Experienced riders, of course, know what they are doing, but many dude ranches and riding vacations take beginners. So, what should you expect if you have not ridden a horse before?

First, use the appropriate safety gear. Boots with smooth soles, a small heel and some ankle support are the best. Failing that, shoes with a small heel will do. You should not ride in flat shoes, sneakers or sandals as the foot can slip through the stirrup in a fall. It is also recommended that a proper safety helmet designed for riding (not a bicycle helmet) be worn. In some countries and areas this is a legal requirement. Ordinary jeans are good enough for the occasional rider.

Second, research the place where you are going to ride. Do not ride horses that are underweight. Most places will have a weight limit for riders. Ask the stable where they get their horses and what they do with them when they get too old for the work.

For the ride itself, it’s a myth that the horse does all the work. Short rides in flat terrain often do allow guests to be a passenger, but multi-day rides and anything that involves mountain or desert requires a certain amount of fitness. Before the trip, do exercises to strengthen your core such as crunches and squats. These will reduce your risk of ending up ‘saddle sore’. Remember that horses are prey and flight animals that startle easily. Approach them slowly and ideally from slightly to the side. Do not walk behind a horse. But do take the time to say hello to your mount. Horses are affectionate creatures that enjoy human company.

What is the best kind of horse to ride

admin — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The best type of horse to ride on a trail ride is a Tennessee walking horse. The horse has an exceptionally smooth four beat gait that is not a trot. There is no bouncing up and down, like you will find with a horse that trots. This allows the rider to spend many more hours being comfortable in the saddle. The horse was originally bred for southern United States plantation owners to ride when they went across their plantations. They wanted a very comfortable ride and produced the Tennessee walking horse.
Secondly, the horse needs to match the experience level of the rider. A person who has never ridden before will need a horse that is very easy to control. A person with a lot of riding experience will enjoy a horse with a little spunk. They will want to be able to enjoy challenging the horse’s mind. Matching the horse and rider will make for a safer trial ride for everyone.
Thirdly, the best horse for a trail ride is usually a gelding. Mares may come into heat unrepentantly and will become interested in any male horse on the trail ride. Likewise, stallions are interested in the mares in heat. A gelding is usually the easiest horse to control, because its temperament is evener.

The best places to get horseback riding gear

admin — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Since the beginning of the internet, shopping for horsebackriding gear has never been simpler or faster. A veritable plethora of websites cater to this popular pastime offering everything from tack for the horse itself, to riding clothes and boots for the horseman, to camping and traveling gear for both. Finding the right gear for your horse and yourself however, largely depends on where you shop.

First to be considered is the riding discipline that you ride with your horse. English or huntseat riders will benefit more from merchandisers and shops that cater to those disciplines, while western riders are shopping for a totally different variety of goods and products for their needs.Get more information here. http://www.stepbysteptips.com/hobbies/top-ten-questions-you-should-be-asking-when-purchasing-your-first-horse/ Family or weekend riders likewise, will have fewer specific demands for a certain type of gear but they will still want to seek out quality, well made gear for safety and durability.

Doing a quick internet search for the type of riding you do and suitable gear is easy and will open up a world of shops that supply one of America’s favorite pastimes. Knowing what you need and what constitutes quality will largely determine where you buy and how happy you will be with your shopping experience.