You should not have much trouble locating beaches anywhere in the world that are ideally suited for horse back riding on the beach, and there are also many travel companies selling customized travel packages that allow you to enjoy a ride on the back of a horse on some exotic beach somewhere in the world. And, even if you are a complete newbie to horseback riding, you need not worry because there are many locations on such beaches that will provide you with the necessary coaching and teach you how to get astride a horse and enjoy yourself.
Excellent Facilities Everywhere You Go
You can be sure that there are plenty of destinations that have excellent facilities to let you go horse back riding on the beach, even outside the US in places such as the Caymans, and also Jamaica and even Ireland, or somewhere else equally exciting. In fact, going to Jamaica for horse back riding on the beach is something well worth considering especially in Ocho Rios that will prove to be an adventure of a lifetime as you can get the horse to even plunge into the sea waters, and there are other activities as well that include parasailing that will heighten your adventure even more.
A canter by the waters of the ocean of a faraway place is something to enjoy, and even if you have never ridden a horse before, there are guides available that will help you get started. Suffice to say, that a vacation just to go horse back riding on the beach is something that has much to recommend it and horses being wonderful animals will soon have you besotted by their endearing and powerful personalities that will melt even the hardest heart.
Of course, you should choose the horse according to its temperament and also your own riding abilities and they come in different sizes and also breeds. Make sure that they are properly dressed for riding and the saddles should fit the body so that they are comfortable bearing your weight.
Another great place to go horse back riding on the beach is no doubt Florida, where there is plenty of water and also excellent beaches. Over there, you would enjoy a nice canter while the sun sets which will make the horizon very beautiful and the experience a great thrill, and what’s more, Florida has a wide collection of places ideally suited for horse back riding on the beach.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
The Whole Family Will Enjoy A Horse Back Riding Vacation
There are some great places to go for a horse back riding vacation. The whole family can get away from the pressures of every day life while enjoying the outdoors on a horse back riding vacation. A horse back riding vacation could be just a few days away from the daily routines by taking to the trails on a gorgeous horse, but there are also horse back riding vacations with special activities. The horse back riding vacation could take place at a wide variety of venues and each of the centers that specialize in horse back riding vacations have a unique menu of activities.
A horse back riding vacation could be at a dude ranch in the West where the family can rent a cabin while enjoying all of the special activities. These activities usually include daily horse back riding sessions through rustic settings. Some of these horse back riding sessions would also include some meals in the wilderness where the silence is only broken by those in the group. The ranches are a great place to have a vacation with the whole family while participating in active adventures. Sunbathing on the beach or visiting museums can provide for wonderful family activities, but a horse back riding vacation can keep the whole group physically active.
A Horse Back Riding Vacation Can Improve Skills
A horse back riding vacation can be perfect for the whole family, but there are also centers where anyone can improve their horse back riding skills or develop more advanced riding skills. Some of these centers will teach horse back riding from the first steps of getting up on the horse to very advanced skills that can be used to win national competitions. People who have never ridden a horse in their life can find a center that teaches the basics. These skills can be especially appealing to young children who love these beautiful animals.
A horse back riding vacation could be used to improve sophisticated riding skills. Those interested in jumping horses can find experts who will be able to provide guidance in getting a horse over a creek or a pole. There are also centers who can teach the skills necessary to compete in dressage. Most people are amazed to see a horse and rider go through the movements of dressage, and a vacation might be just the place to learn these techniques or improve skills.
A horse back riding vacation could be at a dude ranch in the West where the family can rent a cabin while enjoying all of the special activities. These activities usually include daily horse back riding sessions through rustic settings. Some of these horse back riding sessions would also include some meals in the wilderness where the silence is only broken by those in the group. The ranches are a great place to have a vacation with the whole family while participating in active adventures. Sunbathing on the beach or visiting museums can provide for wonderful family activities, but a horse back riding vacation can keep the whole group physically active.
A Horse Back Riding Vacation Can Improve Skills
A horse back riding vacation can be perfect for the whole family, but there are also centers where anyone can improve their horse back riding skills or develop more advanced riding skills. Some of these centers will teach horse back riding from the first steps of getting up on the horse to very advanced skills that can be used to win national competitions. People who have never ridden a horse in their life can find a center that teaches the basics. These skills can be especially appealing to young children who love these beautiful animals.
A horse back riding vacation could be used to improve sophisticated riding skills. Those interested in jumping horses can find experts who will be able to provide guidance in getting a horse over a creek or a pole. There are also centers who can teach the skills necessary to compete in dressage. Most people are amazed to see a horse and rider go through the movements of dressage, and a vacation might be just the place to learn these techniques or improve skills.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The Steps You Need To Take Regarding How To Properly Saddle A Horse
When you want to know how to properly saddle a horse you should realize straight off that saddling a western saddle or an English saddle is one and the same thing, and the steps you need to follow for one type can be used on the other. So, to know how to properly saddle a horse you must start at the very beginning and ensure that before actually saddling your horse that it has already been groomed, and also look for any sores, especially whether there are any where you are going to place the saddle. Next, you need to properly brush your horse to leave him free of dirt, grit and other nuisances which will ensure that it does not get irritated or chaffed and a good sign before saddling the horse is to see that its hair on its back and girth is lying flat.
By Tradition, Place The Saddle From The Left Side Of The Horse
By tradition, you will learn that to know how to properly saddle a horse means placing the saddle on the horse from its left side, though occasionally if required, it can also be done from the right side as well. A blanket should be placed, and when a western saddle is being placed you will need to fold up the blanket and place it over the horse with fold pointing in the direction of the head of the horse.
After placing the blanket on the horse’s back you are now ready to place the saddle though you need to ensure that the stirrups are properly hooked which will prevent them from smacking the horse. So, to learn how to properly saddle a horse you may want to observe some experienced hands doing the job so that you have a better idea and a clearer picture about what it takes to saddle the horse properly.
You will notice that the saddle is lifted high and then placed on the horses back on the blanket which should not be disturbed in the process. The saddle should be gently placed on the blanket and not dropped on the back as that can spook your horse. Another tip you will learn about how to properly saddle a horse is that when you do place the saddle, it should be placed a bit higher up the back so that it can then settle into where it actually should be.
Another tip you should know about regarding how to properly saddle a horse is to unattach the stirrups and also see whether the blanket has remained in place or not, and smoothen the wrinkles if any in the blanket and see also that the hair are still flat. Next, you can reach under the horse and gather the girth/cinch and then bring it back before tying the cinch or buckling the girth and do so in small increments which will help the horse to relax and you can stop when you feel the tightness is just right and there should be place between horse and girth for your fingers to slip through. With this simple step, you will have properly saddled your horse and can safely ride it if you so wish.
So, as you can see that to learn how to properly saddle a horse is not difficult and all that it needs has to practice till it becomes second nature to you and hopefully for the horse as well.
By Tradition, Place The Saddle From The Left Side Of The Horse
By tradition, you will learn that to know how to properly saddle a horse means placing the saddle on the horse from its left side, though occasionally if required, it can also be done from the right side as well. A blanket should be placed, and when a western saddle is being placed you will need to fold up the blanket and place it over the horse with fold pointing in the direction of the head of the horse.
After placing the blanket on the horse’s back you are now ready to place the saddle though you need to ensure that the stirrups are properly hooked which will prevent them from smacking the horse. So, to learn how to properly saddle a horse you may want to observe some experienced hands doing the job so that you have a better idea and a clearer picture about what it takes to saddle the horse properly.
You will notice that the saddle is lifted high and then placed on the horses back on the blanket which should not be disturbed in the process. The saddle should be gently placed on the blanket and not dropped on the back as that can spook your horse. Another tip you will learn about how to properly saddle a horse is that when you do place the saddle, it should be placed a bit higher up the back so that it can then settle into where it actually should be.
Another tip you should know about regarding how to properly saddle a horse is to unattach the stirrups and also see whether the blanket has remained in place or not, and smoothen the wrinkles if any in the blanket and see also that the hair are still flat. Next, you can reach under the horse and gather the girth/cinch and then bring it back before tying the cinch or buckling the girth and do so in small increments which will help the horse to relax and you can stop when you feel the tightness is just right and there should be place between horse and girth for your fingers to slip through. With this simple step, you will have properly saddled your horse and can safely ride it if you so wish.
So, as you can see that to learn how to properly saddle a horse is not difficult and all that it needs has to practice till it becomes second nature to you and hopefully for the horse as well.
English Horse Riding Gear For You And Your Horse
In Jean M. Auel’s bestselling The Valley of Horses, cave people went riding without any horse riding gear whatsoever. No saddles, no bridles, no boots and usually no clothing of any sort. Very interesting to read, but completely unrealistic. You want to ride and stay alive and comfortable, you need horse riding gear. Your horse will also be more comfortable and a lot less stressed when the both of you are in the proper horse riding gear. This article will focus on English style riding.
For You
With your choice of horse riding gear, you need to keep both safety and comfort in mind. At the very least, you need:
A hard hat. The worst head injury I received while riding was when my mount, Leonardo, flung his head up and struck his neck full force on my head. I’d be dead if it wasn’t for the hard hat.
Boots or footwear with a prominent heel, so your feet will not slip through the stirrups.
Jeans or jodhpurs (also called breeches). Loose pants like sweatpants are right out – they will get caught somewhere. Ideally, you need to wear pants that you have to wrestle to get into but can still bend over in.
For Your Horse
Ever ride bareback? Hurts like heck, doesn’t it? The rubbing of your buttocks can also leave sores on your horse’s back. A saddle and blanket not only evenly distribute your weight on the horse’s back, but it keeps you in place. Not only are you more safe, but your horse is safer form getting sore and grumpy.
Your horse also needs a bridle of some kind. Most horses have been trained to a bit. Those that don’t usually are in Western style riding. Always try the mildest bits you can before resorting to more complicated ones. You shouldn’t be hauling on your horse’s mouth anyway, unless you physically cannot use your legs.
Used Vs New
New horse riding gear is incredibly expensive. The pros are that they are usually made to fit and are tough. If you are not used to telling worn, dangerous used horse riding gear from any other kind of riding gear, stick with new until you learn. This is a major investment.
If you have the knowledge, then by all means go for used horse riding gear for you and your horse (unless your horse has a special need). You can save an incredible amount of money and feel good knowing you are recycling.
For You
With your choice of horse riding gear, you need to keep both safety and comfort in mind. At the very least, you need:
A hard hat. The worst head injury I received while riding was when my mount, Leonardo, flung his head up and struck his neck full force on my head. I’d be dead if it wasn’t for the hard hat.
Boots or footwear with a prominent heel, so your feet will not slip through the stirrups.
Jeans or jodhpurs (also called breeches). Loose pants like sweatpants are right out – they will get caught somewhere. Ideally, you need to wear pants that you have to wrestle to get into but can still bend over in.
For Your Horse
Ever ride bareback? Hurts like heck, doesn’t it? The rubbing of your buttocks can also leave sores on your horse’s back. A saddle and blanket not only evenly distribute your weight on the horse’s back, but it keeps you in place. Not only are you more safe, but your horse is safer form getting sore and grumpy.
Your horse also needs a bridle of some kind. Most horses have been trained to a bit. Those that don’t usually are in Western style riding. Always try the mildest bits you can before resorting to more complicated ones. You shouldn’t be hauling on your horse’s mouth anyway, unless you physically cannot use your legs.
Used Vs New
New horse riding gear is incredibly expensive. The pros are that they are usually made to fit and are tough. If you are not used to telling worn, dangerous used horse riding gear from any other kind of riding gear, stick with new until you learn. This is a major investment.
If you have the knowledge, then by all means go for used horse riding gear for you and your horse (unless your horse has a special need). You can save an incredible amount of money and feel good knowing you are recycling.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Horse Riding Techniques Can Save Both Horse And Rider From Coming To Harm
Though horse riding itself can often mean being a bit complicated, there are many who actually go to any lengths to make horse riding techniques more complicated than they really are. No doubt, a rider will need to know a number of different things including knowing the temperament of the horse and its talents along with your talents and temperament and knowing how best to understand proper horse riding techniques to make things come together well is very important part of horse riding.
Be Knowledgeable And Learn Required Skills
Before starting out on the many complicated exercises you will need to perform, it pays to have built up a good amount of knowledge and learnt the skills so that it is easy to progress from one level to another, and in order to get the hang of horse riding techniques, you may need to break individual tasks into small sizes called segmentation and you would also require to chain the individual segments together till such time as all the segments have been chained together to form a complete exercise in it.
For example, learning horse riding techniques will enable you to learn that it is not possible to turn without first having learnt how to steer, and similarly, before you can jump some hard to do cross country jumps, you should first of all have the confidence in controlling the horse completely.
As a beginner, you will need to start at the very basic level of horse riding techniques which can include knowing how to handle a horse, learning its behavior and putting tacks on the horse as well as knowing how to feed the horse. There is certainly a lot to learn besides the basic horse riding techniques and you can even learn show ring etiquette as well as dressage skills and even show jumping skills. To begin with, these courses concentrate on inculcating more confidence in the rider whenever he or she is about the horse, both in the saddle as also when on the ground.
One of the more important horse riding techniques that every horse rider should know is how to stop the horse from rearing while riding the horse. When the horse rears it is both dangerous for the horse as well as the rider which means that any course that teaches how to stop the horse from rearing must begin with understanding how the horse rears and also why it is rearing. This is a horse riding technique that should be learnt in order to protect your life and limbs from coming to any harm.
Be Knowledgeable And Learn Required Skills
Before starting out on the many complicated exercises you will need to perform, it pays to have built up a good amount of knowledge and learnt the skills so that it is easy to progress from one level to another, and in order to get the hang of horse riding techniques, you may need to break individual tasks into small sizes called segmentation and you would also require to chain the individual segments together till such time as all the segments have been chained together to form a complete exercise in it.
For example, learning horse riding techniques will enable you to learn that it is not possible to turn without first having learnt how to steer, and similarly, before you can jump some hard to do cross country jumps, you should first of all have the confidence in controlling the horse completely.
As a beginner, you will need to start at the very basic level of horse riding techniques which can include knowing how to handle a horse, learning its behavior and putting tacks on the horse as well as knowing how to feed the horse. There is certainly a lot to learn besides the basic horse riding techniques and you can even learn show ring etiquette as well as dressage skills and even show jumping skills. To begin with, these courses concentrate on inculcating more confidence in the rider whenever he or she is about the horse, both in the saddle as also when on the ground.
One of the more important horse riding techniques that every horse rider should know is how to stop the horse from rearing while riding the horse. When the horse rears it is both dangerous for the horse as well as the rider which means that any course that teaches how to stop the horse from rearing must begin with understanding how the horse rears and also why it is rearing. This is a horse riding technique that should be learnt in order to protect your life and limbs from coming to any harm.
Some Easy-To-Follow Horse Riding Tips To Ensure Safe And Enjoyable Riding
From being a hobby to a full time passion does not take very long when a person gets involved with horse riding because it is one of those activities from which you will be sure to derive a lot of pleasure and will be keen to learn more about from various horse riding tips. There is no doubting the fact that horse riding can do children a world of good, and people with disabilities would gain from it and, it can also lead to your becoming more athletic. So, if you need a place for social interaction, horse riding will provide you an ideal avenue in developing a good relation with others and also with the horse.
Learn Your Horse Inside Out
What’s more, in order to get the most out of your horse riding you should bear in mind certain horse riding tips that will help you get the most out of your activities on the horse as well as off it. To begin with, you need to learn your horse inside out and that means knowing its personality, what it likes and what it does not like, and also developing a close relationship and bond well with your horse so that there is mutual trust between horse and rider.
Next, you can begin some ground training which involves getting your horse to respect you even before you stride him. In this regard, there are some easy exercises you can ask of your horse including getting him to move back and then forwards as well as to the side by simply pushing him with your hand. And, you may also wish to lunge him to ensure that he obeys your commands, and doing such ground work prior to riding the horse will instill trust in the mind and heart of the horse before you actually do mount him.
Once you are sure that you trust the horse and vice versa, you can then get ready to get on with the other horse riding tips of which the first one is to remember to have your heels down at all times since it will make your horseback riding more secure. The next horse riding tip is to keep a correct posture which means having head as well as shoulder up as well as straight while leaning back slightly, which will ensure that you are securely in place in the saddle and will be less at risk of falling or getting sores.
Sometimes, your horse may be strong on his forehand or can even show signs of laziness which means following another horse riding tip in that you must lean back slightly with your shoulders remaining to the rear of the perpendicular to ensure that you are securely seated and also to goad the horse into moving better.
Another one of the horse riding tips you will want to pick up is very important which should be followed right from the very beginning of your horse riding endeavors and this horse riding tip is that it is always a good idea to take riding lessons from a qualified instructor which will help you learn the proper techniques to riding, ground handling and more, all of which will be of immense benefit to you and the horse. Such a horse riding tip will also ensure that you are protected from picking up bad habits that can ruin your riding and may even your horse.
Learn Your Horse Inside Out
What’s more, in order to get the most out of your horse riding you should bear in mind certain horse riding tips that will help you get the most out of your activities on the horse as well as off it. To begin with, you need to learn your horse inside out and that means knowing its personality, what it likes and what it does not like, and also developing a close relationship and bond well with your horse so that there is mutual trust between horse and rider.
Next, you can begin some ground training which involves getting your horse to respect you even before you stride him. In this regard, there are some easy exercises you can ask of your horse including getting him to move back and then forwards as well as to the side by simply pushing him with your hand. And, you may also wish to lunge him to ensure that he obeys your commands, and doing such ground work prior to riding the horse will instill trust in the mind and heart of the horse before you actually do mount him.
Once you are sure that you trust the horse and vice versa, you can then get ready to get on with the other horse riding tips of which the first one is to remember to have your heels down at all times since it will make your horseback riding more secure. The next horse riding tip is to keep a correct posture which means having head as well as shoulder up as well as straight while leaning back slightly, which will ensure that you are securely in place in the saddle and will be less at risk of falling or getting sores.
Sometimes, your horse may be strong on his forehand or can even show signs of laziness which means following another horse riding tip in that you must lean back slightly with your shoulders remaining to the rear of the perpendicular to ensure that you are securely seated and also to goad the horse into moving better.
Another one of the horse riding tips you will want to pick up is very important which should be followed right from the very beginning of your horse riding endeavors and this horse riding tip is that it is always a good idea to take riding lessons from a qualified instructor which will help you learn the proper techniques to riding, ground handling and more, all of which will be of immense benefit to you and the horse. Such a horse riding tip will also ensure that you are protected from picking up bad habits that can ruin your riding and may even your horse.
Horse Riding Trails Takes One Back To Nature
Horse riding trails offer some of the best opportunities that will afford a rider very good opportunities in viewing and also traversing some very scenic landscapes that include watching flowers in full bloom and riding through densely wooded forests. Or, you could take to riding by creeks, rivers as well as lakes and even a beach; whatever, type of horse riding trail that you choose, you are going to have an experience that will remain in your mind for some time to come.
Away From City Life
The advantage of horse riding trails is that it also takes you away from the city life and into clean and refreshing places where the atmosphere is very unlike what you are used to in your daily city life. In any case, you can be sure that horse riding trails are sure to be quiet, peaceful as well as very beautiful though some can become dangerous, and you will be sure to smell and also see things and also hear what you will not get an opportunity to do in the city. So, having a camera with you will be a good idea as you can capture all of this wondrous beauty for posterity, especially as most of these horse riding trails have been created by nature and thus there is no human intervention at all to spoil their natural beauty.
For those of you who are more adventurous, there are many horse riding trails that are worth trying out and which are located outside the United States including those in South Africa. There, you will find trails that are very different in terms of terrain and which are ideal for briskly cantering on a beach, or even ambling quietly through vineyards and also even riding quickly through the fantastic grasslands. All in all, there is plenty of opportunity to test your horse riding abilities and also put your horse through its paces, and best of all there are also big game about. Most trips could last for an hour or two and they will take you into the wilderness, and taking to horse riding trails by moonlight is another very appealing idea as well.
One of the better horse riding trails you will want to visit in South Africa is Biggarsberg Horse Trails whose base is at Larksend Farm and which is just as suitable for a novice as an expert horse rider, and besides the excellent horse riding trails that you can travel, there is also excellent and comfortable accommodation as well to make sure that you have a very relaxing outing. You can expect to see grasslands for miles and miles and the lovely umkhamba trees and the sparkling water of many a stream along with excellent vistas should make your experience truly memorable.
Away From City Life
The advantage of horse riding trails is that it also takes you away from the city life and into clean and refreshing places where the atmosphere is very unlike what you are used to in your daily city life. In any case, you can be sure that horse riding trails are sure to be quiet, peaceful as well as very beautiful though some can become dangerous, and you will be sure to smell and also see things and also hear what you will not get an opportunity to do in the city. So, having a camera with you will be a good idea as you can capture all of this wondrous beauty for posterity, especially as most of these horse riding trails have been created by nature and thus there is no human intervention at all to spoil their natural beauty.
For those of you who are more adventurous, there are many horse riding trails that are worth trying out and which are located outside the United States including those in South Africa. There, you will find trails that are very different in terms of terrain and which are ideal for briskly cantering on a beach, or even ambling quietly through vineyards and also even riding quickly through the fantastic grasslands. All in all, there is plenty of opportunity to test your horse riding abilities and also put your horse through its paces, and best of all there are also big game about. Most trips could last for an hour or two and they will take you into the wilderness, and taking to horse riding trails by moonlight is another very appealing idea as well.
One of the better horse riding trails you will want to visit in South Africa is Biggarsberg Horse Trails whose base is at Larksend Farm and which is just as suitable for a novice as an expert horse rider, and besides the excellent horse riding trails that you can travel, there is also excellent and comfortable accommodation as well to make sure that you have a very relaxing outing. You can expect to see grasslands for miles and miles and the lovely umkhamba trees and the sparkling water of many a stream along with excellent vistas should make your experience truly memorable.
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