The riding stable employees should introduce them selves and should tell you what their jobs are. This is so you will know what person you should ask questions too.
There will be anywhere from 5 to 25 horses tied up along a hitching post. Each horse will have a name and a unique personality. There will be gentle horses, lively horses, older quiet horses and horses of all colors, sizes and breeds.
Before the trail ride starts a employee will ask if you have ever ridden before. This will help determine what horse you will ride.
An employee will go over the rules of the ride, what you will do on the ride and how long the ride will last.
Rules will include things such as keeping behind the lead horse at all times. Trotting or galloping only when the leader says it is ok. Rules about eating, drinking and where to put any garbage you might have.
What you will do on the ride is determined by each riding stable. However there is always a lovely trial that will usually wind around pastures, fields, rivers, forests and hills. Almost every trial riding place will give their guests the opportunity to trot and gallop at some point during the ride. Guests can also choose not to gallop if they are not comfortable with it.
Someone will tell you who will be in charge of the ride. The person in charge is the 'leader'. There will be one or two employees who will ride at the sides keeping the horses in line. This is called 'riding flank'. There will be one person at the very end of the line to keep horses from straying. This is called 'bringing up the rear'. These people are there to keep riders safe and happy.
Once you have been given a horse to ride, walk up to your chosen horse and give him a pat. Hold your hand out with your palm flat and let the horse sniff. If he nudges your hand you may pet his face and neck.
Now it will be time to mount your horse. Mounting is not difficult and there will always be someone there to help. Basically what you do is, take hold of the stirrup and turn it so it faces you. Put your foot into it. Now grab hold of the saddle horn and pull your self up. Don't worry if you can't get up there are other ways. An employee can make a cradle with their hands. You can put your foot into their hands and they will lift you high enough to get you on the horse. All you have to do is swing your leg over and voila your ready to ride.
Once everyone is on their horses the leader will give you brief instructions on how to steer and stop your horse. Listen carefully to what they say.
Your ready now to enjoy one of the most exciting and fun things on the planet!
For your information here are some safety tips
If your horse for any reason begins to run and you don't know what to do. Follow these instructions: Gently pull on only one reign. The horse will begin to make a circle. keep pulling the one reign a little harder. The horse will keep going in a circle until he stops.
What you do not want to do. Do not just yank on the reigns. This may cause the horse to stop and rear up. This is dangerous and can get you hurt.
Always were a helmet. If you fall off your horse your head must be protected! Most trial riding places will give each rider a helmet.
If you are very nervous on your first ride, tell the leader. They may attach a lead from their horse to yours. This will ensure that your horse is under control at all times. Small children should have a lead attached as well.
Follow all the rules and your ride will be safe and enjoyable.
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