Stop, Go, Right, or Left?

Articles in this Topic Discussions in this Topic

Feb 5, 2000

So... Your horse is standing there, with the saddle on his back and the bit in his mouth. You are standing on the ground scratching your head, wondering "How do I get on that thing?". Well, you could alway jump on the back of a truck and get on that way. But you aren't a cheater! You gotta get on the right (or rather left) way.

Take a strand or two of mane in your left hand and put that hand on the horn or pommel. Put your other hand in the center of the saddle. Put your left foot in the stirrup, and swing up. (If you are facing backwards, get on on the LEFT side, not the right side, because the left side is the right side to get on.) Be very careful not to kick the horse. You might just end up learning how people break their necks. (Don't make that horse rear or buck.)

You're on a horse. He stands there. You say "Com'n, move." He says "Ask me right!" What does he want you to do? Kick him in the ribs! Isn't that what you like people to do to you? Actually, you more tap him. Just annoy him. If he isn't green(either not broke or just learned how to accept a rider) (Heaven forbid), he's been taught to move when he feels taps. against his sides. If he doesn't move, tap harder. If he rears, runs, or bucks, try softening your tap.

Okay, he is walking. You whimper as he heads straight to a tree. You have five options (wow!). The easy one (and most logical if this happens) is pull on the reins and say "whoa". Get off, because you need help!

Western: Hold the reins in one hand, and move from side to side. To be more specific, move in the direction you want him to turn, and on his neck, not his mouth.

English: Hold the reins in seperate hands, and pull the way you want him to go!

When you say "Whoa" don't continue with pressure! He'll back up!!!

To get off, just reverse the getting on procedure.

Go To Page: 1

The copyright of the article Stop, Go, Right, or Left? in Horse Riding Basics is owned by . Permission to republish Stop, Go, Right, or Left? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.