The most important thing in improving your riding is to RELAX. Every horse is different. Learn something from each one you ride. Don't expect to become an expert rider in a very short time. Ride and have fun, and learn as you ride...

Clothing

• Leave your wallet and loose change in your room or car
• A heeled boot or shoe is best
• Long pants are always recommended
• Tight jeans / heavy seams cause chafing & saddle sores

Ability

• Advanced rides - require that you are able to sit in the canter & control your horse under all conditions
• Intermediate ride - you will walk and trot
• Beginner rides - you will walk at a leisurely pace

Feet

• Place the ball of your foot in the stirrup and keep your heels down. Don't slide your foot in as far as it will go. You won't lose your stirrups & you'll have a better seat in the saddle
• Always keep comfortable pressure on your stirrups

Hands

• Keep your hands in front of the saddle horn, resting on the horse's neck.
• Keep the back of your hands up, with the rein to the bit outside the little finger
• Ride with one or two hands, but be gentle

Riding the Trot

• Western style trotting means you must keep your hips loose with just enough pressure on the stirrups
• Keep your seat heavy in the saddle and let your body be a sponge to absorb the bouncing

Riding the Canter

• Arch the small of your back and sit slightly forward with just enough pressure on the stirrups
• Relax at the waist and roll with the rhythm of the horse

Stopping the Horse

• Pull the reins gently toward your belly button
• When the horse stops, slack off on the reins
• Using the word "WHOA" is helpful, too