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Shannon Sand
Articles & Books From Shannon Sand
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Before you mount a horse, do a quick check of your tack to ensure everything is in good working order and attached to the horse properly. To stay safe in the saddle take a look at the following details:
Examine the bridle to make sure all the buckles and screws are securely fastened and that the leather isn’t unduly worn.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
When you finish your ride, it’s time to dismount the horse. To stay safe, you need to find a secure place to get off of your horse and dismount correctly. Dismounting is much easier than mounting because you don’t have to battle gravity but you still need to follow these guidelines carefully:
Bring your horse to a complete stop.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Because there’s more to hold onto with a Western saddle and riders wear longer stirrups, mounting in a Western saddle is easier than mounting in an English one. Follow these steps to mount Western-style:
Lead your horse to the area where you want to mount.
Position yourself and stay in control of the horse.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Mounting in an English saddle is a bit more difficult than a Western saddle. Try using a mounting block or higher ground to stand when hoisting yourself into the saddle. To mount English style, follow these steps:
Lead your horse to the area where you want to mount; step up on a mounting block if possible.
Position yourself and stay in control of the horse.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Taking a few minutes to stretch before you go horseback riding will help you move more freely with the horse, lessen the possibility of injury and lower the odds of being sore afterwards. Leave yourself 5 to 10 minutes to perform the following exercises before you mount:
Quad stretch: Stand up straight. Keeping your back straight, bend a leg up behind you and take hold of your ankle; slowly pull it so your knee points down and out behind you.