| There are several different kinds of horseback | | | | * Cantering: Slower than a gallop but quicker than |
| riding lessons you can take, depending on where | | | | a trot |
| your interests in the sport lie. There are clinics | | | | * Seat: The manner in which a rider sits in the |
| devoted to every age group and include training | | | | saddle |
| for competition riding, lessons for the recreational | | | | * Soft Hands: Light but firm hold, totally in control |
| rider, ranchers, and even classes on learning how | | | | of the reigns |
| to deal with problem horses. You can take | | | | Beginner: A person who has limited experience, is |
| one-on-one or group lessons or special classes | | | | unable to post the trot and does not canter. |
| taught by internationally renowned horseback | | | | Novice: A rider who is capable of mounting and |
| riders. | | | | dismounting the horse without assistance, can |
| As a beginner-level student, both children and | | | | apply basic aids, is comfortable and in control at a |
| adults interested in gaining the fundamental | | | | walking pace and who can ride at a moderate |
| knowledge of horseback riding skills will learn basic | | | | trot and short canters. |
| riding terminology, safety tips and general skills. | | | | Intermediate: A rider who has a firm seat, is |
| The length of the horseback riding lessons vary, | | | | confident and in control at all paces including |
| but most are normally for around one hour or so. | | | | posting trots, two-point canters and gallops, but |
| Usually, when you arrive for your lesson, you will | | | | does not ride regularly. |
| be given an initial assessment of your skills. Then | | | | Strong Intermediate: An intermediate rider who is |
| the you and the instructor can evaluate what | | | | currently riding regularly and is comfortable being |
| goals you want to reach and set up the type of | | | | in the saddle for at least six hours a day. |
| lessons you'll need based on that information. | | | | Advanced: All of the above, plus an independent |
| Here are a few different categories of horseback | | | | seat, soft hands, and capable of handling a spirited |
| riding lessons available, based on levels of | | | | horse in open country. |
| experience, to help you determine which area you | | | | There are numerous horse stables across the |
| fall under with definitions of some of the common | | | | United States and internationally that offer lessons |
| horseback riding terminology you may not be | | | | at various levels. Browse around online to find one |
| familiar with yet. | | | | in your area, and be sure that you choose an |
| * Post the Trot: Setting the horse's pace while | | | | instructor who you feel comfortable with so you |
| trotting | | | | can get the most out of your learning experience. |