20 tips for beginners or even expirianced horse people

1. Approach the horse at a 45° angle to the shoulder while saying his/her name. This approach is least likely to startle the horse.
2. When greeting your horse on the ground, offer the back of your hand to smell for a proper introduction
3. Refrain from mounting a horse in a confined area with low roofs or doorways
4. Have someone hold the horse’s head the first few times you mount it
5. Wear jeans and boots with a heel
6. Always wear a helmet
7. Do not shout if your horse takes off or spooks
8. Never wrap the slack of the lead rope around your hand
9. Keep your hands as still as possible while handling the reigns
10. Loosen up and move your body with the horse. Tensing up will cause you to bounce.
11. Help direct your horse by looking to the place where you want to go. Horses are very intuitive and will pick up on your focus. Horses go where your eyes go.
12. Point your toes to the sky and heels down while riding
13. Keep your back straight without slouching
14. Avoid the natural tendency to hold your breath
15. Don’t zone out. Horses are often unpredictable and need constant attention
16. Be patient
17. Be kind to the horse’s mouth by not holding the reigns too tight
18. Start with an experienced horse, as they tend to have the best temperament
19. Be sure to have a qualified instructor
20. As the adage goes, don’t be afraid to get back on the horse if you fall!