Even if you are an experienced horseback rider, there might still be a few things you could learn to help make your ride safer and more enjoyable. Especially for novice riders, there are definitely lots of things to keep in mind to not only enhance the pleasure of your experience, but also for safety reasons. Following are some tips to help you prepare for your ride.

• Always check your equipment thoroughly and make any necessary repairs before you head out. Take along some string, a pocket knife and strips of leather because if your tack fails, you might be able to make at least some temporary repairs enabling you to ride home instead of walking.
• Avoid riding alone, especially for younger and beginner-level riders. If you have even a minor accident and you’re alone, you could end up in serious or possibly life threatening situation. Also bring along a cell phone or walk-talkie.
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. If it’s too warm for long-sleeves, bring along a lightweight jacket that will protect you from scrapes and sunburn. Covering your arms and legs will also help to keep the bugs from biting you.
• Take some bug repellent with you. Insects flying around your face and your horse can really be an annoyance. Keep in mind that most animals don’t like the sound of aerosol spray cans, especially close to their ears. Purchase repellent in a small plastic pump bottle or in a lotion version. This way, you can apply some repellent to your face and hands and also on the horse’s face and ears.
• Wear hard-soled boots with a small heal. Try to avoid wearing boots with deep arches or large treads because they can cause your feet to get caught in the stirrups.
• Wear protective head gear because not only can a riding helmet provide protection in the event of a fall, but you might also encounter tree branches or other hazards along the way.
• Wear sunglasses to help provide protection against ultraviolet rays and dust or dirt that can fly up and get in your eyes.
• Bring one of those compact, waterproof ponchos with you. They are small enough to fit in your shirt pocket and are good to have in case of a sudden rain.
• Fanny packs around your around your waist are okay for smaller items you want to take with you, but don’t wear a back pack because they have a tendency to throw off your balance and can also get caught in tree limbs.

By following a few simple guidelines you’ll have a much nicer ride and a happier horse too!

Horseback riding is a long standing activity which really started out as a necessity as far back as ancient times. As you probably know, horses have always been thought of as a working animal, hence the term ‘workhorse’, and they were also utilized as a means of transportation. Even though ranchers and the like still utilize them in this way, Horseback riding has become a very popular sport with quite a few new categories based from it such as competitions and rodeos.

If you’re new to Horseback riding, you’ll want to know the differences of the two basic styles which are Western and English so that you can decide which is best suited to your interests. The bottom line is the same for both methods and involves staying on top of the horse while using some form of communication to (hopefully) get it to do what you want.

Western horseback riding is much different from the traditional English riding style. Instead of focusing on perfected and conditioned form, the western technique relies more on the horse’s natural step which results in a more casual and fluid motion. As you might guess, this style is what is utilized for long and/or rigorous trail rides like those that you would experience at a dude ranch.

Additionally, the western trained horse is taught to move away from pressure, including weight. This means that the rider’s weight is on the outside of the horse. If it’s a well-tuned team of horse and rider, the rider would be sitting pretty much in the middle of the saddle. The principle is that you are steering the horse into the direction it is supposed to go, instead if positioning your weight where you expect the horse to follow.

English style horseback riding is based on highly organized disciplines and requires the use of an English saddle, which is more lightweight than a Western saddle. There are specific techniques that English style riders are trained with because these are the methods used for judging equestrian shows and competitions. An English trained horse is meant to do everything exactly as the rider instructs it to as this style was designed to show that while the horse is at its peak fitness, it also remains obedient and submissive to its rider.

Most beginning riders feel more comfortable with the Western style because it offers more of a sense of security as the Western gear is larger and heavier. Also, Western generally uses a longer stirrup which allows for better contact between the horse and its rider. Of course, the choice for which horseback riding style you prefer is ultimately up to you.

If you’re looking for places to go Horseback riding in Malibu, California, you might be interested in learning more about one local stable that offers unique, scenic trail rides, various types of lessons and even a day camp.

Malibu Lake Riders is open seven days a week, including most holidays, from 10 am until dusk.

Malibu Lake Riders offer trail rides for any level of rider and children seven years and up are welcome.

Here are a few of the riding options that they offer:

• Malibu California at Zuma Canyon - For breathtaking ocean and beach views, you can take a three mile horseback trail ride that loops around and ascends over the Santa Monica Mountains. They offer one-hour and one and a half hour rides starting at $50 an hour.
• Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills - This is also a three mile loop through running streams and the beautiful rolling hills and wood backcountry of this western town. You can choose from a romantic couples’ ride with a very nice lunch provided and other one, two and three hour rides for $50 an hour.
• Malibu Creek State Park in Calabasas You will head out and continue on from the Paramount Ranch trail and cross over into Malibu Creek State Park. Take this two or three hour trail ride to get stunning, scenic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes and even the enchanted forests!

Malibu Lake Riders also offers riding lessons for ages kids ages 8 and up, at any skill level. Your child will learn about handling the horses, safety, grooming, saddling and reining techniques while experiencing miles of trails in the gorgeous Santa Monica Mountains. One, two hour, or three hour lessons are available and they also offer instruction in English trail riding and competitive endurance riding.

Malibu Lake Riders sponsors students in endurance races throughout California. Their endurance riding lessons are designed to prepare riders for these races which are similar to marathons, except on horseback and through miles and miles of mountain trails. If you’re into this, these classes will get you and your horse into great physical shape! Prices range from $35 to $105 depending on the length of the class.

At day camp, your child well be assigned their own horse and will care for it, all day, including grooming, feeding and bathing it just like it was their very own! And every day they will set out to ride in groups on a different trail! Kids 8 and up can attend with no experience necessary and the cost is $105 per day with lunch and snacks included.

Visit their website at www.malibulakeriders.com to learn more about these rides, lessons and their day camp.

There are several different kinds of Horseback riding lessons you can take, depending on where your interests in the sport lie. There are clinics devoted to every age group and include training for competition riding, lessons for the recreational rider, ranchers, and even classes on learning how to deal with problem horses. You can take one-on-one or group lessons or special classes taught by internationally renowned horseback riders.

As a beginner-level student, both children and adults interested in gaining the fundamental knowledge of Horseback riding skills will learn basic riding terminology, safety tips and general skills. The length of the Horseback riding lessons vary, but most are normally for around one hour or so. Usually, when you arrive for your lesson, you will be given an initial assessment of your skills. Then the you and the instructor can evaluate what goals you want to reach and set up the type of lessons you’ll need based on that information.

Here are a few different categories of horseback riding lessons available, based on levels of experience, to help you determine which area you fall under with definitions of some of the common horseback riding terminology you may not be familiar with yet.

• Post the Trot: Setting the horse’s pace while trotting
• Cantering: Slower than a gallop but quicker than a trot
• Seat: The manner in which a rider sits in the saddle
• Soft Hands: Light but firm hold, totally in control of the reigns

Beginner: A person who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter.

Novice: A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting the horse without assistance, can apply basic aids, is comfortable and in control at a walking pace and who can ride at a moderate trot and short canters.

Intermediate: A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces including posting trots, two-point canters and gallops, but does not ride regularly.

Strong Intermediate: An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable being in the saddle for at least six hours a day.

Advanced: All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handling a spirited horse in open country.

There are numerous horse stables across the United States and internationally that offer lessons at various levels. Browse around online to find one in your area, and be sure that you choose an instructor who you feel comfortable with so you can get the most out of your learning experience.

Horseback riding is a sport where the rider has a ‘head forward’ position. Horses can be unpredictable and since your head is usually one of the first things to hit the ground during a fall, wearing a helmet is an excellent idea because it will protect against certain head injuries should you be thrown or lose your balance and fall off your horse.

As a matter of fact, after the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard for riding helmets was introduced in 1990, studies by the US Pony Club showed a drop in the number of horse-related head injuries. Additionally, the United States Combined Training Association (USCTA) statistics show a drop in the number of head injuries since the standard’s implementation became more widespread also.

According to professional horsemen, a question they sometimes get asked is why a rider can’t just wear a bicycle helmet – they look so similar. Well, although bicycle helmets are similar to Horseback riding helmets in appearance, they aren’t manufactured with the same specifications as riding helmets. The big difference is the padding inside them.

Most bicycle helmets have padding to protect the top of your head and are filled with foam for comfort and a certain degree of protection. However, a Horseback riding helmet provides added protection to the back of the head and the sweatband area of the helmet as well. Additionally, horseback riding helmets are tested by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) specifically for horseback riding related accidents.

If you’re at all familiar with Equestrian shows and competitions, you’ve seen the riders wearing their helmets. This is a very popular accessory for English style riders, however it is also a mandatory standard for competition, and the helmets the riders wear must meet the specific safety requirements.

There’s a wide variety of helmets to choose from. There are lightweight, vented helmets that are especially good for beginners because they’re very comfortable. There are also helmets in many new, sleek styles that are available in an assortment of trendy colors. Some have dials to adjust the size and others come with different types of fabric coverings and removable anti-bacterial liners so you can wash them. And of course, there are the traditional, fancy black velvet helmets that are perfect for the show ring.

You’ll want to purchase a helmet that meets the ASTM/SEI standards, particularly if you are a competition rider. Just so you know, many stables that offer lessons also require a helmet, especially at the beginner level. There are numerous online resources that sell horseback riding helmets. Browse around and check out the different styles and prices that are available.

There are lots of places to go Horseback riding on the beautiful island of Hawaii. You can choose from trails through its exotic, untouched mountains and valleys with fabulous waterfalls and scenery to privately-owned, horse ranches and stables with beautiful landscapes. Following are two options where you’ll no doubt experience the horseback adventure of a lifetime.

Top of Waipio

Top of Waipio is located on a ridge way above the Waipio Valley, where you will find some of the most breathtaking scenery on the Island of Hawaii. This area remains untouched as the sugar cane companies have restricted access to it. You can only get to the overlooks by horseback, foot, ATVs or mountain bikes. Helicopters are not even allowed to get close the rim of the base of the valley!

On horseback, you will ride for two and a half hours through lush, open fields where you’ll encounter cows, sugar cane, wild flowers and views of the magnificent Haleakala volcano, twenty-five miles away. You can also opt for a fantastic five-hour Hidden Waterfall ride. This includes the same beautiful experience of the shorter ride, but continues back along the stream that feeds into the Hi’ilawe Falls. You will ride deep into the rainforest and encounter a series of smaller waterfalls and secret pools. You can tie up your horse and hike down to a very private waterfall which spills into a stunning, ginger-lined pool. Then enjoy yourself as you picnic and swim in this hidden, magical place.

For more information on this heavenly adventure, go to www.waipioridgestables.com and click on the Horseback riding link at the bottom of the page.

Dahana Ranch

Dahana Ranch provides safe and fun horseback rides and activities and prides themselves on their ‘Aloha’ spirit. They offer several different riding options and welcome families with children as young as three-years-old. You can take a one and half hour, open-range ‘Ranch Ride’ which covers about four miles of spectacular territory where you’ll encounter cattle, sheep, horses and more including fantastic views of the Mauna Kea and Waipi’o Valley. They also offer a ‘Range Station’ ride for the more adventurous. You can get as loud as you want helping to move their herd of Brahman crossbreds across the ranch. Dahana Ranch accommodates riders of all skill levels but does offer a two-hour Advanced Ride tailored for owners and competitors with lots of freedom on open land. They are open seven days a week with rides daily and by reservation. Visit them at www.dahanaranch.com.

For a full list of locations where you can go Horseback riding in Hawaii, visit the Alternative-Hawaii website’s Sports and Recreation / Horseback Riding page at http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/activity/bisrhb.htm.

No matter what part of sunny California you live in or are visiting, you will be sure to find a great place to ride horses. There are state parks, numerous stables and tons of trails available for your Horseback riding pleasure. Following are few of the places you might want to check out.

San Diego

The Circle T ranch is located in nearby Lakeside and is only about 35 minutes from downtown San Diego. The ranch offers guided trail rides through the picturesque Lakeside Mountains by reservation. The cost is $40 during the week and $45 on weekends. Visit their website at www.thecircletranch.com for more information.

Warner Springs Ranch in Warner Springs offers a wide variety of creative Horseback riding activities. They provide adult, family and children’s programs in all levels of experience for both Western and English style riders. They have accommodations for overnight stays and provide boarding services for privately owned horses. There website is very user-friendly with lots of information at www.warnerspringsranch.com.

Malibu

Malibu Lake Riders is open seven days a week, including most holidays, from 10 am until dusk. They offer trail rides for any level of rider and children seven years and up are welcome. Three of the main trail options include riding through Zuma Canyon, the Agoura Hills and Malibu State Park in Calabasas and also a romantic, couple’s excursion. One, two and three hour rides are $50 per hour. Visit their website at www.malibulakeriders.com to learn more about these rides, lessons and their day camp.

Los Angeles

At Griffith Park, you can rent a horse and ride without an escort. Griffith Park Horse Rentals is open 7 days a week from 8 am until dusk and has a wonderful selection of horses to choose from. It’s only $15 for the first hour with a $30 deposit. Every other Friday night, they offer one and a half hour group Western BBQ trail ride for $40. For more information, call 818-841-4024.

The Sunset Ranch Hollywood Stables are located in scenic Beachwood Canyon, right under the Hollywood sign, on the Hollywood side of Griffith Park. They offer riding lessons, lunch rides and horse rentals at very competitive rates. Call the stable at 213-469-5450 or 213-464-9612.

Just two blocks south of Riverside Drive is the Circle K Stables on Mariposa. They are open all year from 7:30 am until dusk, except for Christmas day. Pay only $15 dollars for the first hour and $10 for each additional with a $25 deposit. Their phone number is 818-843-9840.

Yosemite National Park

If you’d like to explore the splendor of the Sierra Mountains, try Horseback riding in Yosemite National Park. Go to www.yosemitepark.com and enter ’stables’ in the search window.

Horseback riding is a sport where the rider has a ‘head forward’ position. Horses can be unpredictable and since your head is usually one of the first things to hit the ground during a fall, wearing a helmet is an excellent idea because it will protect against certain head injuries should you be thrown or lose your balance and fall off your horse. As a matter of fact, after the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard for riding helmets was introduced in 1990, studies by the US Pony Club showed a drop in the number of horse-related head injuries. Additionally, the United States Combined Training Association (USCTA) statistics show a drop in the number of head injuries since the standard’s implementation became more widespread also.

According to professional horsemen, a question they sometimes get asked is why a rider can’t just wear a bicycle helmet – they look so similar. Well, although bicycle helmets are similar to Horseback riding helmets in appearance, they aren’t manufactured with the same specifications as riding helmets. The big difference is the padding inside them. Most bicycle helmets have padding to protect the top of your head and are filled with foam for comfort and a certain degree of protection. However, a Horseback riding helmet provides added protection to the back of the head and the sweatband area of the helmet as well. Additionally, horseback riding helmets are tested by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) specifically for horseback riding related accidents.

If you’re at all familiar with Equestrian shows and competitions, you’ve seen the riders wearing their helmets. This is a very popular accessory for English style riders, however it is also a mandatory standard for competition, and the helmets the riders wear must meet the specific safety requirements.

There’s a wide variety of helmets to choose from. There are lightweight, vented helmets that are especially good for beginners because they’re very comfortable. There are also helmets in many new, sleek styles that are available in an assortment of trendy colors. Some have dials to adjust the size and others come with different types of fabric coverings and removable anti-bacterial liners so you can wash them. And of course, there are the traditional, fancy black velvet helmets that are perfect for the show ring.

You’ll want to purchase a helmet that meets the ASTM/SEI standards, particularly if you are a competition rider. Just so you know, many stables that offer lessons also require a helmet, especially at the beginner level. There are numerous online resources that sell horseback riding helmets. Browse around and check out the different styles and prices that are available.