How much time does it take to learn how to ride a horse?
It depends on the horse. It also depends on the rider.I taught horseback riding at a summer camp, so I had to teach around 10 kids at a time how to ride a horse, and had 25 horses to pick from. In a 3 day block (an hour each day), I could take a kid from 0 horse experience to trotting, which is a step up from walking. It took another 3 days to even think about getting them to lope. Some kids were fine to lope after day 4–5 but some took 3 full blocks (9 days) to even try it.The next step varied incredibly wildly. Bareback. We had some kids who wanted to do that from the beginning, so we considered that into our approach and taught them bareback skills, such as riding without stirrups and being more strict with seating and posture. I had never ridden much bareback before this summer, but I was a very solid rider with a good seat and extensive saddle time. It took me all of 30 minutes to learn to lope barebacking comfortably.Those were on horses that (mostly) wanted to cooperate and were chill and easy to ride. There are horses out there that I can’t ride. That could toss me in a second. It'd take years of practicing and getting tossed and breaking bones to master them.Riding is the element of horsemanship that takes the least amount of dedication and natural talent. Moving from rider to horseman takes months of daily effort and getting stepped on and kicked and thrown and messing up and looking like an idiot. It's lifting hay, scooping poop, spending the night in the barn because a horse is sick, it’s total immersion into horses.But one day, you'll walk into the barn and see a horse you've never met and instantly know what it is thinking and how to get in its head and what to do. You’ll know where to stand, where to touch it, how to pet it, when to crack the whip and when to give the carrot. You won't know why you know. You just do. And that's what a horseman is. And you'll never be done. You’ll learn something new every day. You'll challenge yourself every day to do something you've never done before. And you'll fail. Over. And. Over. But one day you'll succeed. And then you’ll find something else to fail at. Go ride a horse. But don't stop there.
How many times a week should i ride my horse?
I ride 4+ times a week. I always shoot for 5 but it doesn't always happen. My horse just turned 9, he is an APHA gelding. At my barn turnout is the responsibility of the rider, though our stalls are large, probably 16 x 24, which is a lot more than a horse kept in a 10 x 10 anyways. My horse has had a ton of education. So I'm always changing it up to keep him fresh. We jump once or twice a week, we do schooling on the flat and dressage type work 2 or 3 times a week. We trail ride a couple times a month. I do lots of mock-trail courses with tarps, bridges, cones and lots of patterns. I do at least one show / event per month, except in the summer, I live in the desert and I don't show when it's 120 degrees, no thanks. So those Saturdays are usually 8 or 10 hour days. I work my horse pretty hard to keep him fit. Since turnout is our responsibility I make sure he gets turned out for an hour or so MINIMUM on the 4+ days I'm there, and I try to make it out once a week for a very long, hopefully all day, turnout session for him. I wish we had access to a pasture! I would kill for a grass pasture!
When is the best time I should ride my horse?
I live in florida so it gets suuuuuper hot and doesn't get dark 'til 8 30 or 9. I find it better to ride in the evening after my horse has had dinner (he eats at five). he's happy cuz hes been fed and neither of us get very hot because the sun is still up but not right above us so it isn't beating down on us. You could ride in the morning but i find by the time i get out there it is usually already 8 30 or 9 and in florida during the summer, its already 85 degrees and getting hot fast. It gets into the 90's by 9 30 or 10.
How many times a week should you ride your horse or horses ?
It depends on the horse, of course! If your horse is young, green, out of shape, etc., then it would be a good idea to ride them three or so times a week, with a moderate activity level most of the time, and occasionally pushing them to build endurance and strength (but not too much, of course. If a horse starts refusing jumps without reason, and he becomes stubborn, he's probably tired and you should walk him out). If your horse is fully grown (about 6 years), and of athletic build like a thoroughbred or strong quarter horse, then a schedule of about 5 days a week will do well. Push them a little maybe twice a week, but always make sure that both of you are safe, and that your horse doesn't get dehydrated. If it's hot, set up a bucket of water in one corner of the arena, and let him drink for 7 or 8 seconds at a time every 5 to 10 minutes or so. Drinking too much at once will shock his intestines and possibly cause a type of colic. If you want to keep your horse in good muscle tone, try trotting him up and down hills. It works wonders on their legs, hind, and chest without leaving them gasping for breath. However, if you want to work his cardiovascular endurance, try cantering him in a fairly flat pasture or field. Maybe even gallop him, if he seems happy! Remember: a more active horse will have a higher metabolism, so he'll need more to eat on a daily basis, especially in the winter where they burn so much trying to keep warm. So feed accordingly! happy riding!! ~rain
How many times a day should I be feeding my horse?
To be honest I think it depends on the horse and the time of year! I have a 16'3 thoroughbred that needs stuffing almost 24/7 most of the year and still looks a little ribby and then I have a 17'2 Oldenburg who doesn't need anything in the spring and summer and only minimal in the winter! I would just keep an eye on him, chances are he will need something in the Autumn/Winter months apart from grass as there doesn't tend to be a lot of that around then and even though you are only riding once a week he is still getting some form of exercise 4 times a week. Just stick with feeding for now and if you feel he is starting to put too much weight on gradually reduce the amount you give him till you have him looking perfect. Good luck!
How many times are you supposed to ride your horse a week?
That depends on the horses condition, and what is is used for, your amount of time,and its health/age ect. My horse is 3 1/2. He gets ridden 2 times a week for my lessons,and I let another boy use him one other day for lessons. So 3 days a week. I usually try to give him a day break after every ride, but when its nice and cool sometimes I'll ide 4-5 times a week, only riding hard during lessons. He is young and has not developed back muscles either so I try to give him many breaks. Some horses are "hot" and used to being worked with. My friend's OTTB is a catch 21 horse. He is hot so he needs to be worked, but the better shape he is in the more fiery he gets,and they work him more. He gets ridden 2 hours a day 6 days a week and lunged on the 7th day. A fat horse I am breaking is very out of shape and lives in the field, I am working on lunging her her 3 days a week for a half hour each until she gets fit enough to be broken. I don't know your horses body condition, assuming he is eating all the time and you make it sound like he is fat, work your way up. Breaks are good for horses though. If you can't ride more than once a week don't feel bad. If you miss a week ride two days the next week. Just do your best. Ride everyday if you get the chance, just remember to warm him up, cool him off,and watch to make sure he doesn't soak himself in sweat.
Do real horse riders fall off their horse more than 20 times?
What an elitist, arrogant question.There’s no such thing as a “real” horse rider. Take this example:Scene 1: A man has been riding for years. He has won countless shows and has trained some of the top horses in his discipline. Every time this man rides he uses a bit with spikes on it, sharp spurs, and forces his horse’s head down into its chest. He constantly yanks on the reins and his horse is always bleeding from its mouth and sides because of the spurs and bit. This man has fallen countless times and is a revered rider by many equestrians. Yet, his riding can be called abuse. Is he a real rider, simply because he has fallen so often?Scene 2: A man has been riding for years. He’s unknown in the horse world aside from his barn where he’s known only as a quiet man. He has never trained or produced a horse, and he has never been to a show in his life. He rides only with a rope halter or nothing at all, and is always very mindful of his horse’s health and well-being. This man has never used spurs, and he will never use a bit as harsh as Man #1. He has fallen off only twice in all his years of riding. Is this man not a real rider, because he has not fallen as often as the first man?Both of these men are “real” riders. They ride horses.You can argue that the second man is the real rider, because he cares about his horse and does his best to ensure it’s safe and happy.You can also argue that the first man is the real rider, because he competes, trains, and produces award-winning horses, even though his methods are abusive.Being a “real” horse rider has nothing to do with how often you fall. The idea of being a real equestrian is created by people who place certain ways of riding higher than others. Someone who valued competition over their horse would say that Man #1 is the real rider, because he has something to show for his work. People who care less about the shows and more about just hanging out with their horse would say Man #2 is the real rider, because he focuses on his horse instead of competition.It’s in the eye of the beholder.(No, this is not an anti bit/spur/whip/show/whatever post. I am not against competing and am not in any way saying that people who show are bad horse owners.)
I'd like to start learning to ride horses, but is this activity dangerous and how long will I need to practice to become good at it?
I've been riding seriously for eleven years. Every year I look back and think how much better a rider I am than I was a year ago. I expect this to continue for as long as I ride, so that I will never be a "finished rider". In terms of your question, that's the bad news.The good news is that if you avoid unrealistic goals, the activity of learning to ride will be continually rewarding, starting with your first lesson. If it's not, "you're doin' it wrong", and you might find a better fit with a different instructor.Yes, it's dangerous. The biggest danger is forgetting that a horse can injure or even kill you even when it doesn't want to. You'll learn ways of behaving around a horse that will minimize the likelihood of injury. Make those methods a habit. And, yes, you're trusting the horse with your life, but the horse is also trusting you with its life. If you look out for each other, you'll both be safer.
How many years should I be riding before I get a horse?
This all depends on your riding level and level of commitment rather than experience. There will always be a horse that is right for you. I got my first horse a month ago. I’ve been riding for 11 years and thought I could handle one for a while, but I’m glad i didn’t get one. This year I was ready to take on the challenge. The first step is finding the right horse for you. Pick one that matches your skill level but will also challenge you to improve. I am a rider with a strong seat (due to being thrown off many times) and I have a strong leg and life fast horses. My horse is an ex-rachorse who has never jumped but is bombproof and sweet. He challenges me to bring a horse up from the beginning with no jumping experience but also helps me learn and have fun. The second thing to address is your level of commitment. We have two horses but are planning on getting four. The first thing to consider is they are big animals. They have to have lots of space, exercise, food, and care. This makes them time consuming and expensive. However, I’m not saying this to deter you. I love my horse and every chore I do for him is a joy, you just have to be motivated. Thats why getting the right horse is important. Finally, have a plan. Before you get a horse consider, who will take care of it if I want to go on vacation? What if it gets sick? What vet will I take it to? Will I let other people be around it? What if I have to sell it because it doesn’t work out? This last question is tough. On one hand, if the horse is harmful and not working re-home it and don’t get hurt. In my dad’s words, you almost never end up keeping your first horse your whole life. If you surpass your horses level, if you can you can keep it and get a second horse, if you can’t you may have to sell him/her to move up in your sport. Keep these things in mind before you get a horse. I highly recommend it as it is super fun, but make sure your ready. I hope this helps.
Is horse riding a sport?
I actually think it is a fair question. Here is why:If you ride a low spirited horse which has some very comfortable gaits then I would consider that to be an exercise and not a sport. If all what you do with that horse is that you take it out on the trail and enjoy the day … it certainly is fun but not necessarily a sport.If on the other hand you are an acccomolished rider and ride spirited horses it is a world of difference. I have 2 showjumpers , both are spirited and when I jump them it will take sometimes every fiber of my body to hold them together.At that level of the sport it can be an extreme physical as well as a skill challenge.There are horses which are bred so hot that they can only be ridden by professionals or very accomplished amateur rides. With that come requirements for extreme upper body , core and leg strength.I ride about 5 Times a week and usually both of my horses. I am ripped with a 6 pack , have seriously strong legs and upper body strength which makes me look like a hit the gym on a regular basis. All of this from riding.Broadly speaking showjumping, eventing, polo and the track should be considered as sport. Dressage at the higher levels as well - but only to a lesser degree in my opinion ( and I vouch to say most equestrians outside of the dressage world will agree)At the end of the day it comes down to your skills and the physiciallity of your horse. The more physical , stronger and hot the horse … the more your ride will mirror riding a cannon ball.I am the first one to admit that my perspective is skewed here. I ride to win in the highest amateur classes in the US and my horses are speed demons. But from where I am sitting the answer is an unequivocal and 100 % yes.