Whether you've never sat on a horse before but would like to ride, are taking lessons or just starting out in horse ownership, then the 'New Riders' pages are for you. 

These pages are especially for people who are learning to ride from scratch and will cover the most basic aspects of riding.  One of the problems with many riding books and descriptions is that they're written by expert riders and instructors, all too often they've forgotten many of the beginners steps. Because this website was started during my own 'beginnings' these pages were written as I progressed from total novice so you should find instructions and descriptions that fit your level and importantly that remember all the problems and anxieties that I went through to get there!

New Riders pages also provide information that'll be of interest during each stage in your riding development and on a number of topics which relate to horse management.

 

Everyone learns to ride at their own pace, there'll be times when you just don't seem to be making progress and others when you just 'get it'. 

Don't feel down if you read of someone who's been riding for half the amount of time you have and seems to have made twice as much progress. Apart from anything else, they may be kidding themselves about just how good they are!  Don't worry if you have setbacks or suffer from a sudden confidence crisis, most (all?) people do and many of us will have many setbacks along the way - but you'll also have times of immense joy and satisfaction. 

Learning to ride is a journey - no one knows it all!

 

How often you have lessons, your temperament and physical ability, the horse(s) you have to learn on and a lot of other factors will affect your progress. Fear is a huge factor - and everyone finds something to fear during their journey, don't think you're alone.

The most important thing to remember, is to have fun while you are learning. 

If you aren't having fun now, when do you think it will start? When you canter? During your first One Day Event?

Have fun while you learn!

Balance will come with practice