10 Common Mistakes New Riders Make and How to Avoid Them
Horse Riding is really a thrilling and challenging sport, but also you will love it if you master it. Equestrians love this sport because first it’s thrilling second it gives warrior vibes. Well, it’s tough in the beginning but Saddle And Grace Academy made it fun, simple and loving. Horse riding is really good for people who loves nature and thrills in their life.
Well, Beginners tends to make mistake in the beginning but it’s quite natural for new riders. This guide will help you cover 10 most common mistake Riders makes and explain why they are problematic, weather he/she is new rider or intermediate rider this guide will help you cover all. Here are some common mistakes and how to fix them.
Have you ever thought about what can be most common mistake rider could make? Well, Let’s see…
1. Posture:
Well, Posture is the main and the most common reason Riders Failed to do so .
Mistake:
- Rounded shoulders
- slouching
- leaning too forward or backward.
- Griping with the knees, it causes tension.
- Rigid movements
Why is this the problem:
- Balance – It does not help with the balance, makes it harder to stay centered with the saddle.
- Comfort – Rigid movement makes the horse and the rider feel uncomfortable also it causes backpain issues for rider and the horse
Let’s Fix it:
- Sit tall: It helps to reduce back pain for riders.
- Relax your hips: Move with the horse motion and not against it.
- Keep you heel down and Toes up: It helps with the balancing.
2. Holding the Rein incorrectly:
Mistake :
- Gripping rein too tightly, it causes discomfort for the horse.
- holding rein too loosely.
Why is This the problem:
- Gripping rein too tightly always causes discomfort for horse. Horse gets irritated can go out of control.
- Holding it loosely will not help you to lead the horse. Horse will not get the cues.
Let’s Fix it:
- Keep your thumbs on the top.
- Try practicing with the coach.
- Try maintaining straight line with the elbow
3. Overusing Legs or Hands:
Mistake:
- Constantly kicking your legs.
- Suddenly and quickly pulling the rein.
- Not using subtle cues.
Why is This the problem:
- The horse becomes irresponsive.
- Not using subtle cues confused.
- Suddenly and quickly pulling the rein can make their nervous system deffensive.
Let’s Fix it:
- Release the rein slowly when horse makes the movement.
- use light pressure first, then increase slowly only when its necessary.
- Think riding as conversation not shouting.
4. Looking Down at Horse or Hands:
Mistake:
- Constantly looking down at the horse or the hands.
- Not looking for the direction you want to go.
- Staring at the horse’s neck.
Why is This the problem:
- It does not help to lead.
- it makes them confuse, does not know what you want.
- Reduces awareness of the direction.
- your body follows your eyes.
Let’s Fix it:
- Look ahead, where you want to go, it makes you lead efficiently.
- Practice riding without looking at the horses back or your hands.
- Do not focus on your hands or horses back while riding the horse.
5. Inconsistent Rythm.
Mistake:
- Bouncing rather than posing.
- makes the horse confuse.
- Not able to lead the horse.
Why is this the problem:
- makes the rider and the horse uncomfortable through out the ride.
- It confuses the Horse movement.
- Will not help you lead efficiently.
Let’s Fix It:
- Match the horse Rythm.
- Check your diagonal.
- Have a good posture.
- keep you shoulders straight.
6. Ignoring the Horse Body Language:
Mistake:
- Not noticing the horse is comfortable or not.
- ignoring the signs like pinned ears or tail swishing.
- Ignoring the signs the horse is comfortable or not.
Why is This the problem:
- Destroys trust between horse and the rider.
- can leads to dangerous reactions.
- Can confuse the horse leading to harmful reactions.
Let’s Fix it:
- Learn horse behaviour.
- Study their body language.
- Try noticing changes in their behavior in the first place to avoid dangerous reactions.
- Stay observant.
7. Riding without Proper safety Gears:
Mistake:
- not using Helmets.
- Improper Footwear.
- Loose Clothing
Why is this the problem:
- It has high risk or injury.
- If horse get unstable you could get injured.
Let’s Fix It:
- Use riding boots with heels.
- Always use safety helmet.
- Use safety jackets.
- Wear hand gloves while riding a horse.
8. Pushing too fast:
Mistake:
- Trying jumps and tough activities too early.
- Not mastering basics.
- Not learning horse behavior.
Why is this the problem:
- Can Scare the horse and the rider.
- can leads to some serious accidents.
Let’s Fix It:
- Master the basic first.
- Try riding with the coach
- Progress gradually.
- Take the help from the trainers.
9. Skipping Warm-Up and Cool-Down:
Mistake:
- Directly jumping to horse riding.
- Not training your body before riding.
Why is this the problem:
- Increase the risk of Muscles strain.
- Heavy Breathings
Let’s Fix It:
- 15-20 minutes of walking before and after horse riding.
- Warming Up your body before horse riding.
10. Losing Patience or getting Frustrated.
Mistake:
- yelling the horse.
- Forcing the horse for extra work.
Why is this the problem:
- Creates negative bond with the horse and the rider.
Let’s Fix It:
- Stay Clam
- Reward Small sucess.
- End session on a positive note.
Hence, these are the common mistake you should avoid while horse riding.
Conclusion on avoiding these common mistakes:
Becoming a skilled and professional riders take time. By avoiding these common mistakes, you will definitely improve you riding skills.
Make sure you ride safe and build your partnership better with you horse by avoiding these common mistakes. Ignoring these Common mistakes mostly leads to dangerous accidents. To ride safely, you must always stay attentive to your body, your horses cues, and most importantly, your trainers, feedback.
Always be attentive when trainers show you these signs of common mistakes.
Happy Riding …
Learn about Understanding Horse Behavior to bond better in 2025 for good
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