When trail riding, you're expected to follow correct riding etiquette for uphill or downhill riding. As is the case with every aspect of pony riding, success is dependent upon good balance.
Even if free of riders, a pony finds travelling downhill difficult. The difficulty is compounded when he's got a rider astride. It's necessary that you ease his strain as much as you are able to. Your pony will signal his difficulty in very obvious ways: he'll tend to rush or to toss his head. He may even try some bucking. All of this signifies that he is having a hard time with his balance.
Again as is the case with every aspect of horse riding, make sure your saddle is fitted absolutely right. Shifting saddles cause discomfort, even pain; horses have a tendency to go faster than necessary, even if they're on a slope, to get away from the pain. You should also learn all about riding on slopes before you attempt to do so. Remember, it isn't just the horse, you also , as the rider, can make a significant difference.
Here is the typical mistake made by riders, particularly the beginners, while going downhill: they get their horses to zigzag down the slope. They have the mistaken impression this is safer. In fact, though, this isn't a good idea on slopes without trails or switchbacks. When you get a pony to go diagonally down a slope, your pony will be incapable of finding balance at his hindquarters. He's most balanced when his hindquarters are aligned with the rest of his body; otherwise he is likely to keel over. That wouldn't be a good thing, would it?
The great temptation is to mess around with your position in the saddle when riding down a slope, but it is unsafe to surrender to this temptation. You need to stay put as you are balancing your body over your feet and with your weight bearing down on your heels. Keep looking up and forward, not downward.
Another tendency is for riders to lean back in the mistaken impression this will help the horse. It doesn't. The pony needs free hindquarters to move comfortably, and you may obstruct rather than help by leaning back. It is actually better to lean a little forward.
In general, it is advisable not to mess at all. Novice riders feel safer gripping the reins hard when on the way down a slope, but ideally you need to let your pony have lots of free rein so his neck and head can move freely. By tightening up on the reins, you are hampering him and putting him off balance, thus endangering both his well being and yours.
As a beginner, you should practice going down some mild slopes before you progressively move onto the big bullies. Practice keeping your position and your balance, and letting the horse have his way. Try and make it second nature to relax on slopes.
Even if free of riders, a pony finds travelling downhill difficult. The difficulty is compounded when he's got a rider astride. It's necessary that you ease his strain as much as you are able to. Your pony will signal his difficulty in very obvious ways: he'll tend to rush or to toss his head. He may even try some bucking. All of this signifies that he is having a hard time with his balance.
Again as is the case with every aspect of horse riding, make sure your saddle is fitted absolutely right. Shifting saddles cause discomfort, even pain; horses have a tendency to go faster than necessary, even if they're on a slope, to get away from the pain. You should also learn all about riding on slopes before you attempt to do so. Remember, it isn't just the horse, you also , as the rider, can make a significant difference.
Here is the typical mistake made by riders, particularly the beginners, while going downhill: they get their horses to zigzag down the slope. They have the mistaken impression this is safer. In fact, though, this isn't a good idea on slopes without trails or switchbacks. When you get a pony to go diagonally down a slope, your pony will be incapable of finding balance at his hindquarters. He's most balanced when his hindquarters are aligned with the rest of his body; otherwise he is likely to keel over. That wouldn't be a good thing, would it?
The great temptation is to mess around with your position in the saddle when riding down a slope, but it is unsafe to surrender to this temptation. You need to stay put as you are balancing your body over your feet and with your weight bearing down on your heels. Keep looking up and forward, not downward.
Another tendency is for riders to lean back in the mistaken impression this will help the horse. It doesn't. The pony needs free hindquarters to move comfortably, and you may obstruct rather than help by leaning back. It is actually better to lean a little forward.
In general, it is advisable not to mess at all. Novice riders feel safer gripping the reins hard when on the way down a slope, but ideally you need to let your pony have lots of free rein so his neck and head can move freely. By tightening up on the reins, you are hampering him and putting him off balance, thus endangering both his well being and yours.
As a beginner, you should practice going down some mild slopes before you progressively move onto the big bullies. Practice keeping your position and your balance, and letting the horse have his way. Try and make it second nature to relax on slopes.
About the Author:
Horses are Heather Toms
passion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of
articles with other horse lovers click here
passion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of
articles with other horse lovers click here
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