That’s understandable, but jumping in the saddle without knowing proper riding techniques and etiquette puts you at risk of injuring yourself or others. Before venturing out on your own for any serious practice sessions, sacrifice some time to learn about English riding basics. Here are a few tips to get you started.

• Take lessons from a certified trainer. The fastest way to become a competent rider is to take lessons from a knowledgeable professional. You will learn everything from how to tack up your horse properly to how to keep your equestrian boots planted firmly in the stirrups with your heels down so you don’t lose your balance.
• Learn how to give your horse cues. There is more to safe riding than simply wearing ASTM/SEI approved equestrian helmets and proper apparel. You also need to be in control of the animal at all times, which means being able to issue crisp cues and commands that will be understood and obeyed immediately. A good trainer can get you started, and then lots of practice will help you develop the confidence necessary to execute your new skills with authority.
• Pay attention to body positioning. English riding success begins with excellent body positioning. For instance, you must sit straight and tall in the saddle for better balance and control, and you should avoid leaning into turns. In addition, your ears, shoulders, hips, and the heels of your equestrian boots should all align with each other to ensure correct posture.

When you become comfortable enough to practice in a ring with others, make sure you follow these basic rules of English riding etiquette.

• Always wear proper apparel. Obviously, protective equestrian helmets are a must, but you should also wear a fitted shirt, riding breeches, and tall equestrian boots when practicing. Loose clothing may chafe your skin or become tangled up in your equipment, which may then lead to serious injury. You don’t have to dress as formally for practice as you do for a show, but wearing proper apparel is a way of signaling your respect for the sport.
• Go with the flow. There should be an obvious flow of traffic in the ring, with all horses and riders proceeding in the same direction. Use common sense and go with the flow rather than against it. Also, slower riders should stick towards the inside of the ring while leaving the outer portion to faster riders.
• Maintain safe distances. To keep yourself and others out of harm’s way, try to maintain a distance of at least one horse length between riders.
• Pass with care. If you must pass another rider, do so with extreme caution so as not to spook the horses. You should verbally communicate your intentions to the other rider before passing. If traffic is moving in two directions, be sure to pass left shoulder to left shoulder.

When sitting astride a half-ton bundle of muscle and energy, knowing some basic riding techniques and rules of etiquette can make the difference between having a productive practice session. To improve your chances of emerging from your outing unscathed, follow the above tips, always use approved equestrian helmets and apparel, and remember your training.

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