Geronimo is owned by Amy Sievert.
A JOURNEY THROUGH AN ENGLISH RIDING LESSON: FROM GROOMING TO COOLING DOWN
Have you ever wondered what exactly goes into an English riding lesson? Keep reading to find out! Embarking on an English riding lesson is an exciting and enriching experience for both beginners and seasoned riders. It involves much more than just riding; it encompasses a comprehensive routine that starts with horse care and ends with proper cooling down and bathing. In this blog post, we will take you through the various stages of a typical English riding lesson, providing a glimpse into the comprehensive journey shared between horse and rider.
The lesson begins by bringing the horse in from the pasture or stall. Riders are taught to approach the horse calmly, demonstrating respect and building trust. Once the horse is haltered, grooming commences. This includes brushing the horse’s coat to remove dirt and debris, picking out hooves to ensure cleanliness, and carefully inspecting the horse’s overall condition.
After grooming, it’s time to tack up the horse. This involves placing the saddle on the horse’s back, ensuring proper placement and a secure fit. The bridle is then carefully placed on the horse’s head, with the bit inserted into the mouth and the reins properly adjusted. Riders learn how to fasten girths and tighten straps, ensuring the equipment is comfortable and safe for both horse and rider.
Once the horse is tacked up, it’s time to mount and begin the riding portion of the lesson. Riders are taught proper mounting techniques, ensuring a balanced and controlled ascent onto the horse’s back. Under the guidance of an instructor, riders practice various exercises, such as posting trot, sitting trot, and cantering. They learn how to communicate with the horse through cues and aids, developing balance, posture, and coordination.
As the riding portion of the lesson comes to an end, riders transition into the cool-down phase. This involves walking the horse to gradually lower their heart rate and body temperature. Riders practice proper position and relaxation while walking, allowing the horse to recover from the exercise. Once the horse’s breathing and pulse have returned to normal, riders dismount and begin the after-ride care.
After a rewarding riding session, it’s important to care for the horse’s well-being. This includes post-ride grooming and bathing. Riders groom the horse once again, removing any sweat or dirt accumulated during the lesson. This grooming session not only keeps the horse clean and comfortable but also provides an opportunity for further bonding and observation of the horse’s physical condition.
An English riding lesson encompasses much more than just riding—it is a holistic experience that emphasizes the importance of horse care, proper tacking, riding skills, and post-ride care. From the moment riders groom and tack up their horses to the rewarding feeling of a successful ride, the lesson provides valuable insights into the bond between horse and rider. By following the journey from grooming to cooling down and bathing, riders gain a deeper appreciation for the equestrian world and the responsibilities that come with caring for these magnificent animals.
**This content was created for the blog and may or may not be factual or related to the animal in these photos. If this is your animal and you would like to provide content that is relevant to your animal please send us an email.**
Karinda K. is a Houston, TX based equine photographer that travels around the United States photographing equestrians and their horses. Karinda specializes in Outdoor Horse & Rider Portrait sessions that bring to life the magical relationship equestrians share with their horses, Senior Portraits, and Fine Art Black & White Background Portraits for those that want a piece of art featuring their very own animals.
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Portraits for Charity was an idea Karinda dreamt up to help give back to families impacted by Childhood Cancer in memory of her husband’s sister Jessica. During the 2023 Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Karinda photographed around 150 Horses and Dogs and was able to donate just under $15,000 to Candlelighter’s Houston.
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