Horse riding tours are great because they allow you to enjoy nature in a way that you would not be able to normally. If you are considering going on your first horse riding tour, there are some things that you need to know. These dos and don’ts will ensure that you have an enjoyable time during the tour.
Do Take Some Lessons First
Before you head off on your first horse riding tour, you need to take some horse riding lessons first. These lessons will ensure that you are comfortable in the saddle and that you know how to handle a horse. It is important to note that a dozen riding lessons will not adequately prepare you for long trail rides, but will be enough to get you through a day trip.
When looking at horse riding classes, you can take group classes or private lessons. Private lessons will cost more, but you are going to get more out of them. It is important that you tell the instructor that you are going on a horse riding tour and find out what skills you should be focusing on.
Do Not Reach Above Your Riding Level
When you book a horse riding tour, you will generally be asked about your horse riding abilities. It is vital that you not overstate your abilities because this question is there for a reason. If you have only just started taking lessons and only just become used to the rising trot, you should not take an intermediate tour that requires your horse to canter around.
When you take a tour that is above your riding level, you will not have a good time because you will be too focused on staying on the horse. Additionally, you will be short-changing the other people on the tour because they will have to continually wait for you to catch up. So, it is important that you always book a tour that matches your riding skills.
Always Wear A Helmet
When you ride a horse, you should always wear a helmet, and this is very important when you are going on a riding tour. Before you set off, you will generally be able to choose a helmet to wear. You need to ensure that the helmet fits snugly on your head and that the strap is always buckled under your chin.
You might see some of the other ridings wearing a cowboy hat or nothing to protect their heads, but this is an unnecessary risk that you should not be taking. When taking a tour, you are going to be in the wilderness and this means that if you fall you have the chance of hitting your head against rocks or trees. If you do not wear your helmet, this could cause serious injuries.
Do Not Get Complacent
Once you have completed a few days of riding on the tour, you will feel relaxed, and this can lead to complacency. This is something that you should avoid because you will often let the reins slide or have your feet too deep in the stirrups. You will also find yourself slouching in the saddle which can lead to severe back pain.
It is important that you regularly check yourself and ensure that you are not doing something wrong just because other people are. When you are complacent, you will become uncomfortable and this will lead to you not wanting to go on another horse riding tour. If you are unsure about anything, you should ask the other riders or your tour guide to be sure.