Life is full of firsts and this was my most exciting “first.” You see, horseback riding had been a dream of mine for years- ever since I can remember really. Excitement was mounting and my stomach was full but butterflies, but that’s how you know something really great is coming.
I waltzed into the barn, like I had done it one hundred times before. I gazed, wide-eyed at the horses in their stalls. They were all so beautiful. I took a step back, pinched myself, “Ouch!” This was real life. Miss Liz, my riding instructor, reached her hand out, took mine in hers and we were off to grab my pony out in the field.
I finished brushing my pony with 3 different kinds of brushes, each had their own job. Just when I thought There was nothing else to clean, I heard Miss Liz call out from the other room, “Don’t forget to clean her feet, but be gentle with the frog!”
‘An amphibian in the barn?’ I thought. Yes, this was just one of the many terms I didn’t know I needed to know….so here we are. While any good stable and instructor will teach you these terms, we thought now is as good a time as any to prepare you for what to expect when we finally get out of our “Stay Home” order and you can start riding lessons.
Terms:
- Forelock: lock of hair growing just above the forehead
- Mane: growth of hair along the horse’s neck
- Withers: highest part of the horses back, lying at the base of the neck above the shoulders. A horse/pony’s height is measured to the withers.
- Paddock: small field or enclosure where horses are kept
- Frog: part of the foot in the shape of a triangle on the underside of the hoof
- Halter: rope or strap with headstall places around head of horse, used for leading or teathering
- Lead rope: attached to halter to lead or tether horse
- Crossties: ends of ties have snaps that fasted to horses halter on each cheek piece that hold your horse in place.
- Saddle: seat fastened to the back of a horse for riding
- Stirrups: Small frames or rings that a rider places their foot
- Girth: Band attached to saddle to secure it to horse by fastened around its belly
- Bridle: Headgear used to control a horse consisting of buckled straps to which a bit and reins are attached
- Bit: Mouthpiece, typically metal, attached to bridle to control a horse
- Reigns: leather strap fastened to each end of the bit on a bridle by which the rider controls the horse
- Trot: faster pace than a walk, horse lifts each diagonal pair of legs alternately
Tips:
Although I was nervous and a bit uncertain at first, I am so glad that I did not let that stop me. So if you want to ride, do it! You will not regret it. But first I have a few things you must know before you go:
- Always wear a helmet.
- Wear proper clothing. This means long pants and boots with a heel.
- Never walk behind a horse (or pony) as they may kick.
- No running or yelling in the barn. You don’t want to scare the horses
- Be willing to try something new. Even though it may be intimidating or scary at first, you may find something you love.
- Take it slow. Riding horses is like every other sport, it takes time and practice
- Be gentle with the reigns, they are attached to the bit in the horses mouth, which is very sensitive.
- Sit tall on your horse
- Show your horse or pony some love. And thank them for allowing you to ride.
- Bring a few treats. Horses love apples, carrots, and some even like hard peppermints.
Are you looking for something new to do once we are able to leave the house? Summer is a great time to start riding and Honeysuckle Farm’s Riding Academy is a great place to start! Dominique Morrison is patient and caring and provides an incredible experience for all levels of riders. Starting as young as 2-3 years old, Honeysuckle Farm offers birthday parties, group riding lessons and summer camp. You can find more information about Honeysuckle Farm's Riding Academy HERE, including camp registration.
Honeysuckle Farm’s Riding Academy is located at 6812 S Rocky River Rd in Monroe, NC.
