Tuesday, 26 April 2016

Tips Before Starting Horse Riding Lessons Okotoks

By Paul Fisher


Children that mostly show an interest in riding are those that live on stables or regularly visit them. It can be worrying for parents when children want to start horse riding lessons okotoks when they are very young. Parents may feel that it is not safe or the children are not old enough.

Things to consider before taking a child to a riding school include age and maturity level. Though most experts consider age seven to be appropriate to start lessons, it is the parents who best know the child. Some children are very active with low concentration level and therefore sitting on them for five minutes is not possible. The child should be able to handle such a large animal as the horse.

It is also important to consider the physical stature of the child, for practicality reasons. Some children even at age seven are relatively short and it would be therefore difficult for them to mount and dismount from the horse or sit comfortably on the saddle.

These schools are strict on the safety of riders. There are mandatory safety gears that one should have before starting any lessons. They include boots, hat, and general clothing. Some people use trainers instead of their boots for the first lessons, which is okay but not the best option. Children loose interests very quickly so it is wise not to buy the boots first and establish if the child is really interested in this exercise.

A protective hat is the one major thing that should not be compromised. A fall from a horse can be fatal and especially if one is not wearing a hat. Its wise to buy ones own hat while starting to ride. In cases where one is not able to buy, riding schools have hats to loan out.

Where a rider is not able to buy a hat, the schools have hats ready for hire. Its necessary to check that the hat has never been involved in a collision or accident as it may have faults and therefore not protect you properly. Exchanging it for another one is wiser than regretting later when an accident happens.

Due to the physical nature of this exercise, riders are advised to wear comfortable clothing. Jeans are heavy and stiff hence uncomfortable especially when wet after sweating. Shorts on the other hand will lead to chaffing as legs rub on the horse. The top should be comfortable enough to allow arm movement but not too loose to avoid being tangled on the reins.

These schools have rules first and foremost for the safety and comfort of the riders. Secondly, the rules cover them in the event of accidents and lawsuits. However, it should be a fun experience even for beginners when all these regulations are strictly followed which is the long run motivates one keep practicing especially for those that pursue this as a sport.




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