Today we have a special guest--my younger sister, Emily! She has been on countless horseback rides since she was four years old, and it is her lifelong dream to have her own horse. She is a very knowledgeable horsewoman, in my opinion, and today she's going to share some tips on horseback riding with us as we hit the trail!Amber: Before we get on the horses, what should we do/know to prepare ourselves?
Emily: First tip: Always wear a helmet. Always wear cowboy boots when you go riding, because if you wear rubber boots or any other shoe your heel can slip through the stirrup, and you can fall off the horse and be dragged. I've heard a story about that!
When you're riding make sure you don't have the reins past the horn of the saddle, otherwise it will cause your horse to stop when you don't want him to.
When you're out riding, if your horse spooks, don't be frightened. The horses can sense fear, and they act really crazy! Instead, you should remain calm and soothe the horse.
Make sure the stirrups are at an appropriate height for your legs, so that you have better control of the horse with your feet, and that way your feet won't slip out.
Amber: Where are the best places to go horseback riding? (That is to say, are there places that are safer to take horses or more enjoyable to go riding?)
Emily: Rocky terrain is not good for a horse, because a horse can stumble, and it would be messy. ;) In the desert would be fine, if you live near a desert. Forest is fun to ride in, and so is a meadow.
It's not the best idea to ride horses on concrete. When you're trotting and running on concrete, you can't stop the horse, because if you pull back on the reins they would slip.
Amber: What do you love most about horseback riding?
Emily: Being with the horses! It's just fun being with the horses.
Amber: And that's all she wrote (or said, in this case)! ;) Thank you, Emily, for joining us and letting me put you on the spot!
Stay safe on those trails, everyone, and I'll see you back at camp tonight for our campfire!
