How To Ride A Horse Down A Slope

When trail riding, you?re expected to follow proper riding etiquette for uphill or downhill riding. As is the case with all aspects of pony riding, success depends on good balance.

Even when freed from riders, a horse finds travelling downhill difficult. The problem is compounded when he has got a rider astride. It is necessary that you ease his strain as much as you can. Your pony will signal his problem in terribly obvious ways: he will tend to rush or to toss his head. He may even try some bucking. All of this signifies that he?s having a tough time with his balance.

Again as is the case with all aspects of horse riding, make sure your saddle is fitted completely correct. Shifting saddles cause discomfort, even agony; horses tend to go quicker than necessary, even if they are on a slope, to escape from the agony. You should also find out about riding on slopes before you attempt to do so. Remember, it is not just the pony, you also , as the rider, can make a significant difference.

Here is the common mistake made by riders, particularly the novices, while going downhill: they get their horses to zigzag down the slope. They have the mistaken impression this is more safe. In truth, though, this isn?t a good idea on slopes without trails or switchbacks. When you get a horse to go diagonally down a slope, your horse will be incapable of finding balance at his hindquarters. He is most balanced when his hindquarters are aligned with the remainder of his body; otherwise he is likely to keel over. That would not be a nice thing, would it?

The great temptation is to goof around with your position in the saddle when riding down a slope, it is dangerous to surrender to this temptation. You should stay put as you are balancing your body over your feet and with your weight bearing down on your heels. Keep looking up and forward, not downward.

Another tendency is for riders to lean back in the mistaken impression this is going to help the pony. It doesn?t. The pony needs free hindquarters to move easily, and you?ll impede rather than help by leaning back. It is actually better to lean slightly forward.

Generally, it is recommended not to mess in the slightest. Novice riders feel safer gripping the reins hard when on the way down a slope, but ideally you must let your pony have lots of free rein so his neck and head can move freely. By tightening up on the reins, you are hampering him and putting him off balance, therefore endangering both his well being and yours.

As a beginner, you must practice going down some gentle slopes before you progressively move onto the gigantic bullies. Practice keeping your position and your balance, and letting the horse have his way. Try and make it second nature to relax on slopes.

Horses are Heather Tomspassion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of articles with other horse lovers visit HorseHorses

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