you’re out on a trail ride.

Here are some horse jumping tips for beginners:

1. Jumping feels like a very big and bouncy canter stride. Your horse will push off strongly with its back legs, tuck up its front legs, and go over the jump.
2. It’s important to lean slightly forward over the jump to help keep your balance and not interfere with its mouth.
3. Maintain strong and secure legs and seat, but don’t grip tightly.
4. Keep your eyes UP, not looking down at the ground or at the jump.
5. Move your hands slightly forward on the horse’s neck to avoid pulling on his mouth.
6. Once you’ve cleared the jump, sit back down in the saddle and return to a normal trot or canter position.
7. It takes practice to get used to the rhythm of a horse that is going to jump. Be prepared to do lots of drills with your instructor and perhaps learn to go over small jumps without using your stirrups to help you balance.

Here are two helpful videos showing how to jump on a horse:

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How to Dismount a Horse for Beginners

When you’re ready to dismount, you’ll need to make sure that your horse will not move away as you get off.

1. Bring your horse to a complete stop, and make sure you are away from other horses.
2. Make sure you have a firm hold on the reins, but don’t pull on your horse’s mouth.
3. Kick your feet free of your stirrups and lean forward.
4. Swing your right leg up and over your horse’s back. Be sure not to accidentally kick your horse on the bum!
5. Slide to the ground on your horse’s left side.
6. Remember: Dismount on the left side of the horse.

Here’s a helpful video showing how to dismount a horse:

Click to view video!

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Horse Riding Tips for Beginners

Starting your horse riding journey is exciting, and there are a few basic tips that’ll help you have fun and stay safe.

• Always wear a helmet. Every ride, every time.
• Wear boots with heels… and keep those heels down!
• Sit up straight with shoulders back.
• Look where you want to go.
• Keep your fingers closed around the reins.
• Work with a trusted trainer in regular lessons.
• Ride a horse that’s well trained and appropriate for your level of experience.
• Learn how to keep your nerves in check so you can focus on your position and your horse.
• Start slow and become confident at each skill before advancing.
• Develop a solid position and seat at all speeds.

Want to learn more? Check out these articles:

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Common Beginner Horse Riding Mistakes

There are several common mistakes that new riders make, including:

• Not wearing a helmet: We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Helmets are a MUST!
• Not keeping your shoulders back: It’s good to be relaxed, but it’s not good to slump. Leaning your shoulders and head forward puts a lot of pressure on your neck and spine, throws you off balance, and keeps you from looking ahead as you ride.
• Kicking your horse: Often, the horse you will be learning to ride on will be calm and need a little encouragement to go forward. If you do need to give them a little extra motivation though, don’t start thumping the horse in the ribs with all your might. Talk to your instructor about other ways to get them to move along. (If you need spurs, check out our 5 Best Spurs for Beginners–and learn how to use them properly.)
• Using your reins for balance: Reins are to help communicate with your horse, not to hold you steady or keep you balanced. If you must grab something, use the saddle, your horse’s mane, or a grab strap.
• Doing too much too soon: Riding a horse takes a lot of practice, and everyone starts at the beginning. Be patient with yourself (and your horse) as you work through all the steps. Don’t rush it.

Here’s a helpful video showing several common beginner horse riding mistakes:

Click to view video!

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