Just Getting Started

Just Getting Started

Written By: Bonnie Marlewski-Probert

I received a wonderful letter that highlights the need for well-written books, good videos and qualified riding instructors. When you read Dave?s letter, remember that every Olympic rider, barn owner and tack store manager was in Dave?s shoes in the beginning and that is the real value of his letter.

"Bonnie,

My wife?s dad gave her a horse. We both know very little about horses. I've tried to get basic info off the web with little success. I think most people assume that if you own a horse you already know the basics. For example.....how does the bridle and bit suppose to fit...how do you know you have the right bridle and bit...are there different kinds of such..? How tight is the saddle cinch suppose to be? Is the breast necessary, if so what is its purpose...I see some with it and some without it? Is the rear strap on the saddle supposed to be snug, loose or what? Exactly how long is the stirrups supposed to be? Right now the main concern of ours is this bridle and bit thing...can you direct us...or help us? Thanks...DAVE and LINDA"

Hi Dave and Linda,

First, let me say, congratulations on the new horse! Now, lets talk about helping you get started in a safe and responsible manner. You are absolutely right, it is pretty tough to find a book or video that is going to address the very real and very logical questions that you both bring to the table. For this reason, I would suggest something to you both that I would suggest to anyone who is thinking about, or who has purchased a new horse - check out a riding stable in your area and schedule two riding lessons, together. Preferably, find a riding instructor that will come to your home and work with you and your horse in your normal environment. I promise you that if you have at least two hours with a competent instructor, you will feel like you have gained a million miles under your belt and it will be a great gift to your new horse as well.

Remember that when a horse and rider come together, like a marriage, there is a partnership that is formed. It, like the marriage, can be either a great partnership or something less than great ? the choice is yours. The amount of knowledge you are willing to gain ? the effort you are willing to put into this new relationship and the amount of time you are willing to devote to the learning curve will determine, in large measure, whether or not you and your horse are "happily married" or headed for "divorce court."

In order to get the most for your money during those two lessons, here is the secret. You have to insist to the instructor that you are absolute beginners who know absolutely nothing about horses. I know this may sound weird, but most people go into a lesson environment (like visiting a shrink) and out of sheer embarrassment, they try to pretend that they have no problems and know everything that is being presented. The result is that they don't solve any problems, they have just thrown money down the drain and the reality is that any riding instructor worth their salt is going to know you are not as qualified as you are pretending to be.

I have taught lessons for more than 20 years and when I go to a livery stable to ride with friends, I always tell the barn people that I have no experience around horses. That way, they give me the kindest horse in the place and I can have a wonderful, stress free ride. Otherwise, If I were dumb enough to tell them who I really was and what my background really was, I would end up with a nutcase that no one else wants to ride!

My suggestion to you and your wife is to start shopping for a local riding instructor. To do this, visit many barns and watch many lessons being taught. Talk to his or her students while you are there and look for someone who you would want to have over to dinner. You don't want anyone who is going to scream at you or berate you. You want someone who is knowledgeable enough to present the information in a safe, logical manner.

I recommend that you speak with the riding instructor of your choice about the list of items you would like to have covered during that lesson. Of course, for safety reasons, your instructor may choose to modify your initial list, but at least you are providing a wish list. I mention safety because if you ask the riding instructor to show you how to cut cattle or jump fences during your first lesson, it "ain?t goin? happen." Those are advanced riding areas that should not be tackled by a new rider until you have hundreds of safe, educated riding miles under your belt.

Some of the items that should be on your "wish list" are; care and feeding, safe handling skills, stall cleaning, tack cleaning, fitting tack, grooming, saddling and bridling, basic riding posture and the eight ways to turn a horse and five basic ways to stop a horse.

If you have any trouble finding someone in your area, shoot me a note and I'll help you find someone!

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