The 5 First Things to Learn on Horseback: The Basics for Beginners

Discovering horseback riding is a unique experience, combining sport, animal companionship, and technical learning. But before galloping freely in an arena or along a trail, every beginner rider must master some essential fundamentals. These basic notions ensure safety, the horse’s comfort, and the rider’s progress.

This article presents the 5 first skills every rider should learn: balance, use of the reins, the walk, the trot, and the halt.

1. Balance: the foundation of all riding

1.1. Understanding your position

The rider should sit straight but relaxed, with shoulders aligned with hips and heels.
The gaze is directed forward, never at the horse’s mane, to anticipate movements.
Legs hang naturally, with heels slightly down to stabilize the seat.

1.2. The importance of the seat

The seat refers to how the rider uses their pelvis to follow the horse’s movements.
A flexible, mobile seat allows the rider to move with the horse without interfering.

Remember: “A good rider is, above all, a rider in balance.”

2. The reins: communication through the hands

2.1. Holding the reins correctly

Reins are held between the fingers, with thumbs on top.
Wrists stay straight, without pulling backward.
The contact should be soft yet steady, never stiff.

2.2. Learning to act with finesse

Hands serve to indicate direction or regulate the pace, not to control by force.
Riders aim for elastic contact, as if an invisible thread connected the hand to the horse’s mouth.

3. The walk: the first gait

3.1. Characteristics of the walk

The walk is a natural, slow, four-beat gait.
It allows beginners to find their position and discover the first riding sensations.

3.2. Practical exercises

Walk straight lines and circles to learn basic steering.
Alternate between active and slower walk to feel the effect of seat and reins.

4. The trot: learning to follow the movement

4.1. Rising trot

The trot is a two-beat gait, bumpier than the walk.
Beginners start with the rising trot, standing up and sitting down in rhythm at each stride.
This helps to relieve the horse’s back and improves rider balance.

4.2. Sitting trot (later on)

More difficult, it requires a strong, supple seat to stay in the saddle without bouncing.
It is introduced only after achieving stability at the rising trot.

5. The halt: stopping safely

5.1. The aids for the halt

The halt is asked by straightening the seat, stopping the legs’ action, and closing the fingers gently on the reins.
The rider should breathe and relax, since tension makes halting harder.

5.2. Remaining still and calm

At the halt, the horse should remain straight and immobile.
The rider should reward with a pat, associating halting with a positive experience.

Conclusion

Learning to ride a horse is not just about going forward or turning: it is a progressive process, where each step builds upon the previous one.

The five basics balance, reins, walk, trot, halt are the indispensable foundation for riding safely and building a trusting relationship with the horse.