Choosing Clothing For Horse Back Riding And Riding Tack
Posted by cheappumatrainers5219 on July 21st, 2008
We all know your clothes don’t make you a better rider but they may make you feel good! Many expert riders wear jeans (unless you prefer sticky jodpurs), cotton shirts, woollen jumpers, windproof and waterproof jackets and smooth soled leather riding boots - thats all you need to train in. Practical comfortable clothes protect you from the extremes of weather. There’s no point spending a fortune on competition clothes before your ready to compete - You’re far better off investing your clothes money into tools, riding tack and training books and courses that advance both the horse and riders abilities, preparing you both before you enter the ring (or trail) - your horse will CERTAINLY appreciate you making the investment!!
Do you know why the Drizabone Coat is so legendary in Australia - 100’s of years ago stockmen had to drive their cattle on horseback to the market or different landholdings, which could take 2-3 days riding due to the distances involved and slow stock, during which fog and rain could fall at any time, the Drizabone rolls up compactly and protects the horse rider and saddle from rain. An Akubra hat also has a 2 fold purpose - it protects the riders head from the harsh Australian sun and any downpour of rain. When horse riding in the Alps this hat can help to keep the horse rider warm as the temperature can drop to 10C in summer and -4C in winter, before allowing for the wind chill factor.
A well fitting Western or English saddle is essential for your horse and it needs to be well padded - a felt pad is ideal - How can your horse move supplely and softly and do the moves you expect when they are being pinched or constricted by the saddle! A simple round ring, jointed snaffle bit is all that you need for training (The training will eliminate the need for bits used to control your horses behaviour!) - sweet iron is the best. Reins, halters and lead ropes will be discussed further in tools.
Should I practise in spurs? Spurs are a uniform requirement in advance competition. If you cannot ask your horse for a move or control your horse without spurs, then you’re not ready for advanced work as your horse has NO RESPECT for YOU and is refusing your leadership. Think back to your own learning, did you perform better when threatened with demands, anger and pain or when your teacher inspired you and encouraged you to learn cooperatively.
Imagine how great it feels to know your horse respects you enough to want to work with you and respond to your aids. This is covered in the http://www.SmartHorseAndRiderCoaching.com training e-book offered chapter “So how can we make our horse happy to do whatever we ask him to”.
Suzanne Garrard has a post graduate degree in education and has been working with and training horses for 15 years - including horses that when purchased lacked impulsion or were a problem horse. She is passionate about continual and further education for horse and rider advancement. If you are looking to advance your equine performance and horse back riding skills, and increase your understanding of the equine language, whilst building you and your horses comfort zones and your leadership with the horse, so you are both confident and happy then click on http://www.smarthorseandridercoaching.com