To All The Newbie Riders [Archive] - New Rider Message Board

Julz

28th Aug 2008, 10:09 AM

ina.click

28th Aug 2008, 11:57 AM

I....search for a long period of time my stirrups and my feet and try to locate both and bring them together, while Fatima is quietly walking around the manege, thinking satisfied :

"This is the dumb one that never finds her stirrups. I'll have peace for at least 20 minutes. Hihihi!"

I am riding for months, but only once a week and had a huge gap between as well so you can count me in :)

Julz

28th Aug 2008, 12:18 PM

consider yourself counted in......

Grinyer224

28th Aug 2008, 01:29 PM

ive been riding 1 or 2 months???? that ok???

after my RI put my feet in the stirrups and showed me how to hold reins she walked me around the school on the lead.

u went over the other side of the horse didn't u???? lol soz im just thinking Richard hammond

and i began riding every 2 weeks now normally every week - ive got my 9th lesson on friday

Julz

28th Aug 2008, 04:11 PM

you're both wrong.....

The first thing any rider should do after mounting up is....

tighten the girth!

I cant believe (well, actually I can!) that you are not taught to do this! What would happen if the horse moved even slightly and the saddle moved?? An accident that could have been so easily avoided.

the last thing you should do before mounting is tighten the girth, the first after mounting, tighten the girth... and after walking round for 5-10 mins... check the girth, and tighten again if neccesary...

there's no real point to this thread.. unless it becomes a talking point.. Had my friend round earlier, it's been a while since she sat on anything, and she doesnt have much to do with horses these days, but going through the threads, was quite shocked to see many of you cantering and jumping on yout 3rd or 4th lessons.... What happend to teaching simple safety measures???

Grinyer224 - without realising you were nearly right!! "u went over the other side of the horse didn't u???? " well you may well do just that if your girth is too loose!!

The first things (IMO) beginners should be taught is How to ask horse to go, stop, turn.

When you have mastered stop, then you can progress on to trot... IMO horseridng cant be rushed.... Yes, some people pick it up far quicker than others, but it seems that too many instructors are wanting to turn out riders by the barrow load, without going through the safety measures first.... Safety should be first and foremost in anyone's riding career, and if the pupil is not ready to be taught to jump, then say so... at the end of the day, they cant force you, and no-body would think any less of you for not wanting to do something!

Actually a "beginners" class should be just that.... after all a child in primary one doesnt get to do exams after just one month, do they??

The saying "learn to walk before you can run" is so true!!

Sorry for going on, but there is so many of your who are in the early stages of learning to ride, and you are being asked to do something that could hurt the horse and yourselves when you're not experienced enough to do it.

Riding is a very enjoyable sport, but it can also be a dangerous one... dont take a risk if you dont have too.

vimto92

28th Aug 2008, 04:16 PM

I have been riding 3 years now, and I always sort my stirrups before my girth. I tighten the girth gradually - if the saddle needs repositioning then I move it, then do the girth up. Then before I get on, I check the girth again. I hop on, sort my stirrups and then check my girth.

vixie

28th Aug 2008, 04:22 PM

im with Julz on this....i have been out of riding for a few years after a near serious fall showjumping and just getting back into it now and I too am shocked to hear that so many beginners are skipping the basics and progressing way too fast! im in my mid 20's and back when i was learning (ok I started when I was 4 but I mean a bit later on than that) I most certainly was not jumping after a few lessons! it took a long time.

as one of the most dangerous sports around its alarming that people arent being taught the basics and safety measures every time they ride, and only when it has all sunk in and stuck should you progress.

xloopylozzax

28th Aug 2008, 04:35 PM

i have been riding since i was tiny (im now 16) and always do the girth- no feet in stirrups, reins just loose or gathered in one hand.

reajust my knickers then off we go and i put my feet in and get my reins sorted.

just the way i have always done it.
have only just started jumping, but thats because i have only just shown an intrest, i do many things that riders on here wouldnt dream of like cantering/galloping in a big stubble field with flappy reins and race each other, go on roads *shock horror* with lots of traffic and high speed limits (trucks flying past at 60mph) ride over motorway bridges (that cars use, not footpath) and have never ever had to get off and lead someone past something
i dont wear a BP or hi-viz, i ride on roads bareback and with only a headcollar and leadrope and no hat... (although only small local village roads, but you get some traffic)

i ride in shorts and strappy tops etc

i learnt to ride out hacking, so it was unpredictable but it has made me a good rider, i dont rely on people or a certain situation. i just take each day as it comes and hop on when i feel like it and go where i like...

vixie

28th Aug 2008, 04:44 PM

it doesnt matter how good a rider you are....you are incredibly stupid for riding on major roads without hi-viz and even on lanes without a hat.

health & safety is there for a reason, it is very immature to ignore it because you class yourself as a "good" rider.

Julz

28th Aug 2008, 05:03 PM

Vixie - it is stupid, but we've all done it!!

I've done the cantering/galloping bit in a stubble feild with flappy reins too... even went as far as let the horse decide how fast to go, what direction, if he wanted to stop, take a breather... and then go again, yeah I've done that... But I knew the horse very well... also he was in his late 20's and past being told what to do...

Ach, I've burnt me dinner again!!

Sarah_Sayers

28th Aug 2008, 05:07 PM

Actually, the very first thing I do after mounting, is give my horse a little rub on the neck, to thank him for standing nicely. :o

Grinyer224

28th Aug 2008, 05:38 PM

my first instructor wasnt qualified,
my new one makes me check the girth b4 i get on and then she does it wen i get on

Julz

28th Aug 2008, 05:57 PM

I have found a video on youtube.. since Im not allowed to put the link up, as it's not mine... go to youtube and type in "we learn we fall"

this video is exactly why the girth must be done up.. and what you as a beginner look like cantering for perhpas the first time early on it your riding.

I could pick lots of faults with the rider, But im not going too. I hope she was ok!

RachelEvent

28th Aug 2008, 05:58 PM

when taking novice adults out hacking at a RS I was always shocked by the complete lack of girth checking that I saw. I didn't let them out of the yard until they had done it - simple, obvious safety checks that no-one seems to bother to teach. Of course, if I hadn't had their girth at the correct tightness, and then they hadn't checked it, if they decided to sue the riding school, I bet I would have got them blame, not them!

Even if I am handed a horse to ride, already tacked up, I will do a full tack check, check all the bridle fastenings, check girth and guesstimate stirrup length BEFORE i get on - doesn't take long. Then after mounting, feet in stirrups, tighten girth, adjust stirrups, and then tighten girth again about 10 minutes into the ride. So obvious that it shouldn't need explaining...

Julz

28th Aug 2008, 06:00 PM

antonia :)

28th Aug 2008, 06:06 PM

I do girth then check then mount then do girth then stirrups then girth check and we're off! :D

storm35

28th Aug 2008, 06:09 PM

Get my feet right in the stirrups, mind i only had 7 lessons, my RI checks my girth first.

sophie33

28th Aug 2008, 07:00 PM

I've had lessons for years now and only found out how to tighten my girth by asking. The RI always does it for you. I know they have to check it but I do agree they should start getting you to do it yourself from fairly early

vixie

28th Aug 2008, 07:07 PM

that youtube video is cringeworthy isnt it? you can tell she was used to western riding lol

ah well we all fall off! saying that i have only fallen 3 times in 15 years, one very bad and 2 very silly.

Shire Monster

28th Aug 2008, 07:10 PM

A few people have mentioned RI checking girth (quite right to it's their backside on the line if you fall off and sue) they probably do it second nature without a lot of riders even realising, I usually tighten mine, RI checks before mounting, then again after mounting and tighten again.
The point I was gonna make is that most people new to riding get all these things done for them so probably don't actually realise these safety issues exist. It really should be the case at RS's that new riders are taught the importance of checking potential avoidable safety issues, I'm sure some do but not all.
Another point is that in a beginner group lesson there could be 6-8 people it would be very time consuming to go through everything which each person individually as well as double checking, riding is expensive to do and time is money, an hour lesson could end up an hour and a half, probably easier and quicker for them to just do it themselves. Wrong I know but from a different angle at least if RI just does it to their own standard its safe.
Maybe it would be good if schools put aside 20 minutes with new clients discussing/demonstrating these things then a quick check and/or tighten before riding would be all that is necessary

Grinyer224

28th Aug 2008, 07:11 PM

Grinyer2245 - do you want to jump??

read your sig, and you seem..apprehensive with the suggestion of jumping by the time you have been a rider for 5months.... there are lads of othr disciplines in riding that are just as much fun, other than jumping.. which could give you invaluable experience in riding/handleing and getting to know your horse
i know - its just what my instructor ses, she thinks im moving very quickly, i think she gets me used to summin and then teaches me to do it better.

Julz

28th Aug 2008, 07:14 PM

I dont think she was used to western riding... her stirrups are too long her hands too high... all that amounts to lack of balance... her hands are high.. she's trying to find her balance.. but she's also attached to the horses mouth.... her hands should be down, and grapping the mane, if her stirrups were shorter, she'd find balance easier.... if the girth was done up correctly, she might have survived the canter!!

vixie

28th Aug 2008, 07:22 PM

it does actually state next to it that she rides western....explains long stirrups.

Julz

28th Aug 2008, 07:28 PM

it does actually state next to it that she rides western....explains long stirrups.

does it?? I didnt realise!!

vixie

28th Aug 2008, 07:36 PM

lol yeah apparently shes "getting much better" every time she rides now :D but i should imagine its impossible to get worse really...

Julz

28th Aug 2008, 08:18 PM

she wasnt that bad... just unbalanced....

ina.click

28th Aug 2008, 10:57 PM

Where I learn the girth is strenghtened after the first round of walk or so :confused:

The reason is that after a round of walk the horse relaxes muscles and as well does not hold her breath in any longer.

Before mounting up there is another girth check as well , by the RI. I must admit I lack the strength in hands to do it myself - it's so tight!

Julz

29th Aug 2008, 09:19 AM

It shouldnt be so tight that you cannot get any fingers in... much like you doing a belt up to keep your trousers up....

Possibly what your instructor does, is.... when the girth has been tightend, it can cause little wrinkles to form under the girth... if these get rubbed it will cause a sore called a "girth gall" to form, these can be really really painful for the horse. so after girthing up, (before mounting) pull horses front legs forward to stretch the skin and smooth it out.. if this isnt done, then some people do the girth up gradually (depending on the shape of the horse) mount up, tighten a little, walk horse round a few paces, this allows horse to stretch and smooth the skin itself, then tighten again... there is no right or wrong way to tighten a girth, so long as it's been checked and is tight enough not to slip while you climb aboard..

Another poster said that if Girthing up was taught in the lesson and would therefore shorten the hours lesson to 30mins, why would it neccesarily shorten the lesson by that much?? and is there anything wrong with that??

It's a safety issue.

And it isnt neccesarily taught to each individual in the group lesson... the easiet way to teach this is to have you all standing either in a line or in a circle have one person out so everyone can see, and the RI show you how to do this... it's a 5min lesson... it doesnt take 30mins to show 10 people how to do the girth up when mounted and check it.. checking it can be done in walk... and also teaches balance!

BabyBear

29th Aug 2008, 09:48 AM

I was very lucky that the yard I learned to ride at encouraged rider to tack up the horse and check the girth/stirrups themselves. I've been to other yards where the RI will still hold the horse while you mount, then fix everything for you.

I'll admit, I don't check my horses girth immediately but that's because I'm riding my own horse and I know how tight to make it before mounting and then gradually do it up.

I do however dislike the use of the girth to substitute for the riders own balance - a good balanced rider does not need a girth!!

I read a story about Nuno Oliveira often riding without a girth - he is quoted as saying -"the girth is not what keeps you on the horse - balance keeps you on the horse".

I will occassionally ride with a loose girth to get an idea of how well balanced I am as I'm trying to over come a bad habit of putting more weight to one side and this helps me to stop doing this - not that I'm saying beginners should be asked to do this but it is a good training tool!

Joyscarer

29th Aug 2008, 10:06 AM

I'll admit, I don't check my horses girth immediately but that's because I'm riding my own horse and I know how tight to make it before mounting and then gradually do it up.

I do however dislike the use of the girth to substitute for the riders own balance - a good balanced rider does not need a girth!!

I'm one of those naughty people that overtighten a touch knowing that when on board and moving forward it will be right after a couple of mins. It's poitless checking it immediately after mounting up as Joy needs to be moving forward a bit first before it would need it. Having an elastic girth made that possible.

The crunch came this morning. I rode out of for 30mins in mainly trot and canter as I had bought a stephens non slip gel pad and humane girth and wanted to test them out.

Got back to the yard and went to ungirth and realised the girth was dangling below Joy's tummy and was throat lash tight :o

Having got over the shock and realising I will need to stop part way round to check the girth as it isn't elasticated I then grinned like a loony having realised my riding can't be all that bad. :p

The upshot is that even with an unelasticated girth I won't make checking the girth the first thing I do, the first thing I do is to grin like a lunatic at how lucky I am :D

Julz

29th Aug 2008, 10:14 AM

I dont like humane girths.......

I do like however elasticated girths but they can be over tightend, so need to be careful not to do so.

Seamus has dressage straps, and I need to tighten a bit more than "normal" other wise his saddle will slip, and that's with a limpet pad!! bl00dy horse is the wrong shape!!

Babybear - a good balanced rider, does not need a saddle!!

Shire Monster

29th Aug 2008, 10:38 AM

QUOTE - Another poster said that if Girthing up was taught in the lesson and would therefore shorten the hours lesson to 30mins, why would it neccesarily shorten the lesson by that much?? and is there anything wrong with that??

It's a safety issue. UNQUOTE

I think that would have been me, and there is nothing wrong at all with taking HOURS if necesary for a safety issue but the point I was making was that Riding Schools probably find it easier, quicker and more cost effective for the RI to run round each rider in a group and check and adjust themselves.
I'm not saying its right because its not, but a lot of beginners are children and probably not strong enough to adjust the girth themselves but would want to have a go (the time consuming bit). I think everyone who wants to sit on a horse should be taught all about these health an safety issues.

JustJas

29th Aug 2008, 10:55 AM

I agree how important it is for a rider to know how tight a girth should be but whether or not they are the ones who do it is not so important.

After breaking both wrists I can not get the purchase to fasten a girth. My OH sorts my horse after I have out the saddle on for me but he always checks the girth as I get on!

Julz

29th Aug 2008, 11:16 AM

Well, it is important who does it.. Ok you personally cant phsyically do it (neither can my sister due to arthritic hands) BUT, you can ask someone else to do it.. the point is, whoever is on board needs to remember the girth before setting off...

This thread was started for the beginners/novices of the riding world, I just wanted to know if riding establishments were teaching them to check and do up the girth as part of their lesson, and if not, why not.. not for established riders who have thier own horse (they should know this) and ofcourse every experienced rider has thier own way of girthing up....

It's second nature for the RI to do everyones girth for them, but they sholdnt be doing it for them, they should be teaching it as part of the lesson...

the RS i worked in, the beginning of the lesson was standard as..." Has everyone done/checked thier girth?? sorted stirrups??" any problems and the RI would check for them... doesnt take two mins... anyone new in the class, perhaps not aware that they had to, that statement is a question/responce prompt in itself!

BabyBear

29th Aug 2008, 11:26 AM

This thread was started for the beginners/novices of the riding world, I just wanted to know if riding establishments were teaching them to check and do up the girth as part of their lesson, and if not, why not.. not for established riders who have thier own horse (they should know this) and ofcourse every experienced rider has thier own way of girthing up....

I don't think you can dictate who does or does not respond to your thread - us horse owners have just as much right to reply and may just have something interesting to add to the debate.:)

Julz

29th Aug 2008, 11:31 AM

I am not dictating, but did say in the original post, about established riders who'd know the answer to the question not to say anything... it has since turned into a talking point, which is fine :)

Bobbin

29th Aug 2008, 12:12 PM

I normally straightened my knickers out first, after all scrunched up knickers are not a good look. :D

For the record, I put my feet in the stirrups as soon as I get on and then I tighten my girth.

Roofio

29th Aug 2008, 12:15 PM

Personally I cringe when i see girths being over tightened by riders new, experienced, old, grey haired, brunette, ginger, be they humane, elasticated, unelasticated, pink, green, sparkly, leather, whatever. - my saddle is fitted well enough that it doesn't shift even when the girth is relatively loose - the guy from the SC who fitted mine said you should be able to get your fist, not the traditional flat of your hand between the horse and girth and it's a philosophy I like and stick too.

i wouldn't be particularly keen to work if my belt was 3 holes too tight so i afford the same courtesy to the horses i ride too.

safety, yes, but not to the detriment of horses comfort.

Sarah_Sayers

29th Aug 2008, 12:20 PM

my saddle is fitted well enough that it doesn't shift even when the girth is relatively loose

Not having a horse, I don't actually know, but.....

Wouldn't some of the issue also be related to the shape of the horse, not just a well fitted saddle. I can imagine a rounder cob, with less prominent withers, even a very well fitted saddle might slip. But then I'm also thinking more about mounting, and I think you meant more generally.

BlueWicked

29th Aug 2008, 12:22 PM

Julz - i was thinking a similar thing to you only last night, when I was reading through threads about newbies jumping etc very early on.

I too think that a lot of RS's seem to be rushing people on and not reinforcing the basics and safety principles. Afterall, I would have thought it would be sensible and safe to let a rider develop a secure seat before attempting to jump - and riding at once weekly lessons over a 6 week period doesnt give you that IMHO.

I wondered if a lot of it happens because the clients themselves get bored with going over the basics and put pressure on to push on do more before they are really ready?

Roofio

29th Aug 2008, 12:27 PM

Not having a horse, I don't actually know, but.....

Wouldn't some of the issue also be related to the shape of the horse, not just a well fitted saddle. I can imagine a rounder cob, with less prominent withers, even a very well fitted saddle might slip. But then I'm also thinking more about mounting, and I think you meant more generally.

i always use a mounting block as JR is 18.1hh and i'm 5"6 --> it just aint happening without!! :D

you are right that horse shape does affect it, but i still don't think even the roundest horses deserve to be squished ;)

as a new rider, i wasn't allowed a saddle for 4-5 lessons - you don't have much choice but to get a decent, balanced seat then :eek::D

chickflick1066

29th Aug 2008, 12:38 PM

I think if I was a New Rider reading the initial posts I would have run a mile at the patronizing tone you've taken Julz!!

JustJas

29th Aug 2008, 12:48 PM

Julz obviously I did not make my thread clear.
What I meant was yes the rider should know how tight the girth should be when they are riding- ie check it but not necess that they are they ones that physically tighten it if they find it difficult.

Keket

29th Aug 2008, 12:58 PM

Been riding five years: I tighten my girth/cinch three times. First, very loosely, when I put the saddle on. Second, after I bridle, before I go into the school. Third, in the school, just before I mount. If my girth isn't tight enough, I know it when I go to mount because I mount from the ground and the saddle will move. That's a pretty good test for me. There's nothing that I can do on horseback that will unbalance the saddle more then me mounting from the ground. If it doesn't move then, it won't move once I'm on. To tighten it again once I get on would be overtightening and totally unfair to Coquette.

Sarah_Sayers

29th Aug 2008, 01:07 PM

i always use a mounting block as JR is 18.1hh... OMG :eek:

you are right that horse shape does affect it, but i still don't think even the roundest horses deserve to be squished ;) Absolutely.... don't really know what my point was. :confused:;)

as a new rider, i wasn't allowed a saddle for 4-5 lessons - you don't have much choice but to get a decent, balanced seat then :eek::D OMG :eek: - I would absolutely love to try this, but because of insurance I'm not even allowed to ride without stirrups at my riding school.

joosie

29th Aug 2008, 01:33 PM

I am not dictating, but did say in the original post, about established riders who'd know the answer to the question not to say anything

You then waited for a grand total of TWO replies before you gave the answer :rolleyes: I must agree with chickflick that you have come across rather patronising on this thread. I see the point that you are trying to make, about beginners not being taught basic safety measures - but the point is going to be enforced by the fact that the experienced riders' answers have turned it into a discussion - not by you telling everyone that your way is right and please nobody disagree with it :rolleyes:

I personally am an obsessive girth-checker - I tighten it hole-by-hole from initial saddling to the end of my warm-up, and I also check it frequently while I ride. Some may call it obsessive, but... well, it is!... let's just say we all have our personal preferences :rolleyes:

I also make a point of checking the girth of all our clients when they come to ride - and much of the time the loose girths belong to experienced riders and the tightened ones belong to the beginners. Go figure!

Bobbin

29th Aug 2008, 02:02 PM

My girth is always done quite tight because I have a round pony and I have fallen off before and watched it slide around her tummy stirrups flapping around her back legs as she went. I have a double ended elasticated girth though which I feel much happier about tightening up.

montys helper

29th Aug 2008, 02:08 PM

well i been riding solid for 7 years b4 that it was on and off here and there but i always do my girth b4 i get on
i always mount and dissmount using a mounting block.
i also agree with chickflick with this thread coming across as patronising.

BlackBess

29th Aug 2008, 02:15 PM

I was never taught how to check the girth, stirrup lengths, that the tack fits correctly when I had RS lessons as the horses were tacked up (and I very naively assumed that it was correct) when I got there and the RI automatically checked the girth and stirrups. It wasn't until one day when I felt that something was not quite right that I asked the RI to show me how to do it myself, because I didn't want to continue relying on someone to do it for me. It turned out the saddle was too far back, the numnah wasn't attached by its straps to the saddle and the girth was attached by the 2nd and 3rd straps.

In an ideal world, every beginner would be taught the importance of safety including how to stay safe around horses on the ground but if a rider wants to know how to do it, don't be afraid to ask the RI or get some great advice from NR - most of what I know now, I learnt from NR:D. I totally agree with other posts in that some RS do progress very quickly without ensuring that the foundations are solid and in place and that's partly why I gave up lessons.

GG36

29th Aug 2008, 02:50 PM

For the first few lessons my RI checked the girth for me - both before mounting & after. She also assisted in helping me get the correct length for my stirrups.

Now it's up to us riders. We tighten the girth before getting on, after having got the stirrup leathers so some decent length. Once we're on we tighten up before moving off & once we've done 5 mins or so warm up in walk & trot we're reminded to check again before cantering. It's now ingrained in all our minds......

Although I will also confess to saying 'hi' to the horse before mounting & then giving his neck a pat once I'm onboard before I check the girth :)

Lot1983

29th Aug 2008, 03:10 PM

I dont like humane girths.......

Why??

Lot1983

29th Aug 2008, 03:22 PM

Because Sam is 16.1hh I get on the mounting block and just throw my leg over so it doesn't matter if the girth is tight or not, stirups are always at my length anyway so sometimes I don't even bother running them down! Failing the biggest spaz attack in the world my saddle won't move with a slightly loose girth.

BlueWicked

29th Aug 2008, 04:31 PM

Why??

humane girth a) allow you to over girth, and b) put uneven pressure on your saddle. If you really want one with elastic, get one that has the elastic part in the middle, so it doesnt pull unevenly on your saddle:)

Lot1983

29th Aug 2008, 05:16 PM

humane girth a) allow you to over girth, and b) put uneven pressure on your saddle. If you really want one with elastic, get one that has the elastic part in the middle, so it doesnt pull unevenly on your saddle:)

How can it be uneven pressure if you have the fastner between the two straps in the middle of the girth, It can't be uneven as it slips though the ring.

Surely ANY girth will allow you to overgirth depending on how hard you pull??

Roofio

29th Aug 2008, 05:17 PM

OMG :eek: - I would absolutely love to try this, but because of insurance I'm not even allowed to ride without stirrups at my riding school.

that's such a shame, no stirrups work is really good for deepening your seat (so good, that i avoid it now cause it hurts me :p) :D

Roofio

29th Aug 2008, 05:20 PM

How can it be uneven pressure if you have the fastner between the two straps in the middle of the girth, It can't be uneven as it slips though the ring.

Surely ANY girth will allow you to overgirth depending on how hard you pull??

i think it might be that the pressure on the rings from the riders legs and saddle flaps mean that it doesn't actually slip easily, but i've never used one so don't really know.

agree that any girth allows overtightening, i hate hate hate to see it being done, but it seems girths with elastic bits somewhere are the worst, or rather the people using them as it's easier for them to crank it up tight.

Julz

29th Aug 2008, 05:32 PM

Why??

A) Bluewicked has pointed out why and B) because i just dont like the style...

Hang on guys.... I asked a valid question... to the New Riders of the sport.. I gave the answer after only two replies because IMO it took nerly a full day to get those two replies.... and now you all experienced riders are jumping down my throat, accusing me of being patronizing and generally causing problems.... I'm experienced too, which is why I asked the question in the first place.... many of these future riders just might be missing out on important safety information and none of you probably even thought about it....

I dont know why I bother... this forum is ever the same..... always jumping on someone!!!

Julz

29th Aug 2008, 05:37 PM

I also make a point of checking the girth of all our clients when they come to ride - and much of the time the loose girths belong to experienced riders and the tightened ones belong to the beginners. Go figure!

so what you're trying to say is that all experienced riders are balanced riders?? so they can have a loose girth??

there's no need to be rude.

I am not being patronising, and I am not saying my way is better.... god forbid I should be so far up my own backside!!

I have already explained why i put this thread up.

Keket

29th Aug 2008, 05:45 PM

you're both wrong.....

The first thing any rider should do after mounting up is....

tighten the girth!

I cant believe (well, actually I can!) that you are not taught to do this!

To me, this came off patronising. You gave your method as the be all and end all of girth-tightening methods (although I see now that you didn't mean it that way). And I don't agree with your method either (but that's simply my opinion). While I think the girth should be checked after mounting, after 5-10 minutes, I don't agree it should automatically be tightened. Now all horses blow out. Check the girth, if it's loose, tighten it, if it's not, don't. If you automatically tighten even though it's not needed, you could very well end up with girth galls and a horse that won't let you anywhere near it with a saddle.

Julz

29th Aug 2008, 06:18 PM

ofcourse when we all become experienced enough and move on to other horses to ride, be it a owned/share/loan horse that rider will find an alternative that suits them, depending on the horse. My point for this thread was...... the general guidline (as i was taught) is.. check girth and tighten if neccesary, pull down stirrups, check length against arm (fingers on stirrup bar, stirrup under arm pit) adjust as neccesary, mount up from ground (I now do it always from a mounting block, but in those days......) re-check girth and tighten as neccesary.

I am in no way patronising anyone. I was simply trying to make it as unconfusing as possible.....

Wally

29th Aug 2008, 06:24 PM

Who doesn't teach this?? I do, all my riders, (when I was teaching ) learned to check and do up their girth from lesson one. Bit of a wide sweeping statement to imagine ALL new riders are not taught to check and do up their girth.

We were out for a ride onece and I was riding a very over excited Weldh D who was full of himself and bouncing about all over the place. We went for a gallop, and then when we got to the top Frances said to me "LOOK AT YOUR GIRTH!" I had a look and found I could get my fist in the girth, nearly enuogh room for another horse :D :D Point is if you can ride and your saddle fits your girth is only there to stop your saddle getting lost ! :D :D

New riders, just learning do need a girth a tad tighter than an experienced rider.

Wally

29th Aug 2008, 06:27 PM

pull down stirrups, check length against arm (fingers on stirrup bar, stirrup under arm pit)

ARRRRGHHHGHHH! this method is SO innacurate, so useless as everyone' arm, leg, body ratio is different, If I did this I'd be ready to run in the Derby!

I'd much rather teach stirrup length according to horse, saddle and human body type All these factors will change the length of stirup you have than some out dated, bogus and flawed method.

Keket

29th Aug 2008, 06:37 PM

I'd much rather teach stirrup length according to horse, saddle and human body type All these factors will change the length of stirup you have than some out dated, bogus and flawed method.

It's a good starting point though, for most people. I tend to ride slightly shorter then this, but for RS riders that don't always ride the same horse or saddle, it's a good rule to follow until you get on and see where your leg falls. Then you can adjust up or down.

Julz

29th Aug 2008, 06:42 PM

ARRRRGHHHGHHH! this method is SO innacurate, so useless as everyone' arm, leg, body ratio is different, If I did this I'd be ready to run in the Derby!

I said it was a GUIDELINE.... obviously (or maybe not) when on the horse it can lengthend/shortend to whatever is comfortable. It merely helps people to judge the length and assit them to mount up... though these days most people are using mounting blocks, as these are better for the horses back and saddles.

Wally

29th Aug 2008, 06:59 PM

I said it was a GUIDELINE.... obviously (or maybe not) when on the horse it can lengthend/shortend to whatever is comfortable. It merely helps people to judge the length and assit them to mount up... though these days most people are using mounting blocks, as these are better for the horses back and saddles.

What's wrong with getting on and doing your stirrups as you'll need to alter them anyway. Takes less than 20 seconds.

Frances

29th Aug 2008, 07:21 PM

What's wrong with getting on and doing your stirrups as you'll need to alter them anyway. Takes less than 20 seconds.

Only if I've galloped off up the track sniggering while you are faffing around with your girth and stirrups (in that order, of course) ...... tee hee....:D

titch_

29th Aug 2008, 07:25 PM

I do my stirups 1st then alter the girth,
If the horse spoked while doing girth you would have more of a chance staying on with stirups (If only one :p)

x.fat-pony.x

29th Aug 2008, 07:26 PM

I jumped in my 3rd ever lesson, I'd barely managed rising trot. RI seemed bored and instead of doing basics I was told to shorten my stirrups and prepare to jump. Is it a wonder I don't jump now?! :o

Back to the OP. When I was at an RS, girth was always done for me as soon as I got on after putting my feet in stirrups. I have an elasticated girth now as it's too painful for my hands to use a conventional one, although I still put feet in stirrups first. Personally I think it's up to you how you do it or when you do it, as long as it's done before you start 'working' :)

Salsa

29th Aug 2008, 07:29 PM

you want a laugh about checking girths. I sure everyone has one. My sister had one of my horses on loan. She felt there was something not right about her walk. Could I go watch her. Well all seemed ok to me. She rode her completely round the perimiter of the village. When we got back to the field she asked me to ride so she could watch. Well she'd been riding for at least an hour. She's slightly shorter than me and generally uses a mounting block. I don't tend to. Foot in sturrip. 1 2 3 up we go.... no. saddle twists... buck. buck buck we go. ALWAYS check your girth :)

Stassy

29th Aug 2008, 08:02 PM

I've been riding for years - first thing I do when I get on? Give the horse a pat 'thanks for letting me get on' :D:p then I do girth, stirrups.....

Skippys Mum

29th Aug 2008, 08:59 PM

Obviously in Shetland the first thing you do when you get on is make sure your so called friend is nowhere in sight:D

These days I'm using the "get on and grab the neckstrap for dear life before it all goes t**s up" method - b****r the girth, some days I dont even get a chance to get my stirrups:eek:

ponypinkyp

29th Aug 2008, 09:39 PM

I do my stirups 1st then alter the girth,
If the horse spoked while doing girth you would have more of a chance staying on with stirups (If only one :p)

Okay,,, but if your 'up there' and the horse spooked, I would rather have a deeper seat and jump off 'or stay on & sit it' than have the saddle roll underneath me and end up under the horse with me feet stuck in the stirrups!

Just my thoughts!

Keket

29th Aug 2008, 10:16 PM

What's wrong with getting on and doing your stirrups as you'll need to alter them anyway. Takes less than 20 seconds.

Inevitably, for the short-arses like me, if the stirrups are too long (which they always are) when I mount, I end up kicking the horse in the butt. Which she doesn't appreciate. :p

RustyMary

30th Aug 2008, 06:22 AM

Wotsit

30th Aug 2008, 09:20 AM

Who doesn't teach this?? I do, all my riders, (when I was teaching ) learned to check and do up their girth from lesson one. Bit of a wide sweeping statement to imagine ALL new riders are not taught to check and do up their girth.

I think you may be surprised. I've never been "taught" by an RS to check the girth or even how. I'm not quite sure where I learnt to do it, probably from watching other riders getting on.

What's even worse is we were taking three beginners to an RS we didn't know (they didn't come under the weight limit for our school). One of the beginners goes to get on - foot in stirrup, goes to swing leg over, horse walks off with the saddle slipping around it's middle and beginner stuck with her leg on the horses bum for about three steps. :eek: My sister and I thought it was really funny at the time but, actually, it did really dent her confidence and she's never going to ride again which is a shame.

We needless to say aren't going to that RS again. What RS brings out a horse for a beginners lesson and doesn't check that the girth is tight enough at the very least?

Julz

30th Aug 2008, 10:16 AM

I don't believe the girth is a major priority for very new riders, they've got enough to think about, especially if, as I was, they are a bit nervous of these enormous unpredictable scary animals (that's how they seem when you're new to it) - I would have had a fit if my RI had asked me to go anywhere near the underneath of 17hh Markus, in reach of his dinner-plate feet, in my first few lessons! The RI should be dealing with that at first - that's how new riders build confidence, by having new things inroduced gradually. So this question is not really aimed at new riders at all, though even slightly experienced ones should know it of course.

Actually it is, although as always you can believe what you like, as can everyone else.....

I have taught quite a few people to ride, including my two nieces, they learnt most of the safety issues very early on, including girthing up... they both learnt on a borrowed 14.2hh pony, one of my nieces was and still is, built like a twig, but even she managed it..within three weeks they were going to catch the pony themselves, with me supervising, in two months they were catching the pony themselves, grooming and tacking up...

Do you know.... Us brits have it easy... in Germany you are taught to ride, and to do everything from the beginning, including how to tack up, ride, untack and clean the tack... all this is part of your lesson, yes the lesson takes about two hours, with maybe on 30mins actual riding, and you lot are complaining that that most RIs (with the exception of Wally), cant take 5mins out of the lesson to show how to girth up/explain other things...

RustyMary

30th Aug 2008, 12:35 PM

IMO the wording of your OP was both pompous and patronising
What is the first thing you do after you have mounted your horse??

think carefully!!!

anyone who has been riding regularly for months/years please dont say it!!

:D :D

- for the first few weeks or months it is the responsibility of the RI to check tack, even in Europe (my first 20 lessons or so were in Slovenia, where I started to help to tack up after the first few; after that I moved to a barn in Austria, where, yes, I was left to get on with it after the first time, but my RI still checked the girth for quite a while to make sure it was OK) and I think very few really new riders would give you the answer you want to this question - there are a million things in your head at that stage, and you expect the RI to make sure you are as safe as possible. Also, I was taught to check the girth before I get on, not after - if the saddle slips while you're getting on, you're already on the floor.

Julz

30th Aug 2008, 03:37 PM

Rustymary - that is only YOUR opinion!

You should check your girth before and after getting on

Ms Kitty

30th Aug 2008, 04:06 PM

for the first few weeks or months it is the responsibility of the RI to check tack, even in Europe (my first 20 lessons or so were in Slovenia, where I started to help to tack up after the first few; after that I moved to a barn in Austria, where, yes, I was left to get on with it after the first time, but my RI still checked the girth for quite a while to make sure it was OK)

Same in all the riding schools I have been to in Finland. It is the responsibility of the RI to check the girths are tight enough for the beginner riders. Yes, it is taught that it needs to be tight enough before you start moving around, but it is the RI's responsibility to make sure they are tightened if needs be.

Personally, I tighten girth as tight as needed before getting on, in two stages, first when putting it on and then right before getting on. Like Keket said, the actual mounting makes the saddle move far more (if it is to move) than anything you can possibly do in the saddle. And I should know, being a Polo player, I do far more movement in the saddle than your average rider ever does. And in my opinion, it is far easier to overtighten the girth from a horse than it is from the ground.

And yes, I also agree that your tone of voice throughout this thread has been pompous and patronising, although you probably only meant well.

Nina x

Wally

30th Aug 2008, 04:19 PM

Ahhh, but Frances, I CAN gallop and do my girth at the same time, coz I is everso clever! :D :D

Skippys Mum

30th Aug 2008, 04:37 PM

Julz, its NOT just RustyMary's opinion.

I do not think its the responsibility of a beginner rider to check the girth. That is like asking someone on their first driving lesson to check the oil. It is the responsibility of whoever is in charge and control of the horse.

Yes, it should be taught in RS's but not in the first few lessons. They have enough to think about. And even after that, it should STILL be the responsibility of the RS to CHECK the girths.

If ANYONE rides any of my horses, I check the tack before they get on and again once they are on. These are my horses - it is MY responsibility (although as Wally can gallop and do up her girth at the same time I might make an exception for her:D).

No one is disputing that it should be taught but you are insisting that it has to be taught at the first lesson. That is YOUR opinion. As you can see from reading this thread, many of us have a DIFFERENT opinion. Personally, I wouldnt want a beginner hauling my horse about by the girth straps - getting it too tight perhaps?

Wally

30th Aug 2008, 04:45 PM

It's not just the new riders, you'd be amazed how many more expereinced rider just cannot be bothered to take responsibility.

I am afraid when I am treaching I am a constant girth checker, whenever horse and rider stop I check the girth as a matter of habit.

As far as I am concerned I teach them to do the girth, but I take responsibility for monitoring it and telling the rider to take appropriate action.

~*sugarlump*~

30th Aug 2008, 04:51 PM

i check my girth, before after tacking up, before i get on, once on, and sometimes whilst riding.

i have ridden so many RS horses that have got in the habit of breathing out, one did it so well that as i tried to mount the saddle slipped under her belly :o:rolleyes: i died of embarressment:p

teaching how to check a girth takes 2 minutes and should IMO be one of the first things your taught.
having said that, nobody ever really taught me how tight/loose it should be so i usually have to ask a RI if im unsure.

what is everyones take on how tight a girth should be?

Julz

30th Aug 2008, 05:02 PM

what is everyones take on how tight a girth should be?

oh please dont ask them that..... it's going to end up NEW RIDER WARFARE!!

Look... I dont care that you all think I was being patronising.. It WASNT intended that way...
so get off your high horses (scuse the pun, if you can)

Skippy's mum - "I do not think its the responsibility of a beginner rider to check the girth." No, it's the RIs responsibolity to teach the rider to check the girth!

montys helper

30th Aug 2008, 05:09 PM

lol gosh is this one still goin one lol

eml

30th Aug 2008, 05:17 PM

Just caught up with this thread.

From my standard lesson plans:

Lesson 1, lead horse from stable to school (with an assistant) holding reins correctly, brief chat on where not to walk( behind!), not put fingers in mouths, shout etc. With assistant lower stirrups and check/tighten girth, put reins over horses neck, watch demo of mounting and then mount from block. Checking girth,stirrups with help. Correct sitting position ,how to hold reins.

Lead round until happy to let go of neckstraps etc then learn stopping ,starting and simple left and right steering in walk. Practice with and without leader (Ponies and horses are saintly!).

Sit trot while being slowly led to feel rythm holding neck strap/saddle, explore letting horse make you rise. Possible trot two or three long sides (no corners) with leader, rising while holding on

Dismount, loosen girth, run up stirrups return horse to stable.

Easily fits into standard 1 hour RS lesson, groups up to six with competent teenaged helpers. No one is bored and most are doing a rising trot by themselves by the end of lesson two.

Sarah_Sayers

31st Aug 2008, 03:59 PM

that's such a shame, no stirrups work is really good for deepening your seat (so good, that i avoid it now cause it hurts me :p) :D

I aggree, I feel I would come on much quicker if i could. I'm getting my own horse soon (well hopefully!), so I will be able to give it a go.

Midori

3rd Sep 2008, 12:58 AM

For a sidesaddle rider, there is both the girth and the Balance strap to tighten, (only one stirrup leather though!) :D

Cheers, Midori

twigs

3rd Sep 2008, 06:19 AM

I remeber years ago ponies blowing out and the girth couldnt be tightened fully, I was horrified at the method used to get the girth tightened, the person at that time who was tacking up kneed the pony in the belly to get them expel wind!:eek:

xJenniferx

3rd Sep 2008, 07:43 AM

I'm a bit slow so only just found this thread :D :o

Hands up I dont check the girth instantly when I get on. I tend to walk him a couple of circles, let everything settle in then tighten up the girth one hole at a time if needed.

Despite myself having ridden for a year my RI still does spot checks on my girth :D.

A beginner rider (i.e first lesson) is unlikely (although some will not be in this category) to be aware of how tight a girth is supposed to be and it is unfair to expect them to be able to correctly adjust a girth, although it should be introduced fairly soon.

When I started riding, my first concern was certainly not the girth, but is this horse going to kill me :D lol

Jen
x

molly34

3rd Sep 2008, 08:17 AM

My RS started out pretty much as EML described. After a few months the responsibility for checking girths and stirrups was passed to the riders, but the RIs would always wait until we'd done it, and help/double check where needed, before starting the lessons.

I never check the girth after I get on anymore, so shoot me!
I ride treeless with a dressage girth, and I can't tighten it up from mounted - tried a few times and nearly landed on my head so gave up! I take my time tacking up and winch the girth in gradually. The saddle hasn't slipped yet (unless you count when I fell off and tried to take it with me, lol!), so my balance can't be too bad.

and fwiw I thought this thread was extremely patronising too, but hey ho!

Julz

3rd Sep 2008, 11:01 AM

why did you put you "fwiw" in teeny writing?? are you ashamed of what you said??

I dont give a monkeys that you or others think it's patronising.. the written word can be mistaken for what it is... I wrote it, not meaning to sound patronising... anyhoo..... the proginal post has been removed... so you cant possibly have seen what it said!

Bang!

BabyBear

3rd Sep 2008, 11:29 AM

Oh god is this thread still active - people, don't you realise that no matter what you post it doesn't matter as Julz is obviously the highest authority in this matter and we all must bow down to her knowledge!:rolleyes:

Skippys Mum

3rd Sep 2008, 08:51 PM

This thread has been totally ruined.. by people who think they know better than anyone else..... I am simply like you... trying to help the new riders... I was simply asking a valid question but the "experienced" members of this forum yet again think they know more than everyone else... if that's true why dont you ever frequent this area of the forum and offer advice to those who ask questions??

Very few of you so-called experienced riders offer advice, but now That I asked a questions aimed at the beginner riders, not at the rest of the community it is assmumed that i know nothing......

I was interested in thier answers, nothing more, but oh no... you all had to come and call me pompus and patronising.. surely by doing that you yourselves are also patronising??

Ok... go then... ride your horse, do you girth up, or not at all since some of you think that an experienced rider constitutes that of a balanced rider and doesnt need a girth at all.. surely then they dont need a saddle??

I give up, I will not start a thread again, just answer questions to those who ask it.

Now you'll probably jump on me for saying all of the above! You really know how to be nice to people dont you??

dont take it upon yourself to do your girth or check it... fall off and hurt yourself... if you do, dont blame anyone other than yourself!

Julz, get a grip girl:).

You posted a thread with an opinion. Other people have other opinions. Bottom line, they are allowed to have other opinions.

Now you are personally getting at individual posters.

Your quote "why did you put you "fwiw" in teeny writing?? are you ashamed of what you said??

I dont give a monkeys that you or others think it's patronising.. the written word can be mistaken for what it is... I wrote it, not meaning to sound patronising... anyhoo..... the proginal post has been removed... so you cant possibly have seen what it said!

Bang!"

Your thread has had just under a hundred replies. It has had just over 2000 views. I wonder if some of the 1900 unaccounted viewers might just have looked twice:)

I gave you an opinion - MY opinion - which I am entitled to. I spend hours letting new riders or beginner riders have shots on my horses. My little ponies are regularly used to let small children have rides (I have no children but I still take the time to make other peoples children happy). I have cheerfully and happily lent my horses out for beginners to have lessons with and Skippy was famous for being the horse that everyone wanted to borrow to let their hubbys, grannies, mothers etc have a safe first hack. Not only did I offer advice - I put my money where my mouth was and let them use my horse.

Bang effing Bang!
xxx

montys helper

3rd Sep 2008, 08:55 PM

popcorn, popcorn, come get ya popcorn here:D

Auqeam

3rd Sep 2008, 11:20 PM

popcorn, popcorn, come get ya popcorn here:D

You just made me spit my ben & jerrys out :D

Katie1986

3rd Sep 2008, 11:42 PM

I had my first riding lesson when i was 10 years old, I don't think that at that point, a very excited and nervous child would be able to remember to keep checking the girth!:rolleyes:

It was my RI's responsibility to teach me about girthing etc, yes, but I wasn't in a position to learn that in my first few months of lessons. Getting a hang of the basics and finding my way around a pony, I think, was more important.

After a while, I was responsible for my own girth and stirrups, etc, but my RI still helped me if I needed it.

I generally checked and tightened the girth before mounting, then warmed up in walk and trot, then checked again before moving onto faster work, tightening it if needed. I've never fallen off as a result of my girth not being tight enough and my saddle slipping.

And I too feel as though have been patronising. Even though you are experienced, I think you don't understand or remember the overwhelming experience of your first few riding lessons, where there is so much new stuff to remember, things like girthing can be left to RI's. Especially if you're young.

Katie :)