I am completely new to riding. I am completely clueless about where to begin asking questions. I promised my aunt before she passed that I'd continue to take care of her horses, and basically try and fill the void that came with her passing. I recently decided that I'm ready to learn how to ride since I have come to learn some things, such as how to put on a halter, and how to brush them. I am going into this pursuit blindly since I've lost the only one who cares to pass along the knowledge. So far, I can read their body language and saddle them, but I was wondering if anyone could offer any knowledge or suggestions. There isn't a stable or anywhere where I can be taught so any comments, shared knowledge or encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Beginning From Scratch
- Thread starter TonyaRena
- Start date
Hi Tonya, how brave are you! And how lucky are the horses that you are prepared to have a go. I had never looked after a horse until three years ago, now have three and have learnt with them as I go. I found the following indispensable - a good vet, farrier and when I or the horses can get there a great trainer. However because of the ease of access I use alot of online resources with lots of video clips. They show ground work and riding. There are some you can send in videos of yourself for feedback too. Everyone has their own preference but examples include Mark Rashid, Buck Brannamam, Warwick Schiller, Mary Wanless, Clint Andersen, Natasha Althoff. One observation I would make as you start out is everyone has an opinion and often you’ll get two people give you opposing views each believing they are right. The only way that is really right is the one that works for you and your horses - so ask questions and listen then choose what will work for you and your particular horse. I also found knowing what I wanted as an end goal really useful in knowing where to start. Good Luck.
Another tip I was given was “if you can’t do it on the ground first, don’t try in the saddle”. So can you lead the horses, back them up, move their hind quarters/shoulders over, halt easily, walk/trot at whatever speed you choise, whilst they keep a safe distance from you respecting your space.
That's one thing that helped me so much. I have found that even though I'm literally just tall enough to see the top of their hind quarters, I seem to have found peace and acceptance. I initially thought that I'd fail miserably, since i knew barely anything about their interactions but that was made quite clear between a horse who is a gentle giant until I'm messed with, and two females who are total opposite of the other, one only being "green broke" is what i think she said? But they each have helped me more than anyone with a psychology degree has.
You and I sound similar sizes to the horses - I can’t be seen standing behind my 17.2 thoroughbred! My horses helped me through a health journey with cancer. With horses you have to be present with them. Your mind has to be with them to connect (and be safe). It’s a powerful lesson in mindfulness (being totally present in the moment with all five senses). So healthy for us all. They are also known to act as a mirror reflecting back what the person gives them.
When I couldn’t ride I spent a long time just observing and being with them - learnt huge amounts about them. They are truly (for me) better than any therapy
When I couldn’t ride I spent a long time just observing and being with them - learnt huge amounts about them. They are truly (for me) better than any therapy
Totally understand the peace you find with them - I’m sure you’ll find it riding them - it will just be a learning journey together and hopefully you’re not on a fast timetable and can take the time that’s needed. Rushing and horses definitely don’t go together. Just be safe with hats and boots and taking it at the right pace for you and the horses.
Ps I too have a recently broken horse and am learning all sorts of new things about young horses!
Ps I too have a recently broken horse and am learning all sorts of new things about young horses!
It's tough when you don't have help locally, is there perhaps an experienced neighbour who could help you out?
Green broke is a horse who doesn't know how to be ridden and do his job very well, or a novice, there's an old saying 'green (rider) on green (horse) equals Black and blue' (bruises) because it rarely ends well, stick to riding the dead broke horse initially as she will be more forgiving of your mistakes and teach you the way things should be done
Green broke is a horse who doesn't know how to be ridden and do his job very well, or a novice, there's an old saying 'green (rider) on green (horse) equals Black and blue' (bruises) because it rarely ends well, stick to riding the dead broke horse initially as she will be more forgiving of your mistakes and teach you the way things should be done
Welcome to NR @SoLucky and @TonyaRena. It's nice to have some new members. Please feel free to ask for lots of advice.
I so agree with this.
I agree. Do you have a family member who can be around when you try riding. It would be best to travel somewhere to get some lesson if you haven't ridden before.It's tough when you don't have help locally, is there perhaps an experienced neighbour who could help you out?
Green broke is a horse who doesn't know how to be ridden and do his job very well, or a novice, there's an old saying 'green (rider) on green (horse) equals Black and blue' (bruises) because it rarely ends well, stick to riding the dead broke horse initially as she will be more forgiving of your mistakes and teach you the way things should be done
It is admirable what you are doing, but teaching yourself to ride when nobody is around is really dangerous. What happens if you are hurt and nobody knows? I'd be concerned about the horses' welfare as well I'm afraid, someone who knows nothing about horses shouldn't be in sole charge with nobody else to help or advise. Do you know anything about feeding? First aid? Worming? Do you know how to tell a horse is physically well? Could you recognise the signs of colic, recognise lameness, know when you need to call a vet? There's so much to know about horse care and reading books just isn't enough.
I didn't plan to start on Shy. She's just now comfortable with me touching her, due to the fact her previous owner had nothing to do with her. Nor would i start with Dixie. She is too temperamental to start off with. I've decided to begin with Big Boy,even though he's the biggest and would be usually mean to males that come near me and my aunt, he is the most gentle sweet thing ever. He's taught me so much, he's actually who taught me how to put on a halter. He's patient and lovingIt's tough when you don't have help locally, is there perhaps an experienced neighbour who could help you out?
Green broke is a horse who doesn't know how to be ridden and do his job very well, or a novice, there's an old saying 'green (rider) on green (horse) equals Black and blue' (bruises) because it rarely ends well, stick to riding the dead broke horse initially as she will be more forgiving of your mistakes and teach you the way things should be done
I have never been taught at a stable, but I've rode enough that I'm comfortable trying. I've rode them with my aunt, but her husband refused to answer any questions. So I'm going in blind with the exception of what i learned from her, nor and what you guys say
Yes I'm actually the one who has fed them for the past year and a half. I do have my uncle who knows the medical part of it all. It's just the attention and riding I've been put in charge of. I am usually right in uncles sight or he is nearby. And I'm learning all i can
Well everyone has to start somewhere. And if it doesn't work and i fail, I will not give up on the horses. No they aren't in a fancy table and no i don't have a fancy instructor, I but i do have three horses who is give my own life for if it meant they would be okay. I would never ever do anything to hurt them. No matter how small a change in them is, I've gotten so in tune with them and their mannerisms and how they do things. If there is something as small as a change in how they walk or their behavior, I go for help. They are my reason for breathing and i have a bond that many people don't understand. But they won't tolerate another person besides me to be within seeing distance. But they meet me at the fence the second i walk in that direction. Regardless of what im doing inside the pasture,weather its me reading or me just walking around, they are right there. When i sit down inside the pasture, I they lay around me, yes i know this is odd, I but they do and I refuse to let them down or lose faith in them.
I think more experienced people than us know by experience the dangers/safety/health issues of choosing to have horses in our lives and just want to us to be safe with healthy happy horses. I totally understand that. I also believe there are unknown risks in every day life, like crossing a road, that we face every day and can’t always mitigate - at least you are eyes open and willing to admit what you don’t know - like me!!!
And everyone does have to start somewhere. It is courageous to take on a life challenge that pushes us out of our comfort zones / that’s where personal growth happens. And everyone’s comfortable place to start at is different because we’ll all unique. (And I don’t know what other options these horses had but I’m thankful they are not facing the other awful options that await unwanted horses.) Don’t worry about the fancy stables - some horses in those environments will be unhappy and unhealthy because owners don’t care. And you sound as though you do really care which gives you an edge. It seems like you’re also spending a lot of time being around them - Mark Rashid tells a story where just pitching up and showing a horse consistency and calmness in the feeding process is a huge start to building trust.
Much has changed since I first learnt, over forty years ago. On the ground, I did not realise the importance for my own safety of being able to move their feet. I’ve learnt that and my great joy is if one does startle they don’t jump in my lap! My learning curve has been ENORMOUS. For health my starting point was reading the top five things that can go wrong with horses. Good job I did I recognised mild colic (after Bute for a paddock injury), an abscess from a stone bruise and very early laminitis in my quarter horse. Educating yourself is a great starting point when facing the unknown.
I wasn’t meant to get a young horse or a 17.2 ex racehorse but they are 100 percent the right horses for me. They’re natures are beautiful. And like you they complete my life. They feed my soul when my body wants to collapse in a heap. They are my reason for getting out of bed on lots of days. I’m sure there would be people who think I’m mad given my health and age but it FEELS so right to me. I’m prepared to learn anything I need to to make it work. Like you the other thing I do is really observe them and know what’s normal and what isn’t. And when it isn’t normal I do not hesitate to get help. Building a great help network will be essential for you.
Hence for me why I joined this fantastic forum. I’ve been back reading old posts on topics I need help with and have found them really useful. There are clearly some very knowledgeable people on this site who generously are willing to help people like us.
Sounds like you have ridden before so are not completely new to the basic steps. Do you have a safe area to ride in? And the basic equipment like hat and boots? Do you have someone who can be there when you ride or at least inform when you’re riding and when you’ve finished?
Just remembered I also liked meredithmanor website - bucket loads of free information.
And everyone does have to start somewhere. It is courageous to take on a life challenge that pushes us out of our comfort zones / that’s where personal growth happens. And everyone’s comfortable place to start at is different because we’ll all unique. (And I don’t know what other options these horses had but I’m thankful they are not facing the other awful options that await unwanted horses.) Don’t worry about the fancy stables - some horses in those environments will be unhappy and unhealthy because owners don’t care. And you sound as though you do really care which gives you an edge. It seems like you’re also spending a lot of time being around them - Mark Rashid tells a story where just pitching up and showing a horse consistency and calmness in the feeding process is a huge start to building trust.
Much has changed since I first learnt, over forty years ago. On the ground, I did not realise the importance for my own safety of being able to move their feet. I’ve learnt that and my great joy is if one does startle they don’t jump in my lap! My learning curve has been ENORMOUS. For health my starting point was reading the top five things that can go wrong with horses. Good job I did I recognised mild colic (after Bute for a paddock injury), an abscess from a stone bruise and very early laminitis in my quarter horse. Educating yourself is a great starting point when facing the unknown.
I wasn’t meant to get a young horse or a 17.2 ex racehorse but they are 100 percent the right horses for me. They’re natures are beautiful. And like you they complete my life. They feed my soul when my body wants to collapse in a heap. They are my reason for getting out of bed on lots of days. I’m sure there would be people who think I’m mad given my health and age but it FEELS so right to me. I’m prepared to learn anything I need to to make it work. Like you the other thing I do is really observe them and know what’s normal and what isn’t. And when it isn’t normal I do not hesitate to get help. Building a great help network will be essential for you.
Hence for me why I joined this fantastic forum. I’ve been back reading old posts on topics I need help with and have found them really useful. There are clearly some very knowledgeable people on this site who generously are willing to help people like us.
Sounds like you have ridden before so are not completely new to the basic steps. Do you have a safe area to ride in? And the basic equipment like hat and boots? Do you have someone who can be there when you ride or at least inform when you’re riding and when you’ve finished?
Just remembered I also liked meredithmanor website - bucket loads of free information.
newrider.com