When getting started with Western-style horse riding, it can be tough to figure out where exactly to start learning. There are tons of resources available to you, but not all of them are equal when it comes to quality content. Today, I’ll round up a few of the best resources for anyone looking to start learning about horse riding.
Lessons
There is truly no better way to learn how to ride a horse than to simply get started. There may be a local farm or ranch near you that offers lessons. Look for someone who is used to training new riders, as they will be the best at installing good habits in a rider. However, if you are not quite ready to hop in the saddle, there are other options that are free or inexpensive that you can look into to learn more about horses in general.
Websites
The internet is vast and full of knowledge on just about everything, including horse raising and riding. There are tons of websites out there with great information, and most of them offer at least some free content. Horse Canada and The Horse are two professional publications that can provide information on horse breeds, diet, exercise, diseases, and more. You may also be able to find amateur blogs about horses, but be sure to fact-check the information against more reputable sources.
Books
There are few places better to find information than a good book. There are dozens, or maybe even hundreds, of books available that will tell you everything you need to know about riding horses the Western way. Some books are best for true beginners, while others assume you have some basic knowledge or can supplement another guide in for topics it does not cover.
Podcasts
If you are busy and do not have the time to read about riding, why not put on a podcast while getting some work done? There are many great podcasts about Western riding, such as AskAnnie and Horses & Life. Podcasts are best for people who plan to learn most things elsewhere, but like to hear about personal experiences and tips on how to ride better.
Videos
Finally, if all else fails, you can go online and search for videos that will help you learn how to care for and ride your horse. There are videos that explain the differences between breeds, ones that break down illnesses, and even comprehensive series for beginners. You should be sure to double-check any information you hear in a video, but many creators do lots of research before posting a video.
There are tons of ways to learn how to care for your horse and ride it properly. Find the avenue you feel most comfortable with and start learning more about your horse today.