Horseback Riding 101: Basic Controls & Posture for Beginners
If you are getting ready for your first trail ride with us at Horses by Jose, welcome! You don't need years of experience to enjoy riding through the La Misión valley—our trail horses are gentle, reliable, and well-trained.
To help you feel totally confident in the saddle before you even arrive at the ranch, here is a quick beginner’s guide to basic riding posture, steering, stopping, and going!
1. Saddle Posture: How to Hold Your Body
Good posture keeps you balanced, comfortable, and easy on your horse’s back.
Sit Tall & Relax: Sit deep in the seat with a relaxed, straight spine—think "ears over shoulders over hips." Avoid slumping forward or leaning too far back.
Heels Down: Place the ball of your foot in the stirrup and gently drop your weight down into your heels. Keeping your heels down prevents your foot from slipping through the stirrup and keeps your lower leg stable.
Soft Hands: Hold the reins with a relaxed grip around belly-button height. Keep your elbows slightly bent so your hands can softly move with the motion of the horse's neck.
2. How to "Go" (Asking Your Horse to Walk)
Our horses know the trail well, but they still look to you for clear signals.
The Cue: Sit up tall, look forward where you want to go, and give a gentle squeeze with both calves against the horse's sides.
Voice Cue: You can also give a gentle, encouraging clicking sound with your tongue.
Release: As soon as the horse steps forward, relax your leg pressure. In horse riding, the reward for doing the right thing is the release of pressure!
3. How to "Stop" (Asking Your Horse to Halt)
Stopping is all about smooth, clear communication.
Sit Deep & Exhale: Deepen your seat in the saddle and breathe out. Horses are amazingly sensitive to weight shifts.
Gentle Reins: Gently pull back on both reins toward your belt buckle while softly saying "Whoa."
Release Immediately: The moment your horse comes to a complete stop, release the tension on the reins so they know they’ve done what you asked. Never yank or jerk the reins.
4. How to Steer (Directing Your Horse Left & Right)
Steering a horse is much like riding a bicycle—where your eyes and body go, the horse will follow!
Look Where You Want to Go: Always turn your head and eyes toward your destination first.
To Turn Left: Bring your left hand slightly back toward your left hip while opening the left rein outward. Gently press your right rein against the horse’s neck (neck-reining).
To Turn Right: Bring your right hand slightly back toward your right hip while opening the right rein outward, pressing the left rein against the neck.
Keep Hands Low: Keep your hands low and wide rather than pulling high up toward your chest.
Remember: You’re a Team!
Riding is a partnership. When you stay relaxed and calm, your horse feels that confidence and relaxes too. Before every ride, our guides go over these basic controls in person and make sure you feel completely comfortable before heading out on the trail!
Ready to practice your skills on the trail? Book your private ride or Taco Party today at horsesbyjose.com
