How to Teach Western Horseback Riding

Help your student achieve ultimate comfort with horses. For instance, spend time with your student around horses if he is unfamiliar with their feeding, cleaning and other care practices. A hands-on approach to horses is the best way to go when teaching someone to ride.

Explore the world of equipment with your student. All students should know how saddles work and how to shoe and stable a horse. They should be familiar with saddle parts and other related equipment.

Take it slow when teaching a student to ride. Start with discussing the three western horseback riding "seats" or positions with a student off the horse. Once he understands the seats in theory, begin to put them into practice.

Act as a spotter when your student begins to ride. To avoid injury, always be close by when your student mounts a horse. She might panic if she is frightened, or the horse might get spooked, do your presence is integral to maintaining the safety of everyone involved in a western horseback riding lesson.

Repeat exercises until they're perfected. Have your student go through the various positions and gaits associated with western horseback riding. It will undoubtedly take practice and many sore muscles for a student to master the facets of riding.

Begin to grant some independence. Once a student has mastered the art of riding with a teacher close by, begin to give the student an opportunity to work with the horse independently. The student should take some responsibility in cleaning and caring for the horse, as well as saddling, in return for this new opportunity to ride independently.