In Pakistan and the other countries of the world, horseback riding has been a part of culture for a long time for different purposes i.e. for work, for travelling, etc. The Best thing about Horseback riding is that it offers the opportunity to learn riding for a lifetime. Horse riding is a healthy activity and loved by many people due to its predominantly recreational nature, basically this activity is for everybody whether you are riding a horse for fun or for the sake of exercise or whatever you like to.
In the beginning, I was not a good horse rider but with the passage of time I started liking this healthy activity. Anyone who do not have know how about horseback riding always thinks that this activity is not difficult but if they do horse riding and get involved in this activity then they surely say that casual riding is not difficult but riding well is quite difficult. The most important thing that matters a lot while you riding a horse that a rider must have a good contact with the horse and he have to develop a good partnership with the horse to face different kinds of challenges. Whenever a rider rides a horse the horse must know that rider is the boss so that he develops a trust and confidence on you and give you a respect. A rider must have infinity with the horse and a love and understanding with him. I also have a very good contact with my own horse name as “JACK”.
I like to spend time with him. I want him to be strong enough that is why I give him a training to face hurdles and to jump well and positively. I train him how to maintain discipline on the field and riding track for this reason I always have a teacher/instructor with me down there on ground to assist me or to give me advice. I have developed a great partnership with Jack that whenever I want him to go in whatever location or to take a steep turn or to jump high, he will do so this is just because I have a full control on him, he follow my commands that I give him. While riding my horse I always keep precautions in mind that what I am doing for Jack and my owns safety. I take my horse (Jack) to play Polo as well. I also go to different places for horse riding like Polo Club Lahore and Rangers Head Quarter Horse riding Club and rides different horses in order to improve my riding skills and to understand different mood swings and nature of different horses but I find JACK the best, sensible and a peaceful Horse. I treat all the Horses just like Jack and expect the same response that jack used to give me on my command but I hardly find this type of response.
I always keep the tips and warnings in my mind while riding a horse that my instructor gave me when I was learning horse riding.
Tips
- When you are riding horses, he surely can tell in which mood you are what you are expecting from him and if you are nervous, the horse will become nervous as well and if you are feeling well the horse will remain well.
- Sometimes Horse does not want anybody to run around them because this might spook the Horse and the result would be quite dangerous.
- While riding if you keep your trust on the horse, he will trust you too and will give positive response to your commands.
- Always ask questions to your instructor about what commands your horse responds to.
- Always look where you want to go or to take the horse while riding by keeping heels down.
Warning
- Always try to stand beside the horse and do not try to stand in front of the horse because there is a huge difference between the vision of the horse and a human being. A horse cannot see in front of them as their eyes are on the sides of their heads
- Always wear appropriate clothing while riding a horse to avoid any injury.
- Never stand or approach a horse from behind as he may not know that you are coming and he may get frightened and if you want to go behind or at the back of the horse keep your hand on the back of the horse.
- Always try to look forward and avoid looking down because you don’t want to go down along the horse.
- Avoid sitting near the horse.
By M Shaheryar Shahid ( Lahore School Of Economics)
Faces of Pakistan 