3 Habits To Improve Your Riding Skills

Becoming a skilled horseback rider requires a lot of dedication and practice. You can’t expect to excel at riding immediately, but implementing these three practices can improve your skills so you can become a better rider quickly.

Try Different Disciplines

You can become a skilled rider in a specific discipline and event, but if you can’t stay on your mount during other events, you still aren’t a good rider overall. You should try different events so you can improve your overall skills even if you have a specific interest in a certain discipline. For example, if you usually compete in barrel racing events, invest in horse jump accessories and spend some time jumping in the arena at your home barn to work on riding skills associated with that event.

Bond With Your Mount

The bond with your horse is an important aspect of being a good rider. You can strengthen this bond by spending time with your mount. Make sure to groom your horse every day and give him or her plenty of exercise. The more in tune you are with your horse’s habits, the more comfortable you will be in the saddle.

Work On Your Balance

One of the most important skills you can have as a rider is good balance. It’s never a bad idea to start improving your balance. Incorporate a few balance exercises into your workout routine and give yoga a try. If you want to work on your balance while you’re mounted, try riding bareback and using cavaletti to adjust your balance as you ride over them.

If you want to be a good rider, you should be prepared to spend a lot of time in the saddle. These three habits can help you improve upon your skills in the saddle so you can be a better rider.