Is there a more fun recreational activity than horse riding? It offers so many healthy benefits to us. It is a wonderful exercise routine. Horse riding helps you strengthen your control over body movements along with improving body posture and flexibility. It also provides numerous mental benefits such as relieving stress, fosters patience and respect for animals, and helps you manage negative emotions like anger and fear.

With all these great benefits, it is easy to see why it horse riding is so popular. It can positively transform you in ways you never thought possible. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, here a few tips for horse riding beginners:

To begin with, it is important you learn to ride under the supervision of a professional riding instructor. Trying to learn on your own can be dangerous. There are plenty of horse-riding schools around who would be happy to provide you with lessons.

Before you go out for a ride, make sure you have the proper attire. I recommend full length pants, horse riding boots, a comfortable shirt, and most importantly, a helmet. Some riders like to wear gloves in order to protect their hands. Never wear shorts when riding a horse. The friction from the horse and saddle on your legs can cause painful sores.

When you start to ride, walk towards the horse from its side. A horse's eyes are on the sides of its head. If you approach a horse from the front, you can startle it by suddenly appearing on its side. The horse may kick and hurt you.

When you are about to mount the horse, do so from a position a little higher than the ground like a stand or stool. Trying to mount the horse from the ground adds excess pressure on its back and it may not be very comfortable with that. I recommend practicing this until you and the horse are both comfortable with it.

Also try not to use the saddle for support when you are mounting. It can slide off. You are supposed to grab the saddle’s cantle in order to mount. It is advised to lift your leg over the horse's back and then sit. Try not accidentally to kick the horse while mounting, either.

When you are finally on the horse, keep your chin up and your shoulders square with the horse's back. Also, try to keep your heels down. This position prevents you from falling if the horse comes to an unexpected stop.