How Can I Improve My Riding Skills and Become A Confident Rider?

  QUESTION: I am interested in becoming more active with the Backcountry Horseman organization, but I am not a confident rider. Is there any advise you can give me on how I can better my riding skills and become a more confident rider?

  ANSWER: First off I would like to say thank you for showing interest in our organization, we need as many aspiring horseman as we can get.

  Being an inexperienced rider who lacks confidence, I would first look for a very experienced horse. Not a young horse that has potential, but an older horse that has had experience on the trail and in the backcountry. This horse will do as much for your confidence as anyone could. When riding in the backcountry away from all the comforts of home and the easy access to all the necessities of life, an experienced mountain/trail horse will save your life. The added bonus will be your time on the trail will be more enjoyable because you are not worrying about if and when your horse will spook or explode over the next “spooky” spot in the trail.

  Next I would advise you to seek a professional who can help with guiding you and your horse to having a stronger, more harmonious partnership. That’s right, a partnership. Just because you wrote a check for your horse, have a title to his name, and a brand on his hip, does not mean you own him heart, body and soul. Find a person who will help you to earn your horses trust and gain his respect. You will get further in your horsemanship journey by working with your horse rather than trying to have him work for you. Think of this relationship as a partnership not a dictatorship.

  Finally I would advise you to find good quality people to ride with. These people will respect your inexperience and will help you to feel confident and comfortable on the trail. By feeling more confident while riding, having a positive attitude, and a great support group, your horsemanship journey will be filled with many memorable times and happy trails. See you on the Horsemanship Trail!