There are lots of ways to think of the answer to this but since we get asked this question a lot, here’s my take on it.
2 thoughts on “How long does it take to learn how to ride?”
Krista
I always enjoy watching your videos. They are both helpful and enlightening.
While I have never been on a horse more than three or four times to learn to ride, I did have one time at my Uncle’s barn where I learn all about how you can communicate without words.
My uncle had gotten a new yet older horse and I got to come with my uncle to visit the horse for the first time when I was 8 or 9 years old. I really wanted the horse to know I wasn’t going to hurt him and I wanted him to like me so I stood back a few feet for a few minutes trying to come up with the best way to approach him.
The horse obviously picked up on my hesitation and came right up to me sniffed my pockets and just stood there looking at me. I put my hand on his neck and the horse let me say hi. I asked if he wanted a treat and my uncle said the apples were around the corner in the barn. I turned around and went to get as many as I was allowed while little did I know the horse followed me. As I was opening the bin, I felt hot air on the back of my neck and heard the snort. I didn’t jump but grabbed a single apple, closed the bin quickly and slowly turned my palm up with his treat. He tickled my hand as he ate it, my uncle who had followed said that “one was enough” the horse then quickly turned around and walked back. I still to this day, can’t remember the horse’s name but I was blown away how he clearly knew what we were talking about.
I always enjoy watching your videos. They are both helpful and enlightening.
While I have never been on a horse more than three or four times to learn to ride, I did have one time at my Uncle’s barn where I learn all about how you can communicate without words.
My uncle had gotten a new yet older horse and I got to come with my uncle to visit the horse for the first time when I was 8 or 9 years old. I really wanted the horse to know I wasn’t going to hurt him and I wanted him to like me so I stood back a few feet for a few minutes trying to come up with the best way to approach him.
The horse obviously picked up on my hesitation and came right up to me sniffed my pockets and just stood there looking at me. I put my hand on his neck and the horse let me say hi. I asked if he wanted a treat and my uncle said the apples were around the corner in the barn. I turned around and went to get as many as I was allowed while little did I know the horse followed me. As I was opening the bin, I felt hot air on the back of my neck and heard the snort. I didn’t jump but grabbed a single apple, closed the bin quickly and slowly turned my palm up with his treat. He tickled my hand as he ate it, my uncle who had followed said that “one was enough” the horse then quickly turned around and walked back. I still to this day, can’t remember the horse’s name but I was blown away how he clearly knew what we were talking about.
Great story! Thanks for sharing it!