Mane Attraction
As fuel prices rocket and carbon footprints grow to yeti proportions, one Lancashire brewery in April made the dramatic move back to horse and cart for its local deliveries. Okay, so we’re never going to get back to the days of horses being the main mode of transport, but the benefits of this ancient pursuit are numerous.
Physically, it’s a great way to keep fit: an hour-long ride burns the same amount of calories as a 30-minute jog or cycle ride, not to mention the toning benefits (you will discover muscles you never knew you had). Perhaps more importantly, horse riding gets you outside, enjoying the countryside and is even thought, understandably, to have therapeutic qualities. The relationship between rider and horse is one that can engender respect, responsibility and trust, as well as mental alertness and teamwork.
Seven per cent of Brits (4.3 million) are riders and a whopping 43 per cent of us have an interest in some aspect of equestrianism according to the latest National Equestrian Survey. Horse riding is enjoyed by all ages – with the largest age group being those between 25 and 44, who account for 38 per cent of those who regularly ride, and on a wide range of budgets. It also one of the few sports more popular among women, with 75 per cent of regular riders being female.
Getting started
Caroline Robertson, 30, started riding when she was 10, and was immediately hooked.
‘In 20 years I’ve had the odd short break but I always come back. A friend told me riding is in my blood, and I’d have to agree!’ she says. ‘I started by going to a lesson with a friend – we went on a little hack. After my friend gave up, I carried on with lessons for two years. It’s definitely the best way to get started.’
The British Horse Society (BHS) and the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) set the standards for riding schools, and it is advisable to find somewhere approved by one or both of these organisations. Their websites (bhs.org.uk and abrs-info.org) contain a comprehensive geographical listing.
‘Lessons are really the only way to get into horse riding,’ says Margaret Linington-Payne of the BHS. ‘But do your research. Don’t go into the first riding school you see, and the cheapest may not be the best. Visit plenty and see which one you like the atmosphere at. And check it is licensed – there are unlicensed schools out there.’
Riding schools must be licensed by the local authority, which sets a minimum standard for horse welfare and ensures centres have insurance. The BHS and ABRS go a step further by establishing quality standards in teaching, horses and facilities.
Once you have found a riding school you like, there are a number of learning options available, including private, semi-private and group lessons, as well as different hacks to get you out of the yard.
‘Often you can learn more in a half-hour private lesson than you can in a one-hour group lesson,’ points out Margaret. ‘But the most important thing is that you get on with your instructor. It’s very important to be taught well and it minimises any risk.’
The cost of lessons varies across the country. You can expect to pay £40 upwards per hour in certain places in central London, but only £15 to £20 out in the country. ‘There’s probably a direct correlation to house prices,’ informs Margaret.
In terms of the gear you need, it’s not as daunting (or expensive) as you might think, as long as you’re clever. For your first few lessons just make sure you have comfortable trousers that aren’t too loose (not jeans), a top that isn’t going to flap, a stiff boot or solid shoe – a traditional school shoe will do for children – and gloves are useful, but not essential. However, one item that is essential is a hard hat to current British Safety Standard (must have a kite mark). To buy your own can cost anything from £20 to about £85 but if you can’t afford one initially, most riding centres will lend one or hire one out for a small fee. Finally, as you step up your riding it may be advisable to wear a body protector.
Kids might want to borrow gear to start off or use hand-me-downs from older friends or relatives. Tesco’s website carries a good range of suitable kit at excellent prices (look for equestrian equipment at direct.tesco.com). And Caroline says the internet is a useful second-hand marketplace: ‘Nowadays, it’s easy to get good second-hand gear from
e-Bay, and there’s a huge community swapping and selling riding stuff they’ve grown out of on internet forums.’ Horseandhound.co.uk has a comprehensive forum and a large Classifieds section.
Natural progression
Once you’ve learned as much as you can from lessons, the next logical step is to get your own horse, and the most economical way of doing this is on loan.
‘After about two years of lessons, on various different ponies, I wanted to take my riding to the next level,’ remembers Caroline. ‘I got a pony on loan from a livery yard and started riding her about three times a week. She was 12.2 hands high and for the next few years, as
I physically grew bigger,
I took various ponies on loan – all very different shapes and sizes!’
Again, it’s important to make sure the livery yard is BHS or ABRS approved; visit plenty and find one where you like the atmosphere. Teenagers often choose to work at the stables in their spare time and holidays in exchange for rides – to keep costs down.
‘A lot of riding stables will allow youngsters to help out, which makes it more accessible for those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it,’ Caroline points out. ‘It’s something I did in my teens, and it’s one of the best ways to improve, by riding as many different horses as possible. At that age I also joined the Pony Club, which I would recommend to everyone.’
The Pony Club (pcuk.org) is a voluntary organisation and is open to new members up to the age of 21, and existing members up to 25. There are 350 branches in the UK and, with more than 110,000 members worldwide, it’s the largest association of horse riders on the planet. The benefits of membership (£50 per year) include access to competitions; subsidised, high-quality instruction and, importantly, third party public liability insurance. It’s a great way to start competing at any level and also to meet like-minded equestrian enthusiasts. Most well-known riders have at some point honed their skills with the Pony Club.
British Riding Clubs (part of the BHS – see website) is a similar organisation, and for £25 a year offers the same sort of benefits to adults as the Pony Club does to younger riders, including competitions, subsidised tuition, insurance and a quarterly magazine.
Caroline was a Pony Club member and when she had a horse on loan she decided to start competing in events: ‘I started doing local shows, including gymkhanas and some horse agility stuff. I also did a bit of show jumping and a few showing classes while I had horses on loan.’
Another level
Of course, it is most horse riders’ dream to have their own one day and if you can afford it, it’s undoubtedly a great way to develop your skills as well as making a new friend. It can even be a profitable investment if you’re smart.
Unless you really do have pots of money, it makes sense to wait until you’ve stopped growing before you take the plunge. Caroline says: ‘When I was 18 I got some money after the death of a relative and bought my own horse.
It was about 16 hands, which was probably too big, so it’s important to take your time, listen to advice and make sure you choose the right one! I started doing more competitions, including one-day events, dressage and show jumping, which really improved my riding.
‘I had him on livery, which means he’s completely looked after. At the time [1995] it cost about £250 per month, but a lot of yards have put their prices up due to rising costs such as insurance premiums. When I went to university I put him out on loan, which meant I didn’t have to keep paying for his keep and he was regularly ridden.’
If you are looking to buy, go to your riding school or instructor and ask their advice: they should be able to point you in the right direction. Some even buy and sell horses themselves. Other useful resources include Horse & Hound (magazine and website), Horse Deals (magazine and horsedeals.co.uk), Horsequest.co.uk and Horsemart.co.uk. If you have the knowledge it’s also possible to get a good buy from a reputable dealer.
In 2006 Caroline bought a foal and, after two years of bringing her on (handling and training, including long-reining) she has just started riding her. ‘It was incredibly exciting. Bringing up a horse from a foal is really rewarding. You form an amazing bond.’
For the ultra-ambitious, the next stage may be competing at a higher level, but most riders are happy simply taking care of their horse, going on the odd riding holiday, or hacking through the great British countryside.
How to get going...
BEACH BREAKS
Pembrokeshire in south Wales is the only coastal national park in the British Isles, and Nolton Stables is ideally situated to make the most of the location: there are four beaches within a two-mile hack of the centre. It organises holidays that cater for any level of rider and there are a number of packages available, as well as custom options. The riding includes beach gallops (or walks!) and hacks through coastal fields and Nolton’s own private valley.
Price: From £208, 2 nights B&B,
3 half-day rides
Web: noltonstables.com
DISABLED RIDING
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) uses riding and carriage driving to improve the lives of those with disabilities. More than 25,000 adults and children benefit from interacting with horses in numerous different ways. Check out the 2008 RDA National Championship on July 12 and
13 at Hartpury College, near Gloucester, which showcases disabled riders in lots of different disciplines, including dressage, vaulting, countryside challenge, combined training and best-turned-out horse, pony and rider.
Price: Free
Web: rda.org.uk
MONSTER MOUNTS
Can there be a more dramatic location to ride a horse than on the shores of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands? Family-run Borlum Farm has 400 acres of land, a large indoor school, two outdoor schools and more than 30 horses. Adult trekking and trail-riding breaks can be arranged and the centre is also ideal for groups of children, offering 24-hour supervision and day-long activities. There are lessons, hacks, gymkhanas, treasure hunts and stable management, and to cap it all, why not paddle through Loch Ness itself (but watch out for monsters!).
Price: From £300 per week (adults), self-catering, accommodation only; camping also available
Web: borlum.co.uk; makingstrides.co.uk (children)
CROSS COUNTRY
Crossogue House sits on a picturesque 150-hectare farm and woodland in County Tipperary, Ireland. Experienced instructors offer tuition to all levels of rider in a variety of disciplines but their specialty is jumping and cross country, where well-trained horses give riders confidence to develop their jumping skills over a large selection of well-made obstacles. Introduction to Cross-Country and specialised One Day Event Clinics are scheduled at various times, as well as teenage programmes and school holiday camps.
Price: From £330, 2 nights, full board, 4 rides
Web: crossogue.com
CAMP IT UP
At Mitchelswood Farm’s residential Pony Club Camp in Newick, Mid- Sussex, kids are allocated a pony to suit their size and ability and become responsible for everything the animal needs, all day long. Campers get to learn about various aspects of riding, including show jumping, cross country and hacking on local bridleways. They also get instruction and stable management classes and can end the day with games, activities and a swim in the heated pool before retiring to their tent for the night.
Price: £145 (term-time weekend), £325 (week in school holidays); meals included.
Web: mitchelswoodfarm.com
TRAIN TIME
The Yorkshire Riding Centre near Harrogate offers week-long (and shorter) training courses for novice riders upwards to help develop their riding skills and broaden their knowledge. The standard course includes two group lessons each day, covering dressage and jumping, shared with riders of similar ability. Practical lectures on horse care, and stable management are also available. It’s possible to tailor your stay to include private lessons or if you want to concentrate on a specific discipline.
Price: From £400 per week, including horse (£199 with own horse); accommodation extra
Web: yrc.co.uk
DRESSAGE DAY
Get down to Bicton College in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, for expert tuition from qualified List
1 British dressage judge, Sue Petty. If taking your horse through its moves is your thing, invaluable hour-long lessons will take place all day on Wednesday July 23. It’s essential to book, and entries close on the Friday before the clinic. Places available on a first come, first served basis.
Price: £40 per hour, including school hire
Web: bicton.ac.uk
IN THE HUNT
Riding and trail-hunting in the spectacular Northumberland countryside is ‘an experience second to none’, according to Kimmerston Riding Centre in Wooler. Trail hunts start at the end of August, but the centre offers riding holidays for all ages throughout the year, which includes lessons as well as treks through the nearby Cheviot Hills and on Holy Island. In trail hunts the hounds follow an artificial scent trail – no foxes are chased.
Price: £300-400 per week for a self-catering cottage, sleeps 6; hunting – £150 horse hire per day.
Web: kimmerston.com
From the horse's mouth
Types
Colt: A male ‘entire’ horse under four years old
Entire: Male horse that has not been castrated
Filly: Female horse under four years old
Foal: Colt, filly or gelding up to one year of age
Gelding: Castrated male horse or pony
Mare: Female horse or pony four years old or over
Pony: Any type of horse measuring 14.2 hands high or
less when mature
Stallion: A male ‘entire’ horse aged four years or over
Movements, or gait
Walk: Four-beat movement; the slowest of the natural gaits
Trot: Steady two-beat movement of the horse; faster than walk, but slower than canter or gallop
Canter: Three-beat movement of the horse; faster than walk or trot, but slower than gallop
Gallop: Four-beat movement of the horse; the fastest gait
Other useful terms
Bit: Mouthpiece, held in place by the bridle, by which the rider conveys instructions to the horse
Breaking, or Breaking-In: Early education of the young horse, where it is taught the skills it will need for it’s future life
Bridleway: Trail/path on which the public has right of way on horseback or leading a horse
Farrier: Skilled craftsman who shoes horses
Hands: The unit measuring the height of a horse from the ground to its withers (the highest point of its back at the base of its neck). A hand is four inches
Livery stable: British term for an equestrian facility where horse owners may keep their horse for a weekly or monthly fee
Lunge: The act of training a horse by working it in the various paces on a circle using a long lunge rein. This rein is attached to a cavesson (headgear). Also, riders may have lessons on the lunge as they learn/improve the basics of position, without having to concern themselves with the control of the horse
Mucking or Mucking Out: Daily stable chore that involves the removal of wet and soiled bedding and general tidying of the stable
Spurs: Small metal devices worn on the rider’s boot to help urge a horse on
Tack: Refers to the equipment of a riding horse – things like the saddle, bridle. Short for ‘tackle’
Physically, it’s a great way to keep fit: an hour-long ride burns the same amount of calories as a 30-minute jog or cycle ride, not to mention the toning benefits (you will discover muscles you never knew you had). Perhaps more importantly, horse riding gets you outside, enjoying the countryside and is even thought, understandably, to have therapeutic qualities. The relationship between rider and horse is one that can engender respect, responsibility and trust, as well as mental alertness and teamwork.
Seven per cent of Brits (4.3 million) are riders and a whopping 43 per cent of us have an interest in some aspect of equestrianism according to the latest National Equestrian Survey. Horse riding is enjoyed by all ages – with the largest age group being those between 25 and 44, who account for 38 per cent of those who regularly ride, and on a wide range of budgets. It also one of the few sports more popular among women, with 75 per cent of regular riders being female.
Getting started
Caroline Robertson, 30, started riding when she was 10, and was immediately hooked.
‘In 20 years I’ve had the odd short break but I always come back. A friend told me riding is in my blood, and I’d have to agree!’ she says. ‘I started by going to a lesson with a friend – we went on a little hack. After my friend gave up, I carried on with lessons for two years. It’s definitely the best way to get started.’
The British Horse Society (BHS) and the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) set the standards for riding schools, and it is advisable to find somewhere approved by one or both of these organisations. Their websites (bhs.org.uk and abrs-info.org) contain a comprehensive geographical listing.
‘Lessons are really the only way to get into horse riding,’ says Margaret Linington-Payne of the BHS. ‘But do your research. Don’t go into the first riding school you see, and the cheapest may not be the best. Visit plenty and see which one you like the atmosphere at. And check it is licensed – there are unlicensed schools out there.’
Riding schools must be licensed by the local authority, which sets a minimum standard for horse welfare and ensures centres have insurance. The BHS and ABRS go a step further by establishing quality standards in teaching, horses and facilities.
Once you have found a riding school you like, there are a number of learning options available, including private, semi-private and group lessons, as well as different hacks to get you out of the yard.
‘Often you can learn more in a half-hour private lesson than you can in a one-hour group lesson,’ points out Margaret. ‘But the most important thing is that you get on with your instructor. It’s very important to be taught well and it minimises any risk.’
The cost of lessons varies across the country. You can expect to pay £40 upwards per hour in certain places in central London, but only £15 to £20 out in the country. ‘There’s probably a direct correlation to house prices,’ informs Margaret.
In terms of the gear you need, it’s not as daunting (or expensive) as you might think, as long as you’re clever. For your first few lessons just make sure you have comfortable trousers that aren’t too loose (not jeans), a top that isn’t going to flap, a stiff boot or solid shoe – a traditional school shoe will do for children – and gloves are useful, but not essential. However, one item that is essential is a hard hat to current British Safety Standard (must have a kite mark). To buy your own can cost anything from £20 to about £85 but if you can’t afford one initially, most riding centres will lend one or hire one out for a small fee. Finally, as you step up your riding it may be advisable to wear a body protector.
Kids might want to borrow gear to start off or use hand-me-downs from older friends or relatives. Tesco’s website carries a good range of suitable kit at excellent prices (look for equestrian equipment at direct.tesco.com). And Caroline says the internet is a useful second-hand marketplace: ‘Nowadays, it’s easy to get good second-hand gear from
e-Bay, and there’s a huge community swapping and selling riding stuff they’ve grown out of on internet forums.’ Horseandhound.co.uk has a comprehensive forum and a large Classifieds section.
Natural progression
Once you’ve learned as much as you can from lessons, the next logical step is to get your own horse, and the most economical way of doing this is on loan.
‘After about two years of lessons, on various different ponies, I wanted to take my riding to the next level,’ remembers Caroline. ‘I got a pony on loan from a livery yard and started riding her about three times a week. She was 12.2 hands high and for the next few years, as
I physically grew bigger,
I took various ponies on loan – all very different shapes and sizes!’
Again, it’s important to make sure the livery yard is BHS or ABRS approved; visit plenty and find one where you like the atmosphere. Teenagers often choose to work at the stables in their spare time and holidays in exchange for rides – to keep costs down.
‘A lot of riding stables will allow youngsters to help out, which makes it more accessible for those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it,’ Caroline points out. ‘It’s something I did in my teens, and it’s one of the best ways to improve, by riding as many different horses as possible. At that age I also joined the Pony Club, which I would recommend to everyone.’
The Pony Club (pcuk.org) is a voluntary organisation and is open to new members up to the age of 21, and existing members up to 25. There are 350 branches in the UK and, with more than 110,000 members worldwide, it’s the largest association of horse riders on the planet. The benefits of membership (£50 per year) include access to competitions; subsidised, high-quality instruction and, importantly, third party public liability insurance. It’s a great way to start competing at any level and also to meet like-minded equestrian enthusiasts. Most well-known riders have at some point honed their skills with the Pony Club.
British Riding Clubs (part of the BHS – see website) is a similar organisation, and for £25 a year offers the same sort of benefits to adults as the Pony Club does to younger riders, including competitions, subsidised tuition, insurance and a quarterly magazine.
Caroline was a Pony Club member and when she had a horse on loan she decided to start competing in events: ‘I started doing local shows, including gymkhanas and some horse agility stuff. I also did a bit of show jumping and a few showing classes while I had horses on loan.’
Another level
Of course, it is most horse riders’ dream to have their own one day and if you can afford it, it’s undoubtedly a great way to develop your skills as well as making a new friend. It can even be a profitable investment if you’re smart.
Unless you really do have pots of money, it makes sense to wait until you’ve stopped growing before you take the plunge. Caroline says: ‘When I was 18 I got some money after the death of a relative and bought my own horse.
It was about 16 hands, which was probably too big, so it’s important to take your time, listen to advice and make sure you choose the right one! I started doing more competitions, including one-day events, dressage and show jumping, which really improved my riding.
‘I had him on livery, which means he’s completely looked after. At the time [1995] it cost about £250 per month, but a lot of yards have put their prices up due to rising costs such as insurance premiums. When I went to university I put him out on loan, which meant I didn’t have to keep paying for his keep and he was regularly ridden.’
If you are looking to buy, go to your riding school or instructor and ask their advice: they should be able to point you in the right direction. Some even buy and sell horses themselves. Other useful resources include Horse & Hound (magazine and website), Horse Deals (magazine and horsedeals.co.uk), Horsequest.co.uk and Horsemart.co.uk. If you have the knowledge it’s also possible to get a good buy from a reputable dealer.
In 2006 Caroline bought a foal and, after two years of bringing her on (handling and training, including long-reining) she has just started riding her. ‘It was incredibly exciting. Bringing up a horse from a foal is really rewarding. You form an amazing bond.’
For the ultra-ambitious, the next stage may be competing at a higher level, but most riders are happy simply taking care of their horse, going on the odd riding holiday, or hacking through the great British countryside.
How to get going...
BEACH BREAKS
Pembrokeshire in south Wales is the only coastal national park in the British Isles, and Nolton Stables is ideally situated to make the most of the location: there are four beaches within a two-mile hack of the centre. It organises holidays that cater for any level of rider and there are a number of packages available, as well as custom options. The riding includes beach gallops (or walks!) and hacks through coastal fields and Nolton’s own private valley.
Price: From £208, 2 nights B&B,
3 half-day rides
Web: noltonstables.com
DISABLED RIDING
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) uses riding and carriage driving to improve the lives of those with disabilities. More than 25,000 adults and children benefit from interacting with horses in numerous different ways. Check out the 2008 RDA National Championship on July 12 and
13 at Hartpury College, near Gloucester, which showcases disabled riders in lots of different disciplines, including dressage, vaulting, countryside challenge, combined training and best-turned-out horse, pony and rider.
Price: Free
Web: rda.org.uk
MONSTER MOUNTS
Can there be a more dramatic location to ride a horse than on the shores of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands? Family-run Borlum Farm has 400 acres of land, a large indoor school, two outdoor schools and more than 30 horses. Adult trekking and trail-riding breaks can be arranged and the centre is also ideal for groups of children, offering 24-hour supervision and day-long activities. There are lessons, hacks, gymkhanas, treasure hunts and stable management, and to cap it all, why not paddle through Loch Ness itself (but watch out for monsters!).
Price: From £300 per week (adults), self-catering, accommodation only; camping also available
Web: borlum.co.uk; makingstrides.co.uk (children)
CROSS COUNTRY
Crossogue House sits on a picturesque 150-hectare farm and woodland in County Tipperary, Ireland. Experienced instructors offer tuition to all levels of rider in a variety of disciplines but their specialty is jumping and cross country, where well-trained horses give riders confidence to develop their jumping skills over a large selection of well-made obstacles. Introduction to Cross-Country and specialised One Day Event Clinics are scheduled at various times, as well as teenage programmes and school holiday camps.
Price: From £330, 2 nights, full board, 4 rides
Web: crossogue.com
CAMP IT UP
At Mitchelswood Farm’s residential Pony Club Camp in Newick, Mid- Sussex, kids are allocated a pony to suit their size and ability and become responsible for everything the animal needs, all day long. Campers get to learn about various aspects of riding, including show jumping, cross country and hacking on local bridleways. They also get instruction and stable management classes and can end the day with games, activities and a swim in the heated pool before retiring to their tent for the night.
Price: £145 (term-time weekend), £325 (week in school holidays); meals included.
Web: mitchelswoodfarm.com
TRAIN TIME
The Yorkshire Riding Centre near Harrogate offers week-long (and shorter) training courses for novice riders upwards to help develop their riding skills and broaden their knowledge. The standard course includes two group lessons each day, covering dressage and jumping, shared with riders of similar ability. Practical lectures on horse care, and stable management are also available. It’s possible to tailor your stay to include private lessons or if you want to concentrate on a specific discipline.
Price: From £400 per week, including horse (£199 with own horse); accommodation extra
Web: yrc.co.uk
DRESSAGE DAY
Get down to Bicton College in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, for expert tuition from qualified List
1 British dressage judge, Sue Petty. If taking your horse through its moves is your thing, invaluable hour-long lessons will take place all day on Wednesday July 23. It’s essential to book, and entries close on the Friday before the clinic. Places available on a first come, first served basis.
Price: £40 per hour, including school hire
Web: bicton.ac.uk
IN THE HUNT
Riding and trail-hunting in the spectacular Northumberland countryside is ‘an experience second to none’, according to Kimmerston Riding Centre in Wooler. Trail hunts start at the end of August, but the centre offers riding holidays for all ages throughout the year, which includes lessons as well as treks through the nearby Cheviot Hills and on Holy Island. In trail hunts the hounds follow an artificial scent trail – no foxes are chased.
Price: £300-400 per week for a self-catering cottage, sleeps 6; hunting – £150 horse hire per day.
Web: kimmerston.com
From the horse's mouth
Types
Colt: A male ‘entire’ horse under four years old
Entire: Male horse that has not been castrated
Filly: Female horse under four years old
Foal: Colt, filly or gelding up to one year of age
Gelding: Castrated male horse or pony
Mare: Female horse or pony four years old or over
Pony: Any type of horse measuring 14.2 hands high or
less when mature
Stallion: A male ‘entire’ horse aged four years or over
Movements, or gait
Walk: Four-beat movement; the slowest of the natural gaits
Trot: Steady two-beat movement of the horse; faster than walk, but slower than canter or gallop
Canter: Three-beat movement of the horse; faster than walk or trot, but slower than gallop
Gallop: Four-beat movement of the horse; the fastest gait
Other useful terms
Bit: Mouthpiece, held in place by the bridle, by which the rider conveys instructions to the horse
Breaking, or Breaking-In: Early education of the young horse, where it is taught the skills it will need for it’s future life
Bridleway: Trail/path on which the public has right of way on horseback or leading a horse
Farrier: Skilled craftsman who shoes horses
Hands: The unit measuring the height of a horse from the ground to its withers (the highest point of its back at the base of its neck). A hand is four inches
Livery stable: British term for an equestrian facility where horse owners may keep their horse for a weekly or monthly fee
Lunge: The act of training a horse by working it in the various paces on a circle using a long lunge rein. This rein is attached to a cavesson (headgear). Also, riders may have lessons on the lunge as they learn/improve the basics of position, without having to concern themselves with the control of the horse
Mucking or Mucking Out: Daily stable chore that involves the removal of wet and soiled bedding and general tidying of the stable
Spurs: Small metal devices worn on the rider’s boot to help urge a horse on
Tack: Refers to the equipment of a riding horse – things like the saddle, bridle. Short for ‘tackle’
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