Horseback riding is a fantastic
hobby, but if you want to, it can turn into a very fulfilling sport as
well. Many people start out horseback riding as just a hobby, riding
with friends on the trails or taking riding lessons at a local barn.
First time riding lessons all have the same basics, no matter whether
you start Western or English. You may not even know what the other seat
is at first, if you’re starting out without official lessons. As you
grow and learn though, you start to realize just what a good horse and
rider team are capable of.
You may happen to catch the rare horse show on TV when the Olympics
are on, or attend a local rodeo and see the speed classes. If you’re
with an instructor, they may take you to a schooling show with other
students. However you are exposed to these different forms of horseback riding, chances are you are going to be hooked and want to move past your current level.
There are several ways to do that. One of the easiest is if you are
already with an instructor. There’s a good chance they have competed in
the professional horse world at some point in their life if they are
getting paid for riding instruction. They can give you ideas on what
types of competitions are out there and help you find resources for your
interests. An instructor can also help you advance, and good
instructors will admit when they can no longer help you and usually will
assist you in finding a higher-level instructor so you can keep moving
forward or in a different direction.
If you aren’t already with an instructor, this is a good time to
start looking. If you want to move higher in your level, you can
benefit tremendously from having guidance. Look into what local
trainers are in your area. If you can’t find any in the phone book,
equestrian publications or on the internet, ask around at your local
feed and tack store or vet’s office. Local show circuits tend to post
their show bills at the stores as well. Go to a show and look around.
If you see several horses at one trailer, all with different riders,
chances are good it will be an instructor with their students.
If you would rather research your choice of discipline first, the
internet is a great place to start. Almost all equestrian sports have
some kind of organization, and very likely, there is a regional chapter
all online. Some examples are the United Stages Dressage Federation
(USDF), National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), United States
Hunter/Jumper Association (USHJA) and the Pony Club, which is
international. If you want to go breed specific, every registered breed
has an organization. For example, there’s the American Quarter Horse
Association (AQHA), The Jockey Club (for Thoroughbreds), Arabian Horse
Association (AHA) and the American Saddlebred Horse Association. These
organizations’ websites are always a wealth of information. They often
list local breeders in the area and many organizations also list
instructors and local show barns. Don’t be afraid to reach out via the
contact information. Most horseback riders have no problem with either
providing information for you or pointing you in the right directions.
If you own your own horse, you want to consider their capabilities in
your decision as well. Does their conformation allow them to move in
the direction you want to go? Do they have any chronic health or
lameness issues that might halt their progress? Are they older and not
able to handle the sustained, more intense work that a show career
requires? The answer to any of these questions may require you needing
to think about another horse. If you want to give your current horse a
good retirement, are you financially able to afford two horses?
One possibility if you do not want to actually go out and buy a new
horse is to lease a horse. This could give you a good prospect for
whatever sport you choose without the permanent obligation. Buying or
leasing a horse is a whole other article, however, so I will not go into
the details here.
If you aren’t financially able to travel down this path yet, it never
hurts to do the research anyway. There are so many sources out there
today, the hardest part is finding the one that’s reliable. National
and regional organizations are typically a safe bet for reliable
information, as are actual published books. Try your local library
first to see what content they have and take advantage of the
inter-library loans to seek out more information. Breed and event
organizations will also typically send out packets of information if you
ask for it. If you do not have access to riding yet and want to try to
start, some instructors are willing to trade out work for lessons if
you cannot afford to pay. It never hurts to ask. If that particular
instructor is not willing to do that, they may know someone who is. If
you truly want to compete in the horse world, networking is crucial.
The horse world is smaller than many people realize, and there is a
wealth of information and contacts out there. Ask around and someone
will help out in some way, maybe by just loaning a book or offering to
give you an introduction lesson. Good luck in your journey!
