1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Honeymoons / Romantic Travel
Sports @ Resorts: HORSEBACK RIDING
Expert Advice for Beginners

HORSES EXPERT: JAYNE PEDIGO

What is it people love about your sport?
It's a great way to get out into country that often isn't accessible by other means, it gives you a feeling of freedom, and communicating with a living animal provides great satisfaction.

Level of difficulty for beginners (1=low > 10=high):
2. My parents, complete non-riders, were able to enjoy horseback riding in Colorado. But you do need balance and a certain amount of agility. Western is much easier than English for the beginner because the western saddle gives the rider so much more support.

Essential equipment a beginner must buy/can't rent:
Sturdy shoes or boots with a small heel are advised. There's a division between English/western style riders over the wearing of helmets. Most places that offer English riding have helmets that you can rent or borrow. Western places usually don't.

What should every first-timer know?
Horses are large animals with a mind of their own. Although beginners are always put on reliable sturdy animals, it should always be remembered that the unexpected can happen and the rider should be prepared for anything.

What separates the amateurs from the pros?
Dedication to their art -- lots of hours perfecting the communication between horse and rider. Some riders have a natural gift and pick it up quickly, some have to work at it. It's a sport that anyone can enjoy at their own level.

In your personal opinion, where's the best resort or destination to practice the activity?
The world offers many places to enjoy horseback riding, from steady treks through the hills of Wales or Scotland, to riding cross country in Africa or Australia, to trail riding or herding cattle in Montana. It's up to personal choice. For someone who wants to learn more skills in their riding, whether English or Western, there are literally thousands of riding stables to choose from, offering lessons for all levels of riders.

Where can a beginner find additional information?
Horses at About

Anything you'd like to add?
Choose the riding stable wisely, either get references, or view the place, the horses, the lessons, ahead of time. Go for it!

PAGE 1 | FISHING | GOLF | INLINE SKATING | SNOWBOARDING | TENNIS | WATERSKIING/WAKEBOARDING

Destination Information:

 Western States Directory

 Montana for Romantics

 Australia for Romantics

 Scotland for Romantics

It's a Trip:
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Name
Email

Image appears courtesy of Clips Ahoy.

Explore Honeymoons / Romantic Travel
About.com Special Features

Find travel inspiration and get the best tips and reviews for your next getaway. More >

The best times to visit East and Southern Africa. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Honeymoons / Romantic Travel

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.