Comments on: Rider Insider: Bring in the Newbies

By: Nicole

Nicole — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 16:10:42 +0000

I think a lot of people who want to ride only see the cute fuzzy stuff like the Saddle Club and don’t realize how much work it really is. Also I think too many new riders are held back by the supposed danger of riding and don’t know that most people who get hurt do so because they’re doing something stupid.

By: Abrie

Abrie — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 17:54:59 +0000

I only started riding a year ago, but before that I didn’t think of the stereotypes but only of the horses. Once I did start riding I realized that when people asked me what I did for fun that riding horses was either too snobby a sport or too dirty. My love for horses overshadows others doubts and I have showed my friends and family that horses are wonderful to be around.

By: Brandy

Brandy — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 22:01:41 +0000

I introduce all my non-horsey friends to horses by simply letting them come to the barn with me, pet the horses, get them out and brush them, teach them little things about the horse and kinda let the person bond. Then they normally get curious and want to ride so we go out and right before I give them a little lesson and they catch on. They then begin to relize how relaxing and amazing it is to control and bond with an astounding creature thats capable of so much and they want to continue!

By: M S

M S — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 00:10:19 +0000

I think the very best way to introduce people to the world of horses is to ride! It’s a simple as that. Ride your horse into town. Bring your horse to events. Stop and say hello while riding. So many people have never seen or touched a horse. Just introducing them to the scent and presence of such an amazing animal is bound to foster interest.

By: Kennedi

Kennedi — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:05:09 +0000

I know a lot of people who will argue that riding isn’t a sport. I just have to tell them that, like any other sport, you shed blood, sweat, and tears; you start work in the early morning and you finish up when it’s dark; you spend your weekdays training and your weekends competing. But at the end of the day, we horse enthusiasts realize that our sport is the most amazing of all. We get to ride off into the sunset with our horse: our partner, our best friend, the one we’ve trained and the one who trained us. And in those moments, the sore joints, the early mornings, the late nights and the time and money spent all seem to drift out of our minds. In the end, everything is worth it.

By: Carrie

Carrie — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:58:48 +0000

I think the best way to get people involved in our sport is to show them what it’s all about! IHSA has been introducing college students to the horse world for many years, and has allowed students with financial hardship a way to show. I would love to see a program such as that in high schools around the country. This would not only let newcomers the opportunity to ride, but it would also open new doors for the sport.

By: Morgan

Morgan — Tue, 07 May 2013 06:29:55 +0000

I am always one to emphasize that riding is a sport! I tell all non-equestrians, “What I do is a sport, it just so happens to be that my ball is alive.” I love to invite non-horsey people to watch me ride, but I have them come when I’m grooming and tacking up so they can see the relationship I have with my horse, and how much personality he has. I encourage them to take lessons, or I even let them get up on my horse while I lead him around. By the time we’re done, they want more!

By: Rebekah Taylor

Rebekah Taylor — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:08:40 +0000

I have always been very positive whenever I am speaking to a non-horsey person about horses and riding. I tell them how much fun it is, etc. Then if they would like to try horses but are too afraid of them I start them out handling my miniature horses before we move onto riding. I think if we would share more of the highlights of horses instead of the difficulties or things that only horses people can understand, more people would be interested.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Sun, 05 May 2013 11:27:32 +0000

I think most non-horse people think horseback riding is something you have to start when you’re 2 years old in order to be successful. This is completely wrong, and I think is the main thing that keeps people from beginning to ride horses. Another thing is everyone thinks horseback riding is insanely expensive, which it can be, but doesn’t have to be necessarily. If only people could see riding like us equestrians see it, an amazing sport and lifestyle.

By: Laura

Laura — Fri, 03 May 2013 23:53:18 +0000

I’m not really that big on introducing random people to the amazing world of horses, but if I’m friends with them and I’m comfortable enough, I’ll take one of two approaches. If I know they like animals, then I’ll say “Horses are animals so I bet you’d really like to be around them.” Or if they only kind of like animals (like a lot of guys do), then I’d probably make a bet with them. They ride a horse, and I do something I’ve never done before or I’m just not good at (like basketball. I suck at basketball.)