Horseback riding has been popular for centuries for a variety of reasons. In the beginning, horses were primarily used for fighting. Each side could have a ready battle ready to fight with horses. As fighting evolved and it became more feasible for each side to have a ready fighting force, the need for a weapon of this sort diminished.
Later, horseback riding became a primary mode of travel. With the advent of wagons and carriages, it became more comfortable for individuals to travel long distances and have a great deal of ease while doing so. The beauty of horseback riding is that anyone can be on horseback and do whatever it takes to traverse long distances. It is a great way to explore the great outdoors.
Today, horseback riding is most often used as a way to travel or tour around places that can be difficult to reach by foot. Equestrians have been using their animals for running at a long pace for centuries. The practice of riding allows us to explore and enjoy the sights around us while staying safe.
There are still a number of people who are passionate about horseback riding and they do it regardless of the availability of facilities. These people are known as “Movers” and it is a way of life for these folks. The day when motor vehicles and truck became so popular seems to be long gone. Today, people who ride horses are still extremely passionate about this activity and it is still considered a reliable and safe way to explore places.
If you decide to try horseback riding, there are a few things that you should remember to bring along. You should wear proper shoes for comfort and traction. You also should wear safety glasses and special clothing for riding. Clothes for riding include knee warmers, jackets, vests, shirts, and hats. These can make the difference between riding hot in the saddle and freezing your feet or going splashing cold water! You should also bring a first aid kit and appropriate clothing for the level of riding you are going to do.
Warm clothing is critical to riding safety. Warmer clothes tend to become chilled as soon as the sun pops over head. You should wear layers as opposed to one bulky piece of clothing. You can never have too much clothing if you are going to be involved in any water related activities such as white water rafting, so bring extra. You should also bring a first aid kit to help with any accidents that may happen. You most likely won’t remember a phone call made from a four wheel drive, so don’t expect to be taken care of immediately after you fall off the horse.
Obviously the most important thing to remember when riding is to wear a helmet. This is a simple recommendation but one that should always be followed. There are many accidents caused by riders who don’t wear a helmet. In addition, when you are going down a hill and coming up the sights of the saddle, having a helmet on makes sense.
However, there are other bits of riding gear that can make the difference. For example, the right shoes for a fast ride can make all the difference. If you are going down a hill and the trail is smooth, you may want to wear bike shoes instead of high tops. These will not slip in the water and offer a great deal of stability. However, if the trail is rocky, you may want to wear trail runners. These are comfortable shoes for fast rolling sections and offer a great deal of grip. Trail runners are also great when you have to bend the knees. However, don’t wear ankle socks when you are going down a hill, you may trip over them.
The choice of clothing is also important. If you are cold when you stop riding, don’t wear winter clothes, they will keep you warmer but will not prevent the snow fromuo. Wear layers as opposed to one thick layer. You should always ask yourself if the weather will be hot or cold, what activities you plan on doing and how you plan on wearing your clothes. Then based off of that information, you can decide what type of clothing you should bring. If you are cold and humid you will want to bring a jacket and trousers. If it is hot and humid bring a light shirt and shorts. You should always follow the layering system. You should start off with a base layer then a layer of air (or better still a rain gait) and then a breathable outer layer. If you are going to be involved in any strenuous activity then a good backpack and water is essential.
You should always carry a first aid kit, it is preferable to have a separate one inside your backpack and a separate one outside. Your sleeping bag should be warm enough that you don’t need to put it in, check the ratings before you buy. It should be easy to open and close.
