Western Trails Southern California Horseback Riding

The reason we offer only 90-minute rides is because 1 hour was too short a time to get out and get a good ride, and 2 hours was too long--people get too saddlesore after that.

To keep from getting too saddlesore:
Push down with your heels against the stirrups (you don't want to point your toes, increasing the chance of your foot going through the stirrup), lifting yourself slightly in the saddle against the back of the saddle. You should keep about half your weight on your seat and half on your feet. This way you form sort of a tripod, which also stabilizes you on the horse, in case it makes a sudden movement. It also stiffens your knees, which "splints" them so the ligaments aren't stretched.

If you do these things, it will really help decrease any soreness you get from using those unused muscles. If you're still a little sore after riding, Cowboy Up!, it was worth it!

Western Trails Horseback Riding

In Norco, California -- Horsetown, U.S.A.

How Not to Get Saddlesore