Western Trails Horseback Riding

 

Hold the saddle horn with your right hand, in case the horse makes a sudden movement, but don't ever hold the saddle horn with both hands.  (A lot of people grab the horn with both hands if the horse starts to trot, then they have no control of the reins, so can't pull back to slow it down--just remember, always keep your left hand free of the horn and holding the reins.

Hold the reins with your left hand, as if you're holding an ice cream cone.

Hold the reins very loosely almost all of the time...just tight enough so that there will be tension on the reins if you pull back.  Pull back gently to slow or stop the horse, then release when he slows or stops.  (If you keep the reins tight, it actually excites the horse--he thinks you're getting ready to do something exciting.)

Pull the reins right to go right, left to go left.  It's just like a joystick for a game.