Saddle up: riding tips for your first tour

Saddle up: riding tips for your first tour

Important riding tips for your first tour, collected from a challenging week in the mountains of Montenegro

Some may say that I am poorly qualified to write this article. Finally, in the few years since I first got on a horse, I've been kicked, kicked in the shin while riding, kicked in the back while I wasn't riding, and most recently, I've fallen off a horse and gotten caught with my foot stuck in the stirrup.

I would say that as a relative beginner I am actually in a good position to give riding tips for your first tour. I understand the threats, challenges and surprises of riding as a newbie and can help others deal with them (perhaps one reason why my Beginner's Guide to Passing the PADI Open Water Diver Course has been used by over 45,000 people).

With this in mind, here are my riding tips for your first tour.

1. Take at least two dozen lessons first

I took a dozen lessons before riding in the wilderness. Although this offered enough experience for day trips, it was not enough for longer trail rides in a backpack. I would advise taking double the number before considering a multi-day trip.

It's worth noting that group lessons are cheaper, but private lessons offer better value for money in the long term. With private lessons you receive one hour of individual attention; In a group, you might only get 10 minutes, meaning you would have to take six times as many lessons to get the same amount of one-on-one instruction.

Tell your instructor you want to book a multi-day ride and ask about the specific skills you need to ride in a pack.

2. Get fit

This is one of the most important riding tips for your first tour. It's easy to assume that the horse is doing all the work, but riding requires balance, strong legs, and a stable core.

Trust me: my legs and thighs have never been in better shape than after my trip to Montenegro. Start working on your fitness at least a month before your trip. Work on your calves, thighs, and core to build some level of endurance. You'll be grateful for those long days in the saddle.

3. Don't reach beyond your station

Riding tour operators specify a skill level for each of their tours. Be realistic about your abilities and fitness level. If you've only taken a handful of lessons, don't go for an "intermediate" ride. If you are just mastering the rising trot, do not choose a tour that requires canter.

If you book a tour well above your skill level, you will overtake more experienced riders as they will have to get down to your level. Most operators will make an effort to classify their tours accurately, but a good rule of thumb is to assume the ride is slightly more difficult than advertised. This ensures you book something within your comfort zone.

4. Familiarize yourself with the equipment

Familiarize yourself with the equipment (or “tack”) used to prepare and care for your horse. I only saddled a horse twice during my lessons and forgot all about it in the years that followed. I didn't think this would be a problem as the tour details said the horses would be prepared for us.

alt=“Riding Tips: Familiarize yourself with the equipment”>Atlas & BootsFamiliarize yourself with the equipment

While this was true, we were still expected to understand how the equipment worked together and make basic adjustments such as: In retrospect, I was significantly underprepared for my first riding tour. Don't put yourself in the same position!

5. Dress the piece

When I first met my fellow passengers, I noticed that they were all dressed casually in jeans and sweatshirts. I wondered if I had overdone it with my backpack full of polo shirts and riding pants.

Fast forward to the first day of riding and I found myself surrounded by immaculately dressed riders – breeches, gloves and gaiters galore.

alt="Buy clothes and shoes for riding">Atlas & BootsBuy shoes specifically designed for riding

There's a practical reason to don the thing: riding breeches and chaps keep your legs from chafing, tight-fitting polo shirts keep gear from getting tangled, riding gloves protect your hands, and quality riding boots keep your feet from slipping out of the stirrups (I love my Ariate). Do not use casual clothing instead of riding clothes (e.g. leggings instead of breeches) as this will result in an uncomfortable ride.

6. Take layers

If you're going on a multi-day riding trip, it's important to bring layers. Weather can change and differences in elevation or landscape can dramatically affect temperature and conditions.

This can go both ways. On the fourth day of my ride in Montenegro, I was feeling dangerously overheated, but I hadn't packed a vest in my saddlebag or worn one under my long-sleeved top.

Conversely, on day five, after days of perfect weather, I was tempted to free up some space in my saddlebag by removing my waterproof jacket. We had an hour-long downpour that afternoon and I can't tell you how grateful I was for this jacket.

7. Always wear a helmet

This is the most important of our riding tips for your first tour. Wear a helmet. Wear a helmet. Always wear a helmet. Choose one that fits snugly and always fasten your chin strap.

alt="Riding Tips: Always Wear a Helmet">Atlas & BootsAlways wear a helmet

You may find that some experienced riders forego a helmet or wear a cowboy hat instead, but this is a completely unnecessary risk. Honestly, after my last fall, I shudder to think that I was riding in Ecuador without a helmet - on an unruly horse at that!

8. Consider a fanny pack

I know, belt bags are ugly, I know - but reaching into your saddle bag for your camera while out and about is neither easy nor safe for the newbie.

If belt bags are a no-go, opt for a softshell or riding top with zippered pockets from which you can easily grab your camera or phone. I bought a harness for my smartphone and looped it around my neck from time to time, but it wasn't practical when trotting or galloping as it started swinging around. A comfortable and safe storage place is much more practical.

9. Ask which horse would be a good fit for you

Your guide will make every effort to match you with a horse that matches your ability. If you have a difficult horse (or not), ask your guide if there is another horse that works well with your horse. You can then endeavor to ride behind the friendly horse.

alt=“Riding Tips: Find out if there is a horse that is a good match for you”>Atlas & BootsFind out if there is a horse that is a good match for yours

Conversely, ask if there are any horses that could cause problems. Some guides use a color system to warn riders about a horse's temperament. For example, they can put a red ribbon on the tail of a horse that is kicking, a green ribbon for a beginner, and a yellow ribbon for a stallion. If you are unsure what certain colors mean, ask your tour guide.

10. If something makes you uncomfortable, speak up

If something makes you uncomfortable, tell your guide. During the first few days of my journey in Montenegro, my left leg kept hitting a rolled up leather strap. I finally asked if we could turn things around and felt much more comfortable afterward. If you have scrapes or bruises, ask if there is something you can do to change things.

Trust your guide on this matter. When I was asked to switch horses halfway through my ride, I hesitated because I knew my horse better by now. After some prodding, I agreed and was incredibly grateful for it; My second horse was a dream. Your guide knows what he's doing, so trust him!

11. Get advice

Your fellow riders can offer you a treasure trove of riding tips. Ask them to tell you if they see a break in etiquette or technique - and don't take it personally if they do!

alt=“Your fellow riders can give you lots of riding tips”>Atlas & BootsYour fellow riders can give you lots of riding tips

During my ride in Montenegro, my horse would complain about something whenever we stopped. I didn't think this was a problem, but I later read that any unscheduled stop creates an opportunity for problems, which is why it's important to keep your horse in one place. If I had learned this on the first day, I would have controlled my horse better. Inviting feedback will improve your technique and maintain safety.

However, keep in mind that different riders have different techniques, so check things with your guide.

12. Don't become complacent

After a few successful days of riding, you may become complacent: let the reins slip, put your feet too deep in the stirrups, hang in the saddle.

Check yourself regularly and don't do something that makes you uncomfortable just because others are doing it. One afternoon as we stopped to change into our rain gear, I thought about wrapping my reins around the pommel as I'd seen others do. A fellow rider noticed my hesitation and offered to hold my reins for me. Drivers are always accommodating, so ask for help if you are unsure.

13. Leave no trace

On a long horseback ride, you may have to answer the call of nature in the wild. Do not leave tissues or wet wipes behind. Carry a disposable bag to store these items until you can dispose of them later. Be aware of and practice the Seven Leave No Trace Principles.

14. Tip your tour guide

Tipping your guide is customary, but I'm afraid I can't be of much help in determining the amount. It's worth checking with your tour operator beforehand if you want to be sure!

15. Keep your sense of humor

You'll hurt, you'll bruise, you'll be bored. Long days in the saddle are challenging and you may get tired, but don't lose your sense of humor.

One of the most important riding tips I can offer is to go with the flow and remember that things can change depending on conditions. Your itinerary or route may change depending on the weather or you may have to miss a day due to an injury. Always trust your guide's advice and try to have fun!

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• alt=“Typische Szenen auf unserem Ausritt in Montenegro“>
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Riding tour: equipment list

• Reitmütze
• Reithandschuhe
• Reitoberteil x3
• Reithosen x3
• Reitstiefel (auch zum Gehen bestens geeignet – ich liebe die Ariat Telluride II H2O)
• Kap
• Warmes Vlies
• Wasserfeste Jacke
• Wasserdichte Hose
• Wasserflasche
• Insektenschutzmittel
• Sportliche Sonnenbrille
• Sonnencreme
• Reisehandtuch

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I went on the Mountain and Lake Ride in Montenegro with Unicorn Trails. The seven-night tour includes six days in the saddle and covers a total of 130km to 150km (four to seven hours of riding per day) – tough but highly recommended!

Main image: Pixabay

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