Learning to ride a horse is exciting. Also, a new adventure is always fun. Indeed, many people dream of riding. It is a wonderful skill to learn. So, are you visiting GallopGo Stables for the first time? Our stables are a wonderful place to start. We provide a safe and friendly space. Therefore, this guide will help you prepare. It will answer your questions. You will feel confident and ready.
Getting Ready: What to Wear and When to Arrive
Good preparation helps you enjoy your lesson. It also makes your first ride safe. You will feel much more comfortable. So, what should you wear? This is a very common question.
First, long pants are most important. They protect your legs from rubbing. Pants create a barrier from the saddle. For example, jeans or comfortable pants are perfect. Stretchy pants also work well. They let you move your legs easily.
However, please do not wear shorts or skirts. The saddle can rub your skin. This is called chafing. Consequently, this can be very uncomfortable. You want to focus on riding. Do not worry about your clothes.
Next, a t-shirt or long-sleeved top is great. You should choose something you can move in. Avoid very baggy clothes. Also, Nairobi’s weather can change quickly. The mornings can, in fact, be quite cool.
Therefore, you might want a light jacket. A sweatshirt is also a good idea. You can always remove it if you get warm. It is better to have an extra layer. Finally, footwear is also very important.
Shoes, Helmets, and Arriving on Time
You must wear closed-toe shoes. Sandals or flip-flops are not allowed. This rule keeps your toes safe. Horses are big animals. Also, shoes with a small heel are best.
A small heel stops your foot. This ensures it will not slip. It keeps your foot in the right place. This is an important safety feature. Therefore, boots are ideal if you have them. However, sneakers can work for a first lesson.
Next, safety is our top priority at GallopGo. Riding is fun when you feel secure. This is why helmets are required. It is a very important rule. This rule protects you.
We will provide a safety helmet for you. Our team will find the right size for you. It should feel snug and comfortable. Make sure it is not too tight. We check all our equipment carefully. We want you to be secure.
Then, please arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. This helps your lesson start smoothly. You will not feel rushed. Our stables are in Kitisuru Estate. This area is in Westlands, Nairobi.
You can enjoy the calm atmosphere. Listen to the sounds of the stables. You might hear a horse nicker. Kitisuru is a peaceful place. It is perfect for leaving stress behind. This is a small escape from the city.
Finally, arriving early also gives you time. You will need to check in at our office, get your safety helmet. You will also be able to use the facilities. This lets you relax before you ride. You can meet your instructor.
Meeting Your Horse
A calm partner is key. This helps you build confidence. A calm horse is a good teacher. Therefore, we pair new riders with gentle horses. Our horses are well-trained. They are also very patient.
These animals are used to new people. They know their job very well. Plus, they know how to care for beginners. They are perfect for beginners. Indeed, we choose your horse very carefully. We match the horse to the rider.
For example, you might meet ‘Jambo’. Or, you might meet ‘Safari’. These horses are calm. They are also steady. Both are famous for their good nature. They are favorites at the stable.
Then, a team member will introduce you. You will learn your horse’s name. This will help you feel at ease. You can pat your horse to say hello. Also, a gentle stroke on the neck is nice. They like to be greeted softly.
Learning the Basics
Your instructor will help you mount. This is called getting on the horse. We have a block to help you. This makes mounting much easier. You will step up onto the block. Then, you swing your leg over.
However, it might feel a little awkward. You are high off the ground. This is a new feeling. But, that is perfectly normal. Your instructor will support you. They will also hold the horse still.
Next, the lesson focuses on commands. These are the first steps. You will learn how to “go.” You will use a gentle leg squeeze. The horse feels this on its sides.
You will also learn to “stop.” You will pull softly on the reins. This is a signal to the horse’s mouth. You will use your seat and voice too. Your instructor will show you how. “Whoa” is the voice command for stop.
Learning to steer is next. Your instructor will show you how to steer. You use reins and legs to turn. You pull gently left to go left. A gentle pull right makes you go right. You use them to guide the horse.
Finally, you will practice in a safe area. Our riding arena is enclosed. This means it has a fence. Our instructor will be with you. This person will guide you every step. They will talk you through everything.
Ready for Your GallopGo Adventure
So, your first lesson is safe and fun. It is an introduction to riding. This is a new and exciting world. You will learn about horses and master basic commands. You will build a new partnership.
Moreover, riding is a wonderful new hobby. It is great exercise. Riding makes your body strong. It also helps you relax. This clears your mind. And this is just the beginning. There is so much more to learn.
Remember, everyone starts as a beginner. Even the best riders were beginners once. They also felt nervous. Our team is here to help you. We love helping new riders. Our team loves sharing our passion.
We want your first ride to be fantastic. Please ask any questions. No question is silly. We are here to support you. Our goal is for you to succeed. Therefore, we look forward to welcoming you to GallopGo.