Visiting the grassland and riding a horse for the first time is truly a unique experience. With plump horses, lush grass, and beautiful scenery, whether you're a tourist coming to the grassland or someone coming to a farmhouse for leisure, the first activity that comes to mind when arriving at Bashang Grassland is horseback riding.
Horseback riding has three stages: the first stage is the person cooperating with the horse, the second stage is the person directing the horse, and the third stage is the interaction between horse and rider. If someone says they’ve been to the grassland many times and know how to ride, then you should see if they can achieve true horse-rider interaction. Because that interaction, aside from proper riding posture, is the basic requirement for knowing how to ride.
First of all, you need to know that horseback riding carries certain risks. If you enjoy horseback riding, you should first understand what kind of dangers it involves—in plain terms, figuring out your partner’s temperament. A horse is an animal with a life of its own, and it has its own moods, emotions, and temperament. If you, as someone who loves riding, ignore the personality of your partner, the consequences could be dire. In truth, horseback riding is a process where two independent beings gradually get familiar with and harmonize with each other through movement. Horse-rider unity is the highest realm of equestrianism.
The correct way to mount and dismount can help you avoid unexpected mishaps. When approaching a horse, speak to it softly, talk gently, or gently pat it. Many people get kicked when mounting because the horse can't tell what you are when you suddenly approach. So, it's essential that the horse owner is nearby when you’re riding. Also, never try to approach the horse from behind. Don’t try to pat its rear end.
Mounting:
Stand in front of the horse’s front legs, facing the saddle. Hold the reins tightly with your left hand and grip the front arch of the saddle. This series of actions is to prevent the horse from moving unexpectedly and to avoid being kicked by its hind legs. Lift your left foot and use your right hand to place the stirrup over your left foot. Then, hold the back arch of the saddle with your right hand and swing your leg up and over while using the force of your left foot to mount the horse.
Dismounting:
First, move your left foot out of the stirrup towards the front of your foot. Then, grip the reins tightly with your left hand, lift your right leg, and swing down off the horse. Your posture after dismounting should be the same as before mounting.
Holding the reins:
The correct way to hold the reins allows you to control the horse well and ensures safety. Hold one rein in each hand, keeping both hands at equal length, with the position adjusted according to your height and arm length. Keep your body mostly in a straight line, with your forearms acting as an extension of the reins. From all angles, your forearms and the reins should form a straight line. The reins should always remain taut.
Walking pace:
Beginners shouldn’t gallop as soon as they mount. At this point, you still don’t know your horse’s temperament or movement patterns. When you first mount, start with a “walk.” When a horse walks, its four hooves move forward in a four-beat rhythm. At this time, sit on the saddle and try to feel the rhythm of the horse’s movements to maintain your balance. At the same time, relax your neck, shoulders, and arms. For beginners riding horses at farmhouses on Bashang Grassland, Beijing Home Farmhouse generally recommends being led by a local horse owner during this stage.
Posting trot (bouncing up and down):
To avoid getting bounced around uncomfortably on the horse’s back, you’ll need to learn how to post. When a horse trots, diagonal pairs of hooves land simultaneously, moving in a two-beat rhythm. As the horse moves in a trot and its back bounces up and down, you should rise slightly out of the saddle in rhythm with the horse’s movement—rising as one diagonal pair of hooves leaves the ground and sitting as the other lands. When rising, push up using the strength of your thighs and calves, not just by pushing down on the stirrups. When sitting, relax your hips and lower yourself using the strength of your lower back, while keeping your calves pressed against the horse’s sides. Maintain a steady, unhurried rhythm, with the horse pushing firmly from its hind legs.
Sitting trot:
When the horse moves into a faster trot, which locals on Bashang Grassland often call “galloping,” in addition to posting, you can also choose to stay seated in the saddle. Let your body naturally rise and fall with the motion of the horse’s back, keeping your seat in contact with the saddle. The most important thing when sitting the trot is to keep your hips relaxed. Don’t let your bottom bounce off the saddle, or you’ll be in trouble.
Whether you’re posting or sitting the trot, remember: keep your upper body upright yet relaxed and soft, your shoulders relaxed and open, your arms relaxed but your fingers firmly gripping the reins. Your lower body should have strength—keep your legs as low as possible without lifting your heels. Most importantly, maintain balance and move naturally and easily with the horse. This process varies from person to person and takes different amounts of time to master.
Also, no matter how athletic you are, don’t ride for too long—stick to about two and a half hours. Because when you ride, your thigh muscles remain highly tense and constantly rub against the horse’s body. Riding for too long can lead to soreness or even cramping in your thighs, and may even cause skin abrasions.