CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

1. Put on a bridle when you are first learning. You can ride bareback or with a saddle. Make sure your horse/pony is tame and quiet!
2. Mount your horse or pony.
3. When you are first starting out, hold the reins as you normally would but keep them pretty loose. When you get more experienced you won't always have a bridle.
4. Horses will lean and turn away from leg pressure. Therefore, if you want to turn left, apply steady, gentle right-leg pressure. Don't kick or press too hard because they might go faster! To go right, apply your left leg. Try not to use too much pressure through the reins so you get used to it.
5. After you have practiced for a few months or so, try having a friend hold a lead rope attatched to your mount's halter (no bridle!) while you try to ride your horse in various patterns like figure 8's and circles.
6. After you know your horse will respond to your aids and you can deliver the aids, try riding without being lead and without a bridle. Keep a halter on your horse!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Horses are very sensitive to a rider's position, and well trained horses can respond to the slightest change in the rider's leg position, balance, etc. Sitting up tall and leaning back slightly and sinking deep down into the saddle is a signal for a horse to stop. Putting your legs in certain spots will ask the horse to turn a certain direction.