I have seen so many movies or shows on TV where a person gets on a horse and slaps it's butt, or some other variation. Sometimes it goes well for them if they are experienced and know the horse well, but more likely they are a novice like me and and fall off the horse as the horse speeds forward.

So other than that, what advice would you give as what not to do?

Kicking the horse's sides. Just like slapping and just as annoying for the poor horse. I would hope that most people use a well trained horse that would actually put up with such things. I know the first horse I rode would have put up with me doing anything to him without moving a muscle. Having the ability to make mistakes allowed me to learn alot.

I see so many that think they have to hang on for dear life and pull the reins up so tight that the horse's head is jerked up. I think people should have to spend enough time with the animal on the ground to be comfortable before getting up to ride.

I'd say don't make any big hand movements or wear any really loose fitting clothing. Sometimes the horse can catch the movement out of the corner of her eye and get spooked.

Don't be really loud either. That can spook even the tamest horse. Talk in gentle regular voices, not yelling. Just like people, horses don't like to be yelled at.

[quote=purplefdu;3052]Kicking the horse's sides.

Purple, I don't understand. How do you make your horse get going/gallop? I have ridden many a lazy horse that needed a little kick in the sides to get moving.

I was always taught that kicking a horses sides was akin to tickling, since the skin is so thick it buffers most of the feeling. I mean not out and out gouging the side, and of course without spurs, but a gentle kick.

Many horses can understand voice commands, I think it just takes some patience and time to train them. I dont see the point in kicking a horse either, would you really want them to kick you in the gut? :)

I was always taught to give them a pat on the rear end before walking around behind the horse to let them know you are there. I'd hate to surprise one and get kicked clear into next week.

Voice commands would be a good idea but don't most horses realize when you sit atop them you plan on moving somewhere not just sitting the entire time? :)

Respect your horse, just as you would like to be respected.

There is no need to hurt or annoy the poor horse, so you need to know the right and wrong way to go about doing things.

Also, western films should by no means be used as an accurate representation of horses or how they should be treated.

This is a great thread for those of us just starting out with horses. I will be sure to remember all the great tips. I surely wouldn't want to end up kicked or bit.

Can a horse "smell fear" like a dog can? I have always wondered that, and if so what would end up happening? Would the horse just not let the rider near it?

What about nudging them with your knees? I don't know a whole lot yet about riding horses but I had heard somewhere that you can guide them that way.

I think that if you treat the horse with respect, they will be more keen to following your lead. I think that you should try to refrain from the kicking, but I've also heard that using your knee before your horse really understands voice commands can be helpful. I don't know if professionals really recommend that, but that's what I've seen with neighbors and what their vet was telling us.

I'd say don't make any big hand movements or wear any really loose fitting clothing. Sometimes the horse can catch the movement out of the corner of her eye and get spooked.

Loose fitting clothes (especially shirts) can be a bad idea when your first learning to ride for more than one reason. My sister was taking riding lessons and was dismounting. Her instructor told her to lean forward, swing her leg over the back of the horse and slide down to the ground. She did but her shirt got caught on the saddle horn and then her bra got caught on the saddle horn.:o My sister came off the horse okay but left half her clothing. My sister was a grown woman of 40 plus years and needless to say quite embarrassed.

PS. If she knew I was sharing this story on line right now, this would probably be my last post anywhere, ever, this side of the pearly gates.:D