Riding a horse, especially for the first time can be a really scary yet interesting experience. It's always exciting watching someone ride and the urge to have control over such a large animal is awesome. Learning to ride a horse like everything else requires some practical knowledge. Worthy to note is the fact that riding a horse is different from learning to ride a car because a horse isn't mechanical. Therefore riding a horse is going to require a deeper connection. If you are keen on becoming a professional horse rider, you will first become a rookie and here are some tips to help you get on to the rookie-level. Let's go on a horse ride!
Whenever the name Zanzibar is mentioned, lots of interesting things come to mind. This eccentric electrifying beach island, coconut trees swaying to the breeze from the Indian ocean consists of many lifelong experiences and locations that will redefine your view about life. The snorkeling, swimming, sailing in the traditional dhow on the turquoise blue Indian ocean or horse riding along the Zanzibari shores. There's definitely many exciting things to do in Zanzibar. Everything about Zanzibar is mind-blowing! Learning to ride a horse as a beginner especially, you need to understand certain moves that put you on your way to becoming a pro horse rider. There are guides positioned at the beach, to help tourists who are interested to train them. This means everyone can enjoy horseback riding on the island. To ensure a safe horse riding lessons, we must first know the basics and rules that guide the learning process.
As a beginner, you don't want to start your horse riding lessons looking unprofessional. It's important to get properly geared up before mounting your horse for the first time. Irrespective of your riding preference (Western or English riding), you don't want to be seen wearing skirts or shorts when riding a horse. The proper recommended outfit is fitted pant trousers, a good closed-toed pair of shoes to keep your feet from slipping through the stirrups. Also, a helmet is necessary especially as a first timer, just in case. Properly dressing up is a good way to begin your horse riding lesson and makes you look like a pro.
Unlike your vehicle you can just move at will whenever you desire, your relationship with your horse should be exceptional. You need to understand that your horse is a living creature and in the case where a new rider wants to mount it, he might be reluctant for obvious reasons. It could be that he is scared, tired or nervous about a new rider. As a newbie in horse riding, you need to establish a relationship with the horse prior to riding. Greeting your horse is important and to do this, you extend your arm, offering the back of your hand for the horse to smell and wait till he touches with his nose. This gesture is referred to as the 'horseman's handshake' and its a way of asking permission to mount.
If you are nervous when mounting the horse, he might sense it and become uneasy. Your guide will assist you on how to mount confidently by holding the horse's head while you mount on the horse. To mount, Lift your left foot into the stirrup then hold both reins with your left hand and propel yourself up with your right leg trying to mount as smoothly as possible. Also try not to push the horse down with your arms as this might hurt the horse. You may however, put a hand on the back gain balance while mounting.
The best position to take when you learning to ride is to sit up straight, relax your back, be gentle on the reins, set each foot on the stirrup and hold your balance. Slouching when riding might make the horse feel like he's carrying a heavier load and you don't want the horse to feel uncomfortable.
When horse riding, it's important to stay in tune with your horse to avoid been thrown off balance. Move with the rhythm of the horse and this doesn't mean you let the horse have his way. It just means you have an understanding of how the horse moves and so you gently guide it in the direction you desire.
Usually, as a beginner, you are tempted to look down on the horse while riding. This is wrong on all levels and just might be a recipe for disaster. Like when you driving a car, you would rather keep your eyes on the road than on the hood. When riding your horse, look ahead through your horse's ears and keep a straight posture.
Your horse riding technique might depend on which style you are learning, Western or English. When riding English style, you grab the reins in each hand while western style you grab both reins with one hand. Regardless of the style you adopt, relax and try not to pull hard or your horse might get hurt. Use the reins for direction. To move your horse to the left, move the reins in the left direction and if you going the right direction, do the same thing with the right reins. Stop by pulling back gently and pushing the heels down.
Riding a horse is a thrilling experience. Like in Hollywood movies, its fun to do some of the stunts we see on these movies. And even though we don't, we can do well to enjoy the practical knowledge of riding a horse like a pro. To go on a horse ride vacation, visit Zanzibar or any ranch of your choice.
Horses are ridden almost everywhere in the world and it’s a wonderful feeling as you gallop at full speed across open plains. That’s why horseback riding is such a popular activity in many safari and beach destinations in Africa. For instance, did you know that you could explore the magical island of Zanzibar on horseback? If you start to get tired of chilling by the beach or have already experienced the amazing tours that Zanzibar has to offer, you can explore the rest of the island on horseback, riding down the beach, checking out coconut plantations, and even swimming with the horses. Horseback riding is a truly wonderful experience, one that is sure to be a highlight of your trip so make sure you don't miss out on this adventure during your stay.
Get in touch with us if you're interested to experience horseback riding activities in Zanzibar!
Due to the recent Covid 19 worldwide pandemic, to keep our guests and indeed our staff safe, we have made some changes to Safari By Z that we would like to make you aware. We believe that with careful planning and consideration by our staff and guests we can continue to provide the best hospitality services on safari. For now, this may be our new norm.
New routines:
All our staff have received full training in health and safety-related to the COVID-19 virus and are required to be extra vigilant with their personal hygiene and daily routines.
Health condition of driver-guides will be monitored for not less than a week before being assigned to take clients on safari.
City transfer and safari vehicles will be regularly disinfected before picking up clients, especially the high-touch surfaces and seats.
Our meet and greet teams at airports will still be there to accompany guests into transfer vehicles. While our vehicles are already cleaned between transfers, they will now also be disinfected between each use.
To keep social distancing, safari vehicles with 4-window seats will be redesigned to take only 2 people in the passenger cabin. Safari vehicles with 6-window seats will still be available for families/group of friends wishing to travel together in one vehicle.
The driver-guide will be at hand to oversee guests observe the recommended physical distancing at park entry gates, picnic sites, and while checking in at accommodation facilities.
Each guest will receive their own adventure kit, which includes a Wildlife Guides' Journal, mini fan and hand sanitizers, as well as a pair of binoculars – all in cleaned before each new set of guests
The driver-guide will take necessary personal protection precautions at all times. Guests are encouraged to come with their own masks;
Please be assured that all our selection of partner properties we work with have their strict COVID-19 hygiene practises in place.
Tanzania wasn't Really affected by Covid 19 to the same extent as most other countries, especially those in Europe and South America.
However, we will keep the above measures in place for your peace of mind. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to welcoming you to the Tanzania for your African safari holiday of a lifetime.