Key Considerations for Offering Horse Riding Experiences in Your Backyard
Offering horse riding experiences in your backyard can be a rewarding way to share your love of horses while also providing others with a unique outdoor adventure…and all while generating a little extra income on the side while you’re at it.
But in the process of doing so, you’ll want to make sure that you dedicate yourself to ensuring a riding experience for your renters that’s equally as safe as it is enjoyable.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when setting up horse riding experiences on your property.
Assessing Your Terrain
First and foremost, you’ll need to ensure there is enough space for safe and comfortable riding. As a general guideline, you’ll want at least half an acre of open space for basic riding activities, but the more space you have, the better the experience for both the horse and rider.
Ground Conditions
You must ensure that your riding area is free of hazards such as large rocks or holes. Soft, even grass or well-maintained dirt paths are ideal for casual riding.
If you’re catering primarily to beginners or families, flat, even ground is the safest option. This is because it allows the rider to focus on basic riding skills without worrying about balance or controlling the horse on uneven terrain.
If you’re catering to more advanced riders, you can incorporate gentle slopes into your course to add variety and challenge. However, steep inclines should generally be avoided unless you have highly experienced riders. If there are steep inclines on your property, you’ll want to block them off with fencing. Speaking of which…
Fencing and Boundaries
Secure and well-maintained fencing is super important for the safety of both horses and riders. As a golden rule, you’ll want to make sure that the entire riding area is enclosed to prevent horses from wandering off.
Choose horse-friendly fencing such as post-and-rail, which is sturdy and visible to the horses so it can prevent them from trying to jump or push through. Electric fencing is also an option, but if you go this route it should be clearly marked and used with caution.
Riding Paths and Trail Options
If you have enough space, you should consider creating dedicated riding trails that wind through your property. These trails don’t need to be overly complex but should be clearly marked and wide enough to accommodate both horses and riders.
Trails can add a sense of adventure and variety to your backyard riding experience, especially if they pass through different landscapes like wooded areas, open fields, or around water features.
Choose the Right Horses
The worst mistake you can make when offering horse riding on your property is to offer rides on just any horse.
You’ll want to choose horses who have calm, gentle, and patient temperaments. Horses that are considered “bombproof” (a term in the horse world referring to horses that remain calm and unfazed in various situations) are ideal for beginner riders. These horses are typically older, experienced, and are less likely to be startled by sudden noises or movements.
Ideally, the horses you go with will already have experience in trail riding or lesson programs, so they should be comfortable with having different people ride them, including beginner riders who may be a bit unconfident in the saddle.
Breeds
It’s also important to match the horse’s size with the rider’s size and weight. For children and smaller riders, go with ponies or small horse breeds like Welsh ponies or Shetland ponies.
For adults, you can go with larger horses such as Quarter Horses or Cobs. These breeds offer the strength and sturdiness that are required to comfortably carry an adult, and both are known for being very calm in their temperament as well.
Age
As a general rule, horses that are too young or too old may not be suitable for regular rides. Coose horses that are in their prime riding years, which as a general rule is between 7 and 18 years old.
Safety Measures
It should always be your number one priority when offering horse riding experiences on your property.
Safety Gear
Every rider, regardless of experience level, should wear proper safety gear before mounting a horse. Don’t bet on visitors to bring their own safety gear either.
The most important item is a riding helmet that meets certified safety standards. Ensure helmets are properly fitted to each rider, sitting snugly on the head without wobbling. For younger riders, helmets should always have chin straps that are fastened securely.
In addition to helmets, make it a requirement that riders wear riding boots with a small heel. This heel helps keep feet from slipping through the stirrups, which reduces the risk of getting caught during a dismount.
Offer a Pre-Ride Briefing
Offer a short pre-ride briefing to explain the basics, such as mounting, dismounting, steering, and stopping the horse. If possible, you should have an experienced instructor or handler on-site to guide riders and address any issues. Alternatively, you may need to handle this process yourself. Keep in mind that beginners will likely need more hands-on guidance, so consider walking alongside the horse for the first few minutes or using a lead rope to help steer and control the horse. Speaking of that, you can also..
Offer Lead Rides
Lead rides are where a handler leads the horse with a rope while walking alongside or in front. This gives beginners the chance to build confidence while knowing they are under close supervision. Lead rides also allow riders to focus on getting comfortable with sitting and balancing on the horse without having to worry about full control.
Establishing Weight and Age Limits
Horses safely carry only a certain amount of weight, typically around 15-20% of their body weight. Match riders to horses suited to their size and experience level. Pair younger children with ponies or smaller horses that are easier to control, and assign sturdier breeds to heavier riders capable of supporting their weight (refer to the breed recommendations above).
Monitor Weather Conditions
The weather significantly impacts the safety of backyard horse riding. In hot weather, ensure riders and horses stay hydrated, and avoid riding during the hottest part of the day. Provide shaded areas and schedule water breaks to prevent overheating. Rainy or windy conditions increase danger due to slick ground or flying debris that may startle horses, so cancel or reschedule rides as necessary.
Conclusion
Offering horse riding experiences in your backyard can be a wonderful way to share the joy of riding with guests, but this entire process will require careful planning on your part, so keep the above tips in mind.
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