When trail riding, you’re expected to follow proper riding etiquette for uphill or downhill riding. As is the case with all aspects of horse riding, success is dependent upon good balance.

Even when freed from riders, a pony finds travelling downhill tricky. The problem is compounded when he has a rider astride. It is necessary that you ease his strain as much as you can. Your pony will signal his trouble in terribly obvious ways: he will tend to rush or to throw his head. He may even try some bucking. All of this indicates that he’s having a hard time with his balance.

Again as is the case with all aspects of pony riding, make sure your saddle is fitted completely correct. Shifting saddles cause discomfort, even agony; horses tend to go faster than necessary, even when they are on a slope, to get away from the discomfort. You need to also find out all about riding on slopes before you attempt to do so. Remember, it’s not just the pony, you also , as the rider, can make a major difference.

Here is the common mistake made by riders, particularly the beginners, while going downhill: they get their horses to zigzag down the slope. They have the mistaken impression this is more safe. In reality, though, this isn’t a good idea on slopes without trails or switchbacks. When you get a horse to go diagonally down a slope, your pony will be incapable of finding balance at his hindquarters. He is most balanced when his hindquarters are aligned with the rest of his body; otherwise he is likely to keel over. That would not be a nice thing, would it?

The great temptation is to fiddle around with your position in the saddle when riding down a slope, however it is dangerous to give in to this temptation. You must stay put as you are , balancing your body over your feet and with your weight bearing down on your heels. Continue looking up and forward, not downward.

Another tendency is for riders to lean back in the mistaken impression this’ll help the pony. It does not. The horse desires free hindquarters to move easily, and you will obstruct rather than help by leaning back. It is really better to lean slightly forward.

In general, it is recommended not to interfere in the slightest. Beginner riders feel safer gripping the reins hard when on the way down a slope, but ideally you should let your horse have tons of free rein so his head and neck can move freely. By tightening up on the reins, you are hampering him and putting him off balance, therefore endangering both his well being and yours.

As a beginner, you must practice going down some mild slopes before you progressively move onto the big bullies. Practice keeping your position and your balance, and letting the pony have his way. Try and make it second nature to relax on slopes.

Horses are Heather Tomspassion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of articles with other horse lovers read more