You are about to embark on a world class adventure; better known as a major life experience. Here is some basic riding information which should allow you to get the most out of your riding trip. The first important ideas to note are that age is no bar to learning to ride and a positive attitude towards your situation and that of your horse will contribute to your pleasure. Many people, of all ages, have taken up riding and have readily acquired both confidence and skill. Trail riding, especially in the mountains, can be exciting and rewarding if done safely. Since that is the type of riding we will be doing that will be the focus of this discussion. One of the first things to learn is not to make any sudden movements while working around a horse. Above all relax. Horses are quick to sense your feelings. Nervousness or excitement on your part is instantly communicated to your mount. If you are serene and calm, your horse will be assured and steady. Before mounting slip a loop of the halter shank through the hole in the pommel, under the saddle horn, and place that loop over the saddle horn. The halter shank will stay there while you ride and be used to tether your mount during lunch.

The easiest method of mounting could be called the "face the rear" method. Here, the rider stands facing the tail by the horse's near or left shoulder, holding the reins in the left hand, with which one also holds the horse's neck above the withers. The rider then takes the stirrup in the right hand and twists it forward to receive the left foot. Then placing the right hand on the cantle or horn of the saddle, you then push up off with the right foot, while at the same time straightening your left leg. Then carry the right leg over and ease down into the saddle. Remember to get and keep your weight as close to the center of gravity of the horse as soon as possible as too much weight for too long on the left stirrup may cause a slight roll in the saddle. If so, step down gently on the right stirrup to straighten the saddle into the proper position on each side of the withers. The aforementioned action should be executed smoothly and gracefully and carried out as one continuous action. The next step is the final adjustment of the stirrups. The Western riding style calls for a longer stirrup leather. When standing in the stirrups there should be about three inches between the saddletree and your crotch. Gravity will help you dismount to do this adjustment. Check the cinch before you remount, you should be able to slip four fingers easily underneath it.

The seat is a very important notion in trail riding as this will add to or take away from your enjoyment and confidence. You should be sitting down in the saddle, with your thighs, knees and calves in close contact with the horse but not gripping violently. The ankle is bent with the heels down. The stirrup iron should be under the balls of the feet not jammed up against the heel of your boot. Your shoulders should be back, the body erect but not stiff. Try to settle into the saddle and relax. A stiff posture or gripping of the saddle horn will destroy your center of balance hence as the horse moves you must "give" with him not against him. Admittedly, the ground can look far away but soon you will begin to feel that you are settling down and relaxing in the saddle instead of jouncing around on top of it. Remember to keep in tune with your horse's center of gravity and lean forward going uphill and lean backward going downhill. This, along with keeping your heels down, is the key to comfortable uphill and downhill riding.

Horses are quick to sense whether the person on their back is a rider who wants to control the horse in the proper fashion or is only along as a passenger. So the next thing to learn is how to turn him in the direction you want him to go. In Western-style riding the reins are carried in the left hand, the right hand rests on the rider's thigh. Western horses are trained to neck-rein, changing direction in response to pressure applied to the side of the neck by one of the reins. Should you want to turn to the left move your left hand, with the reins in it, in that direction and the right rein will press against the right side of the horses neck, asking your mount to turn to the left. If your left leg gives some amount of pressure to the horses side this will help as well. If you had visions of vaulting into the saddle and thundering down the trails, please bear in mind that this is Trail Riding and we operate as a group, so we proceed at a relaxed steady pace as some of the participants may not have as great a confidence or get a "feel" for the seat and motions of the horse as others.

Here are a few common-sense tips on good riding manners that will make our ride safer and more pleasant for all involved.

• Don't cluck, say giddap or whoa to your horse while riding in company. Other horses may respond to your command.

• If your companions stop, stop your horse also.

• A fluttering piece of plastic may set some mounts to dancing and prancing, so if your horse should bolt for any reason, don't panic, sit tight he will not go far.

• Don't let your mount graze while riding, unless instructed to do so.

• Do not lag back and then trot up to the horse in front of you as this can bunch up the string and may cause very uptight or even rebellious behavior from either the horses or the trail master.

• Remember your horses name. They do respond to it.