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Riding a horse is not as simple as it looks. Much care of the horse is involved. Before riding, always brush the horse; brush it the same way the hair is growing. It can be helpful to pet the horse while you brush, so you will know which way the hair is growing. Horses don't like to be brushed the wrong way, much like a cat. If you see the horse's ears facing forward, it means he's doing ok and is fairly happy, but when the ears go back, the horse is displeased about something.

When leading a horse to the riding spot, always lead it on your right so that you'll be on the horse's left. Some horses are trained to accept either side, but most horses have only be trained for the left side, so make a habit of staying on the left. Always make sure that as you walk, when you turn, walk so that the horse will not step on your foot.

When it is time to mount the horse, make sure you have a good grasp on the reins. If the horse spooks while you are mounting, you want to be in control; if not, the horse could move in a way that you might be seriously injured or killed. While holding on to the reins, put your left foot in the left stirrup and swing your right leg over to the other side of the horse. Always make sure that your feet are not inserted too far into the stirrups. If you were to fall off the horse, you could be dragged and seriously injured.

Once you are sitting on the horse, check to see that each side of your reins are even and make sure they are not twisted. Hold your hand between the reins and don't let them hang too long; you want to be able to handle your horse in an emergency. Make sure your feet are in the stirrups and your heels are facing down.

To make your horse move forward into a walk, squeeze with your heels. If the horse does not move, don't be afraid to squeeze harder. To stop the horse, lean back a little, relax and take deep breaths. The horse will respond to this body language and stop or slow down. If the horse doesn't stop within three seconds, gently say "woah." If the horse still does not stop, pull on the reins, as hard as necessary. If this takes much effort, discipline the horse by pulling on the reins and making it take a step or two backward.

To make your horse trot, start it the same way as walking, only squeeze harder. If it only walks when you do this, squeeze again. Keep repeating this routine until the horse begins to trot. If you feel the horse is moving faster than you'd like, relax your body and lean back until it slows down to the desired speed. Pull gently on the reins, if necessary.

Cantering a horse is very enjoyable. It is a smooth ride, but faster than a trot. To make your horse canter, simply make a kissing sound or keep squeezing your heels until it switches to a smooth canter. If you feel the horse is not cantering, but rather, doing a very fast trot, simply stop or slow down and then start again.

To dismount the horse, bring it to a complete stop. Make sure that the whole time you are dismounting, you are holding on to the reins. Swing your right foot over the saddle and slide off. Make sure that when you are sliding off, you are not facing the saddle. Your body should be facing the same way as the horse.

After you lead the horse back to his stall, take off the saddle and bridle, and put them where they belong. Now your horse has earned a rest and a snack!