Horse riding can be a rewarding hobby if the rider is ‘sensible’. As with any sport, it is impossible to eliminate the risk factors. But once you familiarise yourself with all the points related to equestrian safety, the chances of injuring yourself will be few. To start with, you need to take riding lessons from a trained instructor. Some riding schools in India provide the learner with horses and instructors who teach you safe-riding. Anybody above five can learn to ride and there is no age limit. All it requires is a certain level of physical fitness.

Riding lessons can be somewhat expensive, but are well worth it. Also, it is important to stick to calm horses until the necessary riding skills are acquired. Riding around with an equestrian helmet ? shaped liked a bowl ? may not give you a trendy look. But then, remember that avoiding a serious head injury is more important than how you look while riding. These equestrian helmets are very different from bicycle helmets. They are designed to prevent the impact of a fall on the back of the head, as opposed to bicycle helmets which are designed to prevent frontal injuries. Since head injuries are common in this sport, it is necessary to replace the helmet every five years.

Make it a habit to give the tack a thorough check every few weeks. Look for worn leather and rust and pay particular attention to fasteners. Also, recheck that the bit fits properly. The fit can vary as leather expands and contracts over time. Wear a boot with a good heel to keep your foot from slipping through the stirrups. Not being able to get your foot free during a mishap can result in a fatal injury.

It’s easy when you’re plodding along, chatting with your riding buddies on a beautiful day, to forget you’re supposed to be actively in control of your horse. This can be lethal as your reflex action will be delayed by critical seconds.

Stay alert and attentive at all times while riding. Your peripheral vision must be sharp. Pay heed to the riding surface, your distance vis-a-vis the other riders, and your horse’s responses to your cues ? just as you would while driving.

riding pastures

In Calcutta, contact Tollygunge Club on 120, Deshapran Sasmal Road, (Phone: 2473-4539/ 5954/ 4741/ 2316 or 2472-8754/ 8755) for details on riding classes. The charge is around Rs 600 a month for three classes a week. For beginners, there are ponies and the youngest rider is six years old. One of the veterans, A.K. Nevatia, is past 60 and he still enjoys riding.

In Bangalore, contact Embassy International Riding School, 149/2 & 223, Torhunse Village, Jal Hobli, Devanahalli Taluk (Phone: +91-80-2846 8296, +91-98450-54013, +91-98440-65015). This riding school has a ranch-like setting, with 240 acres of beautiful cross-country trails and outdoor excursion facilities. Former race horses are available for training sessions. This is the only riding school where one can also end up owning a retired race horse after learning to ride. Fees: Rs 4,900 per annum (individual); Rs 6,500 per annum (couple).