​Balance is more than just a physical skill; it's the cornerstone of a successful and enjoyable horseback riding experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, mastering balance is essential for safety, communication, and harmony with your horse. In this article, we'll delve into the importance of balance while riding a horse and explore how it influences every aspect of the equestrian journey.

Why Balance Matters:
1. Safety: Maintaining balance while riding helps prevent falls and injuries. A balanced rider is better equipped to handle unexpected movements or changes in terrain, reducing the risk of accidents.

2. Communication: Balance is a form of communication between rider and horse. A balanced rider sends clearer signals to their horse through subtle shifts in weight and posture, facilitating better understanding and responsiveness.

The bond between humans and horses is truly special. Their strength, grace, and sensitivity make them wonderful companions and partners in various activities. However, owning or working with horses can also be overwhelming. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian, a novice rider, or someone who cares for horses daily, it's not uncommon to feel inundated by the responsibilities and challenges they bring.

Common Reasons for Feeling Overwhelmed

1. Time Commitment: Horses require a significant amount of time for feeding, grooming, training, and care. Balancing this with work, family, and other commitments can be challenging.
2. Financial Strain: The cost of owning a horse includes boarding, feed, veterinary care, farrier services, and equipment, which can add up quickly.
3. Physical Demands: Caring for horses involves a lot of physical work, from mucking out stalls to lifting heavy bales of hay.
4. Emotional Stress: Horses can be unpredictable, and dealing with their health issues, behavioral problems, or training setbacks can be emotionally taxing.
5. Lack of Knowledge: Especially for new horse owners or riders, the steep learning curve can be daunting.

​Are you someone who loves the idea of horseback riding but feels a pang of anxiety at the thought of actually getting on a horse? You're not alone. Many people, even those with experience, struggle with riding anxiety. However, fear should never hinder your passion for equestrian pursuits. With the right approach, you can conquer your horseback riding anxiety and enjoy the exhilarating experience of riding. Here are some tips to help you build confidence in the saddle:

Start Slow: If you're new to horseback riding or haven't ridden in a while, don't rush into it. Begin with simple activities like grooming, leading, and getting comfortable around horses. Building a foundation of trust and familiarity with these animals can ease your anxiety.

​In a forage-based diet, most of the calories come from the forage itself. Forage sources could include free-choice hay or pasture, hay pellets, or a combination. There are many benefits of forage-based diets for horses. It can improve their mental, physical, and overall well-being. Since horses are grazers, their digestive system works best with nearly constant intake of high-fiber forage instead of small, grain-based diets. Consider the benefits of a grain-free diet.
​
Reduced Risks of Digestive Issues: Grain-free diets eliminate the risk of digestive problems associated with grains such as corn, wheat, and barley. Horses' digestive systems are not well-suited to efficiently process large amounts of starch, which can lead to issues like colic, ulcers, and hindgut acidosis. By removing grains from their diet, you reduce the likelihood of these digestive issues.

​Putting horses in spooky or challenging situations will, in turn, make them more safe than horses never exposed to anything besides their day-to-day surroundings. The best way to make a bombproof horse is to desensitize them to everything possible. That includes objects, sounds, and even people. We are a lot more unpredictable than any inanimate object could be, so it is best to get horses used to all the crazy and weird things people do. There is a quote about quiet people not making quiet horses which is very accurate. In order to make a well-broke, safe, and fun horse it requires you to be a little crazy, but in a good way. Hauling to new places is also beneficial since it is leaving the comfort of home. The more you do, the more you’ll see a difference in your horse and their confidence will increase.