How to Stay Safe and Build Confidence After a Long Break
There’s something magical about Spring—the promise of sunshine, blooming trails, and that first long-awaited ride after a winter hiatus. As the weather warms, many of us are eager to get back in the saddle. But if your horse has had some time off, especially over the colder months, a quiet ride can quickly turn into an unexpected adventure.
Last Sunday, I took my senior gelding, Chip, out for our first ride in about six months. Between cold weather and a packed holiday schedule, neither of us had seen much saddle time. Knowing how fresh he might be, I made a smart call to ride with a friend whose horse is calm and steady—a decision I was especially thankful for later.
Safety was top of mind. First things first, I wore my helmet. I find myself taking more precautions the older (and hopefully wiser) I get. Chip has a tendency to spook, so I checked his tack thoroughly and stayed alert for anything that might set him off.
The ride started off well. Chip had plenty of energy, but we were moving along just fine, chatting and enjoying the day. Then, out of nowhere—BANG! Chip jumped sideways so fast it nearly unseated me. He’d spotted an unusually shaped tree that, in his mind, must’ve looked like a lurking predator. Thankfully, he stopped, and I managed to stay in the saddle. After catching my breath and gathering my wits, we continued on like nothing had happened.
Later, we approached a spot where I knew he’d spooked before—a fake deer next to a large white target. I watched his ears closely, avoided staring at the object, and kept him moving. I’ve learned that when I focus too much on a potential threat, he focuses on it even more. By redirecting his attention with movement, we passed the obstacle without issue.
The rest of the ride was uneventful—and that’s just how I like it. But the experience was a great reminder of the importance of preparation, awareness, and knowing your horse. Here are a few things I’ve learned that can help make those early season rides safer:
Top 11 Tips for Riding a Fresh Horse in Spring
- Stay alert and breathe. Calmness is contagious, and tension makes things worse.
- Sit centered in the saddle. Keep your heels down and stay balanced.
- Resist the urge to grab the reins. Loose reins help the horse relax—even if tight reins make you feel more secure.
- Ride with a quiet buddy. A calm companion horse can prevent a spook from turning into a bigger problem.
- Burn off excess energy first. Try lunging or riding in a round pen or arena before hitting the trail.
- Don’t skip the groundwork. If your horse is pushy or distracted on the ground, that’s a sign to wait before riding.
- Start with groundwork after a long break. Rebuild trust and focus before swinging into the saddle.
- Keep your horse’s feet busy. Lateral movement, turns, and exercises help keep their mind engaged and off spooky things.
- Choose a safe riding environment. Avoid roads and unpredictable terrain for that first ride back.
- Know your horse. A seasoned, familiar partner is a gift—but if you’re riding a new horse, give yourselves time to build trust.
- Avoid windy days. Especially in places like Colorado, strong gusts can make horses more reactive. A blowing plastic bag or paper can unseat even experienced riders.
The ride went well, all things considered. I was fortunate—and thankful—to stay in the saddle. This experience reminded me how valuable it is to ride horses that have been properly started and come from reputable sources. If you’re in the market, consider buying from a dealer who offers 60–90 days of saddle time and a satisfaction guarantee. It makes a difference.
And remember: even a well-trained horse can be spoiled without consistent handling. Lessons, clinics, or even just regular riding will help keep your horse respectful—and keep your reflexes sharp.
Enjoy the riding season, and most of all—stay safe out there!
Warmly,
Karen Pickering
Publisher, Horse Safety Tips,
NW Horse Source
Colorado Horse Source
