Part 1: Horse Riding Camp

I have always thought that horse riding is a super cool sport, and this summer, I got to experience it myself for the first time. Actually, this was the first time I’ve ever been up close with a horse, and to say that experience was unforgettable is an understatement! The camp assigned us our horses before we arrived which made everything easier. The camp was a week long and I was really excited but also kind of nervous going into the camp. 

On the first day, I met my horse, Gus,  and spent some time bonding with him, which was really special. I learned how to approach him properly and figured out where he likes to be petted the most. Horses have monocular vision, so each eye sees a different picture, giving them a super wide view of their surroundings. However, this also means they have some blind spots, like right in front and behind them, so it's best to approach them from the side where they can easily spot you. 

I learned how to brush Gus using two different brushes, one made out of wood and the other made out of silicone: The purpose of using a wooden brush on the horse is to smooth and polish its coat. The brush's soft bristles help distribute natural oils across the horse’s fur, giving it a healthy shine, and removing any remaining dust or loose hair for a neat, clean look. The silicone brush is used to remove dirt, hair, insects, etc. Otherwise, dead skin and hair build up can cause discomfort and skin problems like nasty rubs, sores, or infections, which can take a long time to heal. 

Next up we did saddling up which was a bit of a challenge at first, but the instructors taught us the correct names for each part of the equipment and how to put it on, which made it easier. When getting ready to saddle up a horse, there are a few key pieces of equipment you need to know about.

•  First, there's the saddle—that's the seat you sit on while riding. To make sure the saddle is comfy for the horse, you use a saddle pad or blanket, which goes underneath to protect the horse's back. 

• Then, you secure the saddle in place with a cinch—this is the strap that goes under the horse's belly to keep everything snug and secure. 

• Next up are the stirrups, which are the footrests that hang from the saddle. They help you balance and stay steady while riding. 

• To actually control your horse, you'll need the bridle, which is the headgear that includes the bit and reins. The bit is a metal piece that goes in the horse's mouth and helps you guide the horse, while the reins are the straps connected to the bit that you hold onto to steer. Altogether, these essentials make sure you're ready to ride with everything in place and under control! 

Afterwards, we learned how to lead our horses. Leading the horses and being assertive was a new experience since I had to take full control of the situation, making sure they understood my instructions. My instructors told me to tug a little bit on the reins to make sure that Gus knew where to go. But at the same time, I was also scared that I was pulling too hard. Nevertheless, I pulled Gus forward and he started walking with me, which felt really rewarding. Next, I learned how to ride him at a simple walk. After putting all the equipment away, we learned about fly masks and their benefits. A fly mask is like a pair of sunglasses and a bug screen for horses. It covers their eyes, ears, and sometimes their nose to protect them from flies and other insects. The mask helps keep the bugs away, preventing irritation and protecting the horse's eyes from dust and bright sunlight. 

Learning about horses and the equestrian world gave me a better perspective of what it’s like to take care of horses and helped me understand a little bit more about these amazing animals. After a day of working with horses, I felt more relaxed and can’t wait for the next couple of days where we actually get to ride them!