When beginning, a horse will be chosen for you based on its dimensions. There are two common styles of riding. The Western style, which is most popular in America, is what you have probably observed in films and rodeos. The English style is stricter and more formal. This style is observed for most equestrian sports. Seating posture and leg positioning between the two are different. Western style, being more casual, is easier to learn.

The ultimate success in riding is to become one with the horse on both a physical and mental level. Horses can sense your feelings and comfort level. Before riding, you should first learn to understand and handle a horse. This is accomplished by spending time with the horse. Approach a horse slowly and with care. Always touch gently. Watch out for signs of agitation. If its ears go back and you see the whites of its eyes, this is a sign that it may soon bite or kick. A horse is a herd animal by nature, and a rider becomes its leader. Once mutual understanding and respect is established, a horse will trust your guidance implicitly.

Appropriate apparel is important when learning to ride. A helmet is essential for preventing head injuries. Your instructors may provide one for you. Comfortable, strong boots are another must-have. Riding gloves are recommended; these prevent your hands from becoming blistered by the reins. Jeans with studs should not be worn as the studs can damage the saddle. An effective insect repellent is highly recommended.

While learning the basics of riding, it may be helpful to mentally compare the horse to a car. Think of the rear of the horse as your engine, the front legs and shoulders as your steering, and the mouth as your brakes. When using a bit, remember that the horse has a soft mouth and you must not be heavy-handed. Falling is a concern for many beginners, and it is a valid one. Unfortunately, just like when you learn to walk or ride a bike, falling is inevitable. Your instructor will give safety advice.

Above all, respect the horse as a living, sentient being. Even though it is much stronger and larger than you, it has agreed to let you lead it and has given you its complete trust. This should always be considered an

Let's say that you have found a match and the two of you have been communicating for a while. With your mutual love of horses, there is always something there to break the ice during awkward moments when you have both run out of things to say. When it comes time to make the first date, who should initiate it? This is a different age we live in, so you can't just assume it will always be the man. With the safety of relative anonymity on your side, either of you can choose to put the idea out there.

Should you go horseback riding for your first date? That would only make sense, considering that both of you enjoy it so much. However, being that it is your first time meeting this person, you need to be extra careful. If you own your own horse or a family member or friend has a private stable, that may not be the best place to go on your first date. It should be somewhere more public, where there are plenty of other people around and at least one person knows where you are. Naturally, if all goes well the first time around, there will be plenty more opportunity to ride together on private property.

It is important to keep in mind that you and your new love interest should share other hobbies besides both of you being equestrians. Although it is important to find someone who at least understands your passion for horses, it can't be the only thing that holds you together. Eventually, you will want to do and discuss other things, and if loving horses is all you have in common, it may not make for a lasting romantic relationship, but it may create a splendid friendship.

Kate - a horse riding woman from Wales

Who is she?

Kate is a 20 year old lady from Wales who loves almost any outdoor activity, particularly if it involves horses and dogs.

What's she like?

Kate is a bubbly yet down to earth person who gets on with most people easily. She owns two border Collies and enjoys taking them for long walks. As you can see from the photo she loves horse riding along the beach but she is also very content to spend a quiet night in with a good film. She also loves Formula 1 and cars so boys, she's a rare a precious thing! Away from the sea shore she also goes drag hunting, but she adds that she's not ruled by her horses so don't feel you have to muck out with her seven days a week.

What is she looking for?

Kate would like to meet a genuine and honest man who will appreciate the fact that although she's only 20 she's very mature for her age. Obviously she'd like to meet a chap who likes similar things and she has plenty more to tell about herself so why not get in touch and find out more?

If you would like to know more then register here or login to Love Horse^® here.

Ideally, I would take my friends on a weekend holiday in the countryside. I would make reservations at a resort that either had its own horses for riding or was nearby a stable. Then, I would take them out riding one afternoon. I would plan other activities I know that my friends would enjoy, so that the weekend was more than just horseback riding. If I planned a trip that would be focused on equestrian activities, I do not think I convince some of my friends to go. If you have a friend who is not comfortable around horses because of a personal fear, you might want to contact the stable first and make sure that they have a horse who works well with skittish riders.

Another memorable way to introduce your friends to horse riding is to travel with them to a tropical beach getaway, and go horseback riding along the beach. Many times, people are more open to trying new things while on vacation. It might be easier to convince a friend to give horseback riding a go after they have relaxed on the beach and forgotten about work for a while. If you can get a friend to try horseback riding while they are on vacation, once they return home they will probably be eager to go with you on your regular rides.

While introducing your friends to horseback riding during a holiday might be the easiest and most enjoyable way, it is certainly not the most affordable idea. Fortunately, there are ways to introduce friends to the pleasures of riding horses without breaking the bank. You could purchase a friend an introductory horseback riding lesson for their birthday or just as a random gift. Make sure that your friend would at least be willing to give horseback riding a chance before you purchase the lesson. You do not want to your money to go to waste. You could also just invite your friend along for a ride with you and offer to pay. Many people are willing to try things outside of their comfort zone as long as someone else is footing the bill.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to get your friends to give horseback riding a try. Once you introduce your friends to this enjoyable activity, you will soon have eager companions willing to go along with you on all your horseback rides.

Jules is a 53 year old lady from East Sussex who loves horse and all things equestrian.

What's she like?

Jules is a good communicator. She loves to talk and listen in equal measure and she enjoys putting the world to rights over a glass or two of red wine. She enjoys the fresh country air and is more comfortable out of doors than in, but when indoors she enjoys suppers with friends, country pubs and log fires. She loves to fly and is well travelled, so she has plenty to talk about. Her energy and enthusiasm for life have spurred her on to learn to dance (Le Roc)

What is she looking for?

Jules would like to meet a man who is, like her, honest, loyal, lively and good at expressing his views. He should also share her passion for country live, long walks, horses, and dogs.

If you would like to know more then register here or login to Love Horse^® here.

Carole is a 47 year old lady from Derbyshire who loves country life.

What's she like?

Carole describes herself as honest, open, reliable, affectionate, and passionate (wow - steady boys!). The loves of her life include her three grown up children, several pets and her horse. She likes to keep fit through her horse riding and dog walking. Carole has a strong compassiionate streak and will go out of her way to help others. She seems like the sort of person that enriches the world by her presence.

What is she looking for?

Carole would like to meet a similarly honest and open chap who can treat her with the affection she deserves (liars and cheats need not apply). Eligible gentlemen should share her love the countryside, riding, walking etc. and should be fun loving and kind. She's willing to strike up a friendship at first and take it from there.

If you would like to know more then register here or login to Love Horse^® here.

HJ is a 57 year old (we think she looks a lot younger!) horse loving lady who lives in Kent.

What's she like?

HJ is an independent divorced lady who lives life to the full. She enjoys travelling, good food and wine. She's self-employed in a creative field and commutes between the UK and Milan. When she's not working she divides her time between her horses, her daughter, and her friends. She's learning to play golf and used to ski & sail (she's thinking of taking them up again so they'd make an ideal activity date). She likes to cook and enertain. She sounds fantastic!

What is she looking for?

HJ needs a man who can keep up with her. If you're ideal evening is the pub and the TV then she's not for you, but if you can accompany her and entertain her, and if you share any of her interests then she'd love to hear from you. She's ready to share her life with an caring and active partner.

If you would like to know more then register here or login to Love Horse^® here.

Some individuals get involved in the profession on an individual basis, as they take on private clients and advertise for themselves. Though this can be somewhat difficult to begin with, it can be lucrative for those with the right skill set and the ability to market their services. Others sign on with a barn to do the same thing.

In order to work as a riding instructor, one has to have an advanced knowledge of how to handle horses, in addition to the ability to teach. It requires both of these things, since simply understanding how to ride is not enough. Individuals have to be good enough at their craft to be able to instruct others in a manner that is clear and reasonable. For those who work as instructors for a barn, there will be some training involved. Individuals who offer instruction on a private basis train themselves.

In terms of experience, it really depends upon the opportunity that you are targeting. For those looking to instruct at an upper end academy, years of experience are likely necessary. For those who want to start out teaching on their own, very little experience is necessary.

You have to start somewhere, so people with the ability to instruct can make a place for themselves within the industry if they are good enough. It also depends upon what type of instruction you are looking to provide. There are some instructors who specialize in jumping, while others will train individuals for show. Others still will train jockeys for racing.

The industry right now is one where people who want to make it have to make a name for themselves. Those who are able to work hard and establish credibility have a chance to come out well in the profession.

Maya is that friend for me. She was born in the city and has lived there her entire life. For her, the countryside is any piece of land that isn't paved over. The closest to livestock she has ever been is her house cat. She asked me once why I ride horses. In her words they are big and smelly and their hair gets everywhere. My explanations always sound inadequate when I hear the words spoken aloud. I love the outdoors, I tell her.

"Then take up walking", she'll say.
"I enjoy the competition", I'll counter.
"So play chess", she'll recommend.
"It's the quiet time I enjoy", I smile.
"Read a book then", she'll smile back.

It was after one of these conversations that I had an epiphany. I asked myself, why do I ride? Is it really the quiet ride in the countryside? Is it really wanting to get a better score on my Dressage test? I thought about what types of horses I have ridden and owned. Was there something similar between them? I have always loved Andalusians. I have owned two. Why did I choose this particular breed? What are the traits that drew me to them? First of all, they are beautiful. The long wavy mane and tail. The gorgeous line of the arched neck. The graceful movement of their paces. They are athletic and excel in all disciplines, it's true, but I had discovered why I loved horses and riding.

I always felt like an ugly duckling as a child. I was large, clumsy, and shy. Horses were my polar opposite. Beautiful and graceful, they possessed the traits I wanted for myself. I realized how much attention I got for my horses' beauty. I was taking those compliments as my own. I was living vicariously through my horses, becoming a swan any time I was with them. This self-reflection put me at ease. I love horses because they are beautiful. I wasn't embarrassed to tell Maya this and I knew it was the truth when she said, Oh, that makes sense.

We all have our reason for riding. Maybe it's power, strength, or speed. Maybe it's the rush of the cross country course or the thrill of winning. Maybe you just look good in your riding clothes. Whatever the reason, the universal truth is that for horse lovers, you know you can't live without them.