First Time Rider

[Telna]

I am going to be a first time rider when I go to the ranch next week. What should I know before I begin so that I have a little bit of knowledge before I see the instructor? I'm pretty nervous about it so any advice will help.

[dinosaur]

Answer - NOTHING. Tell the instructor you are totally without knowledge of horses.

[Telna]

I plan to tell the instructor that I know nothing, but is there any advice about how to approach the situation so that I feel less nervous about it?

[Camoguy]

There is nothing to be nervous about. Horses are great and you have to let the instructor know you don't know anything. If you're nervous, the horse will sense it and tense up. Oh, and be ready for saddle soreness.

[Grandpa]

Just walk up to the horse with hand outstretched so it can sniff, pat it on the neck, kiss it on the nose and you're good to go. (yeah, I skip the kiss part but it seems to work for the girls)