Riding in the Suburbs
Five Key Tips from Don Jessop
1. Stay Calm and Take Your Time
Obstacles are just that — obstacles. There’s no need to rush. Tackle them in manageable steps or stages. If things get overwhelming, it’s perfectly fine to get off and walk. Take it slow and steady.
2. Reset and Reconnect
Distractions are everywhere in urban and suburban areas. Your horse might get spooked or lose focus. Keep their attention on you — ask them to listen, respond to your voice, and follow your cues regularly. Don’t be a passive rider. Be a calm, patient leader, but also a decisive one. When your horse leaves the path on their own, stop, reset, bring them back, and stay on your path unless you are in danger.
3. Handle Thresholds with Patience
A threshold is when your horse hesitates or resists moving forward. Instead of forcing them through, take a moment to guide them, rewarding even the smallest progress. Don’t camp out at the threshold, but don’t push too hard either. With patience, your horse will learn to trust that you’re leading, not forcing.
4. Don’t Leave Others Behind
When riding in a group, remember that horses feed off each other’s energy. Always communicate and check in with other riders. Leaving a slower or anxious horse behind can be dangerous for both horse and rider. Make sure the whole group moves together.
5. Train for the Chaos
Urban environments throw a lot at your horse — noises, sights, and surprises from every direction. Practice handling these pressures by training your horse to stay calm under stress. We call this “chaos training,” and it helps your horse learn to respond, not react.
In Summary
If you’re not ready to ride in busy areas just yet, start by walking through them. With time, your horse will become so calm that you’ll feel confident enough to ride with ease.
