When you're first learning to ride a horse, there are some common beginner horse riding mistakes that most people make at least once or twice.
This is perfectly normal, but it is important to understand what to avoid as a beginner so that you can improve as a rider over time.
Continue reading for the top 5 beginner horse riding mistakes to avoid and how to fix them!
Key Takeaways
-
Beginner riders often make a small set of common mistakes that affect balance, communication, and confidence.
-
Tension, poor posture, and inconsistent cues can confuse the horse and reduce control.
-
Clear rein contact, relaxed legs, and steady body position improve riding effectiveness.
-
Simple habits like breathing, posture checks, and regular feedback help riders improve faster.
Mistake #1 - Tensing Up Your Body
While riding, our horses listen closely to both our physical aids and signals, as well as our body language. If you are giving off tense or stressed energy, your horse will pick up on this and quickly become tense or stressed as well, as they will begin to wonder what it is that has you feeling that way.
It is very common for new riders to tense up due to nervousness. This tensing often causes an individual to hold their breath or tense up their entire body, which makes it difficult for them to effectively communicate with their horse through their body language.
Common signs of tension include:
-
Holding your breath
-
Tight shoulders and arms
-
Stiff legs and locked joints
How to fix it
-
Focus on slow, deep breathing while riding.
-
Relax your shoulders and let your arms hang naturally.
-
Try humming or counting breaths to stay loose.
-
Watching video of yourself riding can help you notice tension you may not feel in the moment.
Mistake #2 - Incorrect Riding Posture
Slouching or hunching over when riding makes it difficult for you to see where you are going, and it can make it quite difficult for you to control your horse.
It’s important to sit up straight but remain relaxed. Many trainers will tell their beginner rider students to imagine a line that runs from the ceiling to the top of their helmet, just ever so slightly keeping them pulled up straight to maintain correct riding posture.
This is a very helpful visualization that helps riders remember how they should be sitting in the saddle while riding.
Good posture basics:
-
Sit tall but relaxed, not stiff.
-
Keep your head up and eyes forward.
-
Align your ear, shoulder, hip, and heel.
How to fix it
-
Imagine a straight line pulling you upward from the top of your helmet.
-
Practice riding in front of a mirror or have someone observe you.
-
Check posture often, especially when you feel tired.
Mistake #3 - Mixed Communication Signals To The Horse
Keep in mind that the way in which you hold and use the reins is extremely important.
Your horse’s sensitive mouth tissue can make it quite hard for them to ignore your aids, especially when you may be jerking or pulling harshly on the reins.
Your trainer will help you learn how to keep a healthy and “light” contact with your horse’s mouth that will allow you to work together as a team without any miscommunication.
Examples of mixed signals:
-
Pulling on the reins while asking the horse to move forward.
-
Using strong rein pressure instead of coordinated leg and seat cues.
-
Jerky or uneven hand movements.
How to fix it
-
Use reins to support your leg and seat aids, not replace them.
-
Aim for light, steady rein contact.
-
Practice smooth, deliberate movements rather than quick corrections.
-
Work with a trainer to refine timing and consistency.
Horseback riding is a complex activity that takes years to master; there’s absolutely no shame in making mistakes as a beginner, and when riders are informed on how they can improve, they are able to maintain a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
Mistake #4 - Reins Too Loose In The Hand
This is one of the most common and frustrating beginner horse riding mistakes.
As you ride your horse the head naturally bobs up and down. This will pull the reins through your hands, and you will end up with your hands away from the horse, with little to no control.
The answer to this problem is to have your arms relaxed and down by your sides. Then, if you imagine your arms responding to the horse head movement, the goal is to allow them to move as freely as possible as the movement occurs; so you feel it but are not restricting it.
As you learn this technique you will need to collect more rein with your hands many times to shorten the distance to the horse.
Why this happens:
-
Hands held too far forward.
-
Grip that’s too loose to maintain contact.
-
Arms not following the horse’s movement.
How to fix it
-
Keep your elbows softly bent and close to your sides.
-
Allow your hands to move with the horse’s head.
-
Adjust the reins regularly until you feel steady, light contact.
-
Stay relaxed while maintaining control.
Mistake #5 - Squeezing The Horse's Flanks With Your Legs
Quite naturally, this mistake is one that most new horse riders do, simply out of the fear of falling off.
Clenching or squeezing either the upper or lower leg or both will technically make you feel more secure on the horse, but the horse may understand this as a signal to move.
Another problem with clenching legs is that the horse will probably feel this in a negative way if it happens a lot, and this will impair your ability to ride as the horse will become skittish due to being nervous.
Problems caused by constant squeezing:
-
Confuses the horse’s response to leg cues.
-
Reduces balance and subtle control.
-
Creates tension for both horse and rider.
How to fix it
-
Let your legs hang naturally along the horse’s sides.
-
Keep light contact without constant pressure.
-
Allow your weight to flow down through your legs into the stirrups.
-
Use leg pressure only when you intend to cue movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common mistake beginner riders make?
Tensing up due to nerves, which affects balance and communication with the horse.
How can I improve my riding posture?
Sit tall but relaxed, keep your eyes forward, and regularly check your alignment while riding.
Why are mixed signals confusing for horses?
Horses respond best to clear, consistent cues. Conflicting rein, leg, or seat aids make it harder for them to understand what you’re asking.
How do I know if my reins are too loose?
If the reins slip through your hands or you struggle to guide the horse’s direction and speed, they are likely too loose.
Should my legs always be relaxed while riding?
Yes. Relaxed legs improve balance and allow you to use leg cues clearly and intentionally.
To browse Paddock Blade’s inventory of top-of-the-line paddock cleaners, click here.
