Be confident while approaching your horse. They can sense if the rider is nervous which can affect their behavior. Always stay out of the way of the horse to avoid any accidents. Taking horse riding lessons will help you. Decide whether you would like to do English or western riding. Learn to mount, dismount and balance saddles.
Mostly horses are trained to walk depending on the pressure applied by the rider’s legs. While riding keep your legs still and use them only to signal to the horse. You may confuse the horse otherwise. To steer your horse use its reins. To make it turn right pull its reins to the right and for a left turn pull the reins to the left. You may also need to put pressure with your legs to give direction to the horse. To stop the horse pull its reins back and say “Whoa”.
Wear clothes that do not get entangled in anything. Do not wear purses, scarves, dangling earrings or necklaces or anything that can get caught in the saddle or the horse’s mane. Tuck in your shirt before mounting the horse to avoid it from flapping and getting caught. Wear proper riding footwear, an equestrian helmet and cotton /lycra breeches. Do not wear shorts as you might get scratched. If you are riding in winters then wear sweatshirts and hiking jackets. Wear gloves to protect your hands.