You don’t have to own a horse, or even have experience to begin riding. You don’t even have to know much about riding equipment or horses. If you’ve never ridden before, going on trail rides is one great beginner’s option. Riding stables and recreation departments, and even private owners, often offer trail riding for beginners for a low fee.

Trail riding specifically refers to riding horses along trails in a natural environment. While it is practiced by experienced equestrians also, it can be especially tailored for beginners who are accompanied by those with more experience than themselves. Typically, the beginner rides a gentle horse well used to trail riding, which can be depended on to follow the lead rider’s horse along the trail.

If you go on a few trail rides and decide you’re ready for something more, research riding lessons in your area. Not only is riding fun, and a chance to learn a new hobby and meet new people, it’s great exercise. While non-riders may think the horse is doing all of the work, riders know that it requires muscle control to ride, and tones the thighs, abs, and arm muscles.