THE RIDE B e tacked up early and warm up your horse for 15 to 30 minutes before the start time. Depending on the time of year, it can be very cold, requiring a slow warm up. Walk your horse for five to ten minutes. Then do some slow trotting, then go back to walking and settle in for the start. The start of some endurance rides can be quite scary the first time out.
Some rides start slowly, others start in a confused rush.
Start your first ride slowly. It gets the fast and hyped up horses out of your way. Everyone should ride their own race. Ignore the competition, don't worry if people pass you. Your goal is to finish and learn the capabilities of your horse.