Saddle Up Sunday – Beginner Equestrian Clinic
Event Type: Horse Riding Workshop & Trail Experience Date: Sunday, 15 February Time: 08:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: Shiv Shakti Horse Riding & Horse Hostel, near ITBP Bhanu, Ambala-Panchkula Highway Theme: Introduction to Horsemanship & Basic Riding Skills.
Overview
This session is designed for absolute beginners to bridge the gap between admiring horses and actually riding them. Set in the quiet, green cantonment periphery of ITBP Bhanu, this clinic focuses on safety, animal connection, and the fundamental mechanics of riding.
Phase 1 – Arrival & Ground School
Time: 08:00 AM – 09:00 AM
Registration & Safety Briefing
Meet and greet with the lead instructor
Waiver signing and safety gear distribution
Fitting of riding helmets and safety vests
Introduction to the Horse
Introduction to the assigned horse (learning names and temperament)
The "Handshake": How to approach a horse safely without spooking it
Basic Grooming: Brushing the coat and picking hooves to build trust
Tacking Up
Demonstration of saddle and bridle placement
Explanation of the tack (stirrups, reins, girth)
Participants assist in saddling their own horses under supervision
Phase 2 – Arena Basics
Time: 09:00 AM – 10:15 AM Location: Enclosed Sand Arena / Round Pen
Mounting & Posture
Learning the correct mounting technique (left foot in stirrup, swing over)
Establishing the "Seat": Heels down, back straight, eyes up
Holding the reins correctly
Control & Communication
Understanding natural aids: Leg pressure, voice commands, and weight distribution
The Walk: Getting the horse to move forward
The Halt: Asking the horse to stop gently
Steering: Basic turns through cones or markers
Phase 3 – Mid-Morning Break
Time: 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Rest & Rehydrate
30-minute break for water and light snacks
Informal Q&A with instructors about horse behavior
Rest time for the horses
Phase 4 – The "Nature Hack" (Guided Trail Ride)
Time: 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM Terrain: Dirt trails surrounding the ITBP Bhanu facility
The Ride
Moving out of the arena into the open trails
Single-file formation led by the instructor
Applying arena skills in a real-world environment
Experiencing the rhythm of the horse on uneven terrain
Scenic riding through the Shivalik foothills vegetation
Phase 5 – Cool Down & Dispersal
Time: 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Post-Ride Care
Riding back to the stables
Dismounting and loosening the girth
Feeding treats (carrots/apples) to the horses as a reward
Final group photo with the horses
Departure
Return of safety gear
Session debrief and feedback