Best Horseback Riding Lessons in Columbia, MO

No, we never do anything to harm our equine teammates. Without them, we could not be trick riders! We pay close attention to our horses' behavior and reactions while training. If a horse is reluctant or not comfortable with a particular trick, their body language will let us know. If a horse shows signs of distress, even during an actual performance, we will not ask them to perform. That is why it's important for trick riders to be experienced equestrians themselves. Trick riders must understand horse behavior, horse training, and respect their equine teammate. If a horse shows any sign of distress while performing a particular trick, we immediately stop training that trick. Although we practice trick riding on a regular basis, we monitor the amount of practice to ensure we are not "over practicing" on our horses. All of our horses are involved in other disciplines to keep their minds stimulated, their bodies in top physical shape, and to make sure they don't burn out on trick riding. They get a thorough warm-up before training along with plenty of rest between practices and runs. We also work closely with a veterinarian to ensure our horses' health and happiness year-round. Trick riding on an unhappy or inexperienced horse will lead to injury

Yes, we have. Just ask us! That being said, our focus on safety and proper training of both horse and rider can help greatly reduce the risk of injury during preventable situations. Unfortunately in the sport of trick riding, it isn't IF you are going to get hurt...it's WHEN. You can't always predict what other factors could cause injury while in the arena.

Trick riding is not specific to any breed of horse, but the Trixie Chicks favor the disposition and conformation of Quarter Horse and Paint Horse breeds. Their stocky build can hold a rider's weight and they excel at running fast speeds in short distances. Not every horse can be a trick riding horse, so we look for very special individuals with unique qualities. First of all, a good trick riding horse must have a solid foundation of riding and experience in an arena setting. They must be sound, athletic, and healthy. They must have a calm demeanor, to control their own fears and disregard stressful stimuli. They must be intelligent so they can sense pattern and learn new concepts quickly. They must be steady on their feet, to hold a rider in precarious positions while rating at a gallop. And finally, a trick riding horse must be trustworthy. To trick ride, we must relinquish control to let our horses run while we perform on their backs. We rely on our horses to do a consistent job in a stressful environment regardless of unfamiliar sights, noises, and smells.

Trick riders, like their horses, come from all walks of life. It is helpful for a trick rider to have a background in dance, gymnastics, and/or a similar physical discipline, but it is not limited to a certain type of individual. Trick riders must possess physical strength and athletic agility. They must be able to execute pull-ups, push-ups, and use their muscles to hold or pull more weight than their own body weight. When a horse is running, you are pulling yourself against the resistance of their speed. Trick riders must be flexible, not only to maneuver precarious positions but to also minimize injury. A strong sense of balance is also helpful. The Trixie Chicks maintain a consistent exercise and weight-training program to remain in top physical shape. This helps us reduce our risk of injury.