Horse riding Games: Around-The-World Red Light, Green Light & Ride a Buck Copy

Around-The-World

This exercise generally requires a helper to hold, lead, or lunge the horse. Safety is always the most important factor when attempting any riding exercises.

Begin by sitting astride your horse in a normal position. Then, swing your leg over your horse’s neck so both feet are on the same side. Swing your other leg over your horse’s rear, so now you’re sitting backward in the saddle. Continue until you reach a normal forward riding position. Try it in either direction – but be careful not to whack your horse in the head or rump!

Red Light, Green Light

This classic children’s game is perfect for practicing gait transitions and listening skills. Call out directions: “red light” means “stop” (or downward gait transition). “Green light” means “move forward”.

The last person to stop or transition is eliminated. Continue until one rider remains victorious. Just make sure your beginners aren’t yanking on their horses’ mouths!

Simon Says or Follow the Leader

This game is great for practicing arm circles, stirrup work, and listening skills. Appoint someone to call commands – you can try gait changes, transitions, arm circles, no-stirrups, etc. Eliminate riders as you catch them not heeding “Simon’s” directions.

You can also play a variation of this game as “follow the leader” instead, where riders must follow and match another rider’s movements as they make their way around the ring.

Ride a Buck

Place a dollar bill (or slip of paper) underneath the riders’ legs. Continue the lesson with regular drills or exercises.

The last rider to hold on to their dollar gets to keep it! You can place the paper underneath different points of contact for your riders, depending on their abilities and strengths.