Common mistakes when getting back on your horse and how to fix them
We officially declare the 2025 summer holidays over and return to our school, university, and work routines once again. With this, normalcy also returns to the stables and the competition calendar resumes.
It is completely understandable that upon returning you find your horse full of energy after a well-deserved rest, and that your equipment may be dusty or slightly worn from lack of use. That is why we want to share the most common mistakes made when returning to riding and the most practical solutions so that you can enjoy the experience comfortably and safely.
Error #1: Lungeing the horse without gloves
After a well-deserved rest, it is advisable to lunge your horse at different gaits—walk, trot, and a little canter—before riding. This will activate their muscles and release energy, preventing them from becoming agitated or "bucking" once you are in the saddle. The most common mistake is doing this without gloves. If the horse shakes, bucks, rolls, or starts to canter forcefully, the lunge line can cause serious injuries to your hands and arms, as well as friction burns.
We recommend the Vellquine Allweather gloves, available at Rincón del Valle, both in our physical store and on our website. Their design incorporates extra grip and is specially crafted for riders who work with very strong horses or who hold the reins with a lighter grip.
Error #2: Riding with an ill-fitting helmet
A helmet that does not fit correctly is uncomfortable and, above all, dangerous. In the event of a hit or fall, the protection system will not function efficiently, and the risk of injury increases. To choose the right size, measure the circumference of your head with a tape measure, passing it over your eyebrows, ears, and nape, and select the corresponding measurement.
At Rincón del Valle, you will find helmets with MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) certification. This technology incorporates a low-friction layer between the inner padding and the helmet shell, allowing it to rotate slightly around the head during oblique impacts. Thanks to this, the rotational energy reaching the brain is reduced, lowering the risk of serious injuries such as concussions, internal bleeding, or diffuse axonal injury. In our store, you can try on different certified models, and we will help you find the one that best suits your budget and needs.
Error #3: Riding with uncomfortable or ill-fitting breeches
Comfort while riding doesn't just depend on having your stirrups at the right length, proper boots, and good gloves. Riding breeches are just as important: a comfortable, high-quality model can prevent chafing caused by poorly placed seams, facilitate a better seat, and provide greater confidence on the horse.
In our physical store and on our website, we have breeches and riding tights in various sizes and price ranges, so you can find the ones that best fit your needs and riding style.
Error #4: Using dirty or neglected equipment
Maintenance of your equipment is not just an aesthetic matter, but a guarantee of safety and durability. Dried-out or damaged leather can break during use—on stirrup leathers, reins, or girths—and cause falls or loss of control of the horse. Flexible, well-cared-for leather, on the other hand, avoids cracks and tears, extending the life of the material.
Likewise, a well-maintained saddle and pair of boots offer greater comfort, as they adapt better to the rider and do not cause discomfort to the horse's back. Leather is a natural skin: if it is not hydrated with oils or greases, it dries out, hardens, and eventually cracks. With regular cleaning and proper conditioning, your equipment can remain in perfect condition for many years.
At Rincón del Valle, we have a wide variety of leather conditioners and cleaners. One of our most recommended lines is Bense & Eicke, recognized for ensuring both durability and the excellent appearance of the material.
