Holding the saddlehorn

I recently started taking riding lessons in exchange for helping my instructor take care of her horses. I've only had 2 lessons so far and anytime I go faster than a walk I immediately grab the saddle horn. My instructor told me that that's not what its for lol! But she also says its ok until I get more confidence in myself for riding! So my question is besides the stirrups (which my instructor has to make very short so my feet will reach and fit in) and bridal, am I suppose to hold on to anything else when my horse paddy gator (the horse she assigned to me for lessons) trots or gallops (only galloped once when my instructor told me to let my horse go when we were ridin up hill)?

You are supposed to use your legs and seat for balance and not hold on to anything but your reins. That being said if you feel off balance it is better to grab the horn that accidentally use the horse's mouth to balance.

if ya don't mind me askin waddya mean by "the horse's mouth to balance" ?

It's possible to catch yourself by bracing against the horses mouth with your reins. Not exaclty something the horse appreciates and it will hurt them. Therefore it's better to grab the horn.

As a new rider, don't be afraid to grab that horn. You'll learn with lessons how to move with your horse and as you do you'll find yourself grabbing for the horn less and less.

in my last lesson I started to try to post lol! I havent got it quite right yet

You'll get better at it. Don't worry about "pulling leather." (grabbing the saddle horn or the pommel) I don't know anyone who hasn't at some time.

Hope you're having fun

Balancing with your reins is basically pulling on the reins in order to stay balanced on the horse, or if you start to fall, using the reins to prop yourself up. It's very uncomfortable to painful for the horse.

Over time you will get a sense of balance and not hold on to anything for balance.
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its alot of fun! Especially wen I got to gallop up hill! I wish I cud go bak this wknd but my instructor has a show to do in indiana

ok well what if the saddle starts to slip like it did my first lesson? My instructor had to keep paddy gator still while I fixed the saddle

I always have my lesson kids ride bareback for a couple weeks, even if I'm just lunging the horse around. Riding bareback will really help you get your legs underneath you and your body aligned with the horse, and that will help your balance in all gaits.