I’ve never taken horseback riding lessons so I’ve learned to ride through many trail rides. I don’t really know how to balance right without holding onto the horn while the horse is in a trot or lope. Is there any tips you’d recommend so I can ride with both hands on the reins? I’m going horseback riding this Thursday so hopefully I can try them out. 
you definitely need to be able to ride without holding onto the horse, use your legs, squeeze them against the horse at your knee to grip the horse, just don’t squeeze too hard as this can sometimes make the horse go faster, you just need to practice without the horn, when i am helping someone learn to ride that doesn’t know how, i do not let them hold the horn, when you learn to balance by holding the horn, you are enabling yourself, if you absolutely need to grab the horn to regain balance than go for it, but try to ride as much of your ride without using the horn
How to ride horse without horn?
Previous post: Where can I take good horse lessons in Round Rock?
Next post: Anyone wear tall equestrian riding boots for streetwear?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
just try and ease off the horn as you go. use your thighs to squeeze onto the saddle and hold on that way. but dont squeeze too hard because the horse may take it as a sign to turn or something, they’re sensitive to any movements you make. just build up the confidence as well and before you know it, no horn will be needed! also start off by walking without holding on, then moving up to trotting, then cantering.
References :
What is a horn? What is lope? You would be best off taking lessons.To get the right stirrup length you should make a fist at the top of the stirrup leather, then hold the leather towards you along the bottom of your arm the stirrup iron should reach to your armpit . When on the horse you should sit up straight heels down toes up, toes turned in grip the saddle gently with your knees and your thighs push down gently with your seat. Elbows should be bent and waist level , Hands should be turned out and in line with and just above the front of the saddle.When doing rising trot grip the saddle with your knees and push up from them not your stirrups.
References :
you definitely need to be able to ride without holding onto the horse, use your legs, squeeze them against the horse at your knee to grip the horse, just don’t squeeze too hard as this can sometimes make the horse go faster, you just need to practice without the horn, when i am helping someone learn to ride that doesn’t know how, i do not let them hold the horn, when you learn to balance by holding the horn, you are enabling yourself, if you absolutely need to grab the horn to regain balance than go for it, but try to ride as much of your ride without using the horn
References :