You wake up one morning and realize that today is the day you will begin what you have dreamed of since you were a child: learning the true meaning of horseback riding. Now you know that horseback riding is not only a fun summer camp activity, but can also be a competitive sport across the nation that requires a lot of equipment, gates to learn, correct posture, and mistakes to learn from. A saddle is used to keep the rider on the horse's upper back. The saddle is made up of two main parts: the chin strap and the stirrups. The gurth is what holds the horse's saddle and the stirrups are what keeps the rider in the saddle. Another important piece of equipment is the bridle. The bridle is the multi-part piece of equipment that ensures the rider has control of the horse. Two main parts include the bit and the reins. There are many types of bits, but they all serve the same purpose: to ensure that the horse receives a clear signal from the rider to do something. On the other hand, the reins are the main steering wheels of the bridle. Rien are what the rider holds while riding to give signals to the horse based on what the rider wants it to do. However, optional equipment includes a whip, special boots and a tie. It just depends on your personality type. Mistakes include unclear signals, not speaking to the horse loudly enough, or not riding correctly into gates. Accidents are the result of error. Riding accidents result in the horse losing its balance/stirrup, galloping, bucking, or even falling. Avoid these mistakes and accidents by simply listening to your instructor. Your instructor cares about your safety and only wants to teach you. So listen to them and there will be no problems. But if you want to call yourself a professional horseman, you must have fallen off your horse at least 3 times and gotten back up