Basic riding skills involve understanding how to control a bicycle or a horse. For bicycles, this includes balancing, steering, and braking effectively. Riders should practice starting and stopping smoothly, as well as turning safely. Wearing a helmet is essential for safety. For horseback riding, basic skills include mounting and dismounting correctly, holding the reins properly, and using leg and body cues to communicate with the horse. Riders should learn to maintain a balanced position in the saddle and understand how to guide the horse at different gaits, such as walking, trotting, and cantering.