Becoming a Better Rider (and Human)
Firstly, I hope that you are safe from Covid, wildfires and any other catastrophes. These are surely trying times and we are lucky to have such wonderful, forgiving creatures in our lives as our horses.
With the exception of a handful of naturally gifted riders, most of us will be working hard on becoming better riders constantly, not only in the beginning, but into all eternity.
I’ve quoted this before, but Colonel von Heydebreck’s reminder is something worth exploring a little more deeply. "Don't ever forget: dressage is the most difficult of all forms of art, because of the demands it places on body, character, and mind. "
Body, character, and mind of the rider need to be schooled. In other words, becoming a better rider should make us better human beings. Patience, compassion, constant learning, skillful action, self-reflection, taking responsibility, discipline, putting the wellbeing of others above our self-interest, commitment, clear communication, keeping our bodies in good shape, all this is necessary for good riding and will carry over into the rest of our lives. That’s why riding is considered such an impactful and enriching activity for kids, although I fear that much of this is getting lost in today’s riding arenas, at least here in the US.
Your Mind
Let’s start here. If you are familiar with the German equestrian system you’ll know that the tests for the different levels of Reitabzeichen include a theoretical part. This covers anything from basic horse care, to safety, to anatomy, to riding theory. And you cannot, I repeat, cannot, learn all that if you just show up to your riding lessons. Even if your coach is really into theory, by virtue of you focussing on your and your horse’s bodies, a lot of that “chatter” will never make it into your consciousness. Nowadays there are also so many different “schools” and “methods” out there that it is crucial that you are on the same page with your trainer on this. It will only confuse you and the horse if you are practicing some XYZ method in a rope halter and some magic wand while your trainer is classically FN, or the other way around. Riding without theoretical knowledge is like doing lab experiments without ever learning the science behind it.
• So study!! Read. There are some really great books out there that are catering to a modern reader if the original H.d.V. 12 or Steinbrecht or Seunig are just too much for you. Although it would be great if you could “nerd up”. And you don’t have to read the whole book in one sitting either if that doesn’t work for you. Read those chapters that are relevant to what you’re working on. Skip around a little. It’s still better than not reading at all. There are also really great training videos available, some still by DVD, others through streaming services. But again, check with your trainer so that you’re aware of the context and riding philosophy. I highly recommend anything by Dr. Britta Schöffmann for super detailed instruction on how horses learn, and how the seat and aids work. There is a lot of good content at wehorse.com (disclaimer: I’ve been working with them). They represent a wide array of different schools (German, French, Iberian, Academic etc.) with often opposing views on certain training details, such as side reins for lunging etc., however, all of them are horse friendly.
• Be focused. Have a clear mental image of what exactly you want to happen. I often ask students in lessons how they are addressing a certain issue, and while I could see them doing “something” that usually involves shoveling around and pulling on the reins, they can’t clearly articulate what exactly they were trying to make happen. If you don’t know, ask your trainer.
• Watch your trainer ride your horse. Ask questions, ask your trainer to narrate what she is doing and why, especially with the kinds of things that are difficult for you. Several of my students tell me that they find this immensely valuable.
• Be analytical. Think about the logical progression of training as building blocks along the training scale. Try to find out why a mistake occurs and where it originates: this is the question of symptom vs. cause. If your horse is very unbalanced in the right lead canter and breaks, barring any physical issue that needs veterinary intervention other than stiffness that causes it, you will likely not solve this by just working on the right lead. The horse’s overall suppleness and balance need to improve first. I’ve had plenty of clients in the hunter/jumper world tell me that their horses got all the changes after I had schooled them, without me ever even having asked for change in that ride, “just” by working on better alignment and throughness.
• Philosophy majors, this is your moment: use a dialectic approach. Charles de Kunffy and my mentor Andrew Murphy teach this as it relates to training: your goal cannot be your solution. Let’s say your horse is a bit heavy in the hand and on the forehand and you want the horse more up in front. So you could use your hands to just prop up his head (goal = solution). But that wouldn’t fix the problem, you’d likely have to keep doing it without it ever feeling any better or you create a horse that runs around hollow with his nose up in the air. The problem you need to solve is that he’s not engaged and not over the back. So you need to know what exercises and movements will help teach your horse to carry himself better. He’s not leaning on you because he’s an a*hole, but because he doesn’t know or currently can’t do any better either because of the way you are riding him or the way he’s been ridden for a long time.
Your Character
Horses are prey animals and their survival depends on how well they can read their environment. Any change in emotion in one herd member can alarm the entire group. As with most, if not all, living beings, learning is inhibited under stress and pain. Research shows that horses learn best at an emotional equilibrium of relaxation and motivation. Not so relaxed that they’re asleep, but also not in pain or fearful. Knowing how and when to reward helps with motivation (and feedback of course). Many horses find food very motivating, but also gentle scratches on the withers or neck. So when you get your horse ready and he’s had a pretty good day but you hadn’t or you’re afraid of getting on, he’ll pick up on it. Some horses can handle it better than others as long as the rider is authentic in acknowledging their emotions and consciously separating them from the horse, others are too sensitive and can’t. It’s always best to find a technique that helps you put all your negative emotions aside when near your horse. Whether that’s going for quick run/walk, meditating or jamming in your car on the way to the barn…. it has to work for you.
• Egon von Neindorff said (I’m paraphrasing): If there is a mistake, look to the rider first. If you can't find it there, look harder. In other words, take 100% responsibility. Never blame your horse. Never.
• Never punish training mistakes. Just imagine how you would react if you were punished for making a mistake at your job or being afraid of something, same goes for your kids in school. Punishment creates fear and resentment, not a cooperative attitude and willingness to work with the rider, let alone a horse that will look to you for help if he’s ever unsure. The same goes for spooking. If it scares you, work with your trainer on how to get through it, patiently and reassuringly. Horses will spook, that’s in their nature. Some more than others, but it’s not a punishable offense. If you horse does anything else that scares you (short of outright aggressive behavior such as biting or striking at you), find ways of dealing with your fear that do not involve getting rough with your horse. I see this quite a bit: Unnecessary roughness in order to cover up fear. It’s counterproductive and unfair to your horse. The horse determines the timetable. It doesn’t matter how much you think that he “should” be able to do something by now. If it’s not happening, look to yourself first. The old phrase": “short cuts will just get you to a bad place faster” absolutely applies to training.
• Treat the horse as if you're mentoring a young friend or colleague. Arthur Kottas-Heldenberg uses the phrase “we invite the horse to….”. It encompasses the attitude of skilled, loving guidance and encouragement. If you cannot keep your emotions in check on and around your horse, your horse cannot and will not trust you. He cannot focus on learning as well and surely can’t develop to his fullest potential.
Your Body
In order for the horse to learn to respond to light aids and be physically able to execute them, the rider must be able to sit correctly, and give the aids clearly in the correct order. That’s what your riding lessons are for. But in order to actually do this, your own body needs to be capable of developing that elusive independent seat, the ability to move your body parts separately and in a coordinated fashion. Remember that the seat and legs are the primary communication tools, not the reins. If you have stiffness or crookedness, you cannot be correct. If your rides resemble the question “can you hear me now??” your horse is going to be just as frustrated as you are. So here is what you can, and really, should, do.
• Find a workout routine OFF the horse that is specific to your body and specific to equestrians, one that addresses core stability vs. flexibility in all the right places. There are many good, professional options out there whether as online classes, books, video tutorials, or real life classes. I personally like the “Fit like Hoy” series by Bettina Hoy which focuses on functional movement. And really, you don’t need to hit the gym (especially now that most are still closed.) You’ll be surprised what 5-10 minutes of stretching and exercises 4 days a week can do for you. This is fairly easy stuff! But you’ve got to actually do it, and stick to it.
• Therapy: for most people, professional intervention is necessary, especially once you’re over 30. A good PT, chiro, or massage therapist of your choice can help you overcome or manage your particular body issues and make the time you invest in exercise pay bigger dividends. (See: Hips don’t lie)
• Your breathing technique is also important. Those with singing and dance training have an advantage here. If you decide to explore this route, get a good coach, this not recommended for DIY training.
• Make the most of the times you ride on your own. Have a grab strap on your saddle and use it occasionally to pull yourself deep into the saddle to remind yourself of the feeling you’re looking for. Bridge the reins: all of us often do too much with our hands, regardless of how conscious we are of the need not to. It shifts the focus toward using the rest of your body more effectively. Ride without stirrups here and there (given it’s safe in your circumstances). Sit the trot and bicycle your legs backwards. That’s one of the best exercises to improve the sitting trot, and you don’t need a lunge lesson to do it. Wear a watch: It’s so easy to overdo or under-do certain phases of the ride that it’s important to keep an eye on time. And please leave your phone tucked away for the ride.
The character section is a must. Pick two of the other suggestions before your next ride work on them. Enjoy your horse!
Photo: PRE Pinsapo working on rhythm and relaxation in the canter
