deconstructing riding – Page 2

Top 6 Things You’ll Learn From Doing Barn Chores

It's hard. It's time-consuming. It's often thankless.

To the outside observer, it might seem that working in a barn is unrewarding and just that: chores. I mean, all you're doing is feeding and turning horses in and out, cleaning stalls and sweeping aisles, right?

Well, anyone who has actually worked in a barn knows differently. In fact, people who work with horses have to become highly skilled, be fairly athletic, and must know how to pay attention to detail. While people can start with little to no experience, they usually get paired with longtime horse keepers who can mentor them until they have enough experience to work independently.

Working in a barn can do more than just give you a gym-level workout. Here are the top six lessons you won't be able to avoid if you stay long enough at the job.

6. Hard work is necessary

This is probably the first thing you'll learn if you get the chance to ever work for the horses.

You'll quickly realize how you can actually move heavy things if you put your mind to it. You might have to go up and down stairs or ladders to get to the hay loft. You'll have to fill feed bins and then horse buckets with grain. Those feed bags and hay bales need to be moved, stacked and then fed. The walks to the paddocks can be long, bumpy or snow-covered. No need for you to go to the gym after that!

5. It's ok to get dirty

Because you won't have any choice in the matter! You'll likely end up with hay bits in your hair and down your shirt, mud all over your lower legs, dirty jeans because of having to lift the feed bags off the dirt floor. Then there's the mouth goop that the horses leave on your shoulder as you lead them out, and splashed water as you fill buckets.

4. Team work makes the dream work

After you have to do the barn all on your own, you quickly learn the value of help. There's nothing better than two (or more) people sharing the chores, one person taking on one task while the second person does another.

3. Routine is wonderful

This lesson probably will come from the horses themselves. Horses thrive on routine. Timeliness, feed, exercise... the more regular these can be, the happier the horses in your care. You'll learn the value of establishing and then maintaining a routine.

2. Efficiency is key

Every barn worker learns all about efficiency and saving energy - not just the electrical kind!

Before you figure out your routines, you might end up having to walk back and forth to key areas - such as the feed room, the tack room, or the paddocks. Soon enough, you'll start figuring out how you can save as many trips as possible - because, let's face it - the number of steps you walk can add up pretty quickly when you're walking real distances!

You'll work out what you should carry with you even while you're heading to a paddock to do something else.

10,000 steps? Haha! Even after multiple step-saving attempts, you'll still end up somewhere in the 15-25,000 steps region. That's in ONE DAY!

But you won't be able to stand for inefficiencies ever again!

1. Horses come before anything else

This is truly the #1 lesson you'll learn if you work in the barn. While it's true that you're working for the barn owner, or for the boarders or lesson students, you'll soon realize that it's all about the horses. How will you learn this valuable lesson?

It might happen when you notice that one of the paddocks run out of water, and how the horses stand around the water tub waiting and waiting - in the heat of the summer. Or you'll notice how a horse gorges on his hay when he comes inside - after having finished the morning hay on that long snowy wintry day, when there's no grass to be found otherwise.

These mistakes will urge you to be more diligent because the horses are literally reliant on you. And it's a big responsibility.

There is one other thing that happens when you add all this up. In the end, you become a much more empathetic human being. Which will serve you the rest of your life.

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – Book 4: 20-Minute Exercises To Add Variety To Your Riding Routine

Horse Listening Book 4: 20-Minute Exercises To Add Variety To Your Riding Routine is a compilation of the best patterns that have been shared on the Horse Listening Blog. The book is divided into five sections: Warm-Ups, Left and Right, Straightness, Suppleness and Collection. Each section has specific exercises and theory based on its topic.

But there's more!

There is a Special Center Section dedicated to only Transitions - something that we can all work on throughout our riding careers. And finally, scattered throughout the book are chapters that clearly explain theory, technique and skills that can help improve the featured exercises of teach Section.

Available as an eBook or paperback.

Are You Learning The “Right” Way To Ride?

There are so many riding disciplines and styles of teaching. It's hard to distinguish between right and wrong, especially since there are so many different opinions and "paths" to "good" riding. But everyone has a different opinion about everything in horse riding, from tack to theory to rider position to how to use your aids (or don't use them at all!) to everything you can probably think of! Am I not right?

How can you tell that the way you're learning to ride is the "right" way?

As they say, there are "many roads to Rome," and horseback riding is one of those activities that really fits that bill. As you learn more, you realize that there are many ways to teach the same end result to the horse, and when it comes down to it, we all walk, trot and canter or gait (according to our discipline and breed type movements).

But there are certain things you can look for that will give you absolute insight into the "correctness" of how you are riding and what you are learning.

Listen to your horse

One of the best indicators of the "right" way is your horse's response to what is being taught. While there is such a thing as challenging the horse and putting him out of his comfort zone, you will almost always know that you're on the right track because the horse will show you pleasure - through his bounding gait, through forward ears and eager expression, through his snorts and even (hopefully controllable) romps - when your horse feels good, you will know it. And you'll feel good too.

Improved Health of the Horse

So I know you already give your horse the best care you can, in terms of food, vet care, supplements, and even other professional care such as massage and chiropractic. But good riding and training techniques can be actually seen in the horse (and the rider, btw). With correct riding, the horse's musculature improves. The top line fills. The hind end rounds out. The hooves get bigger and wider (yes! it happens!). The coat starts to gleam.

Better Movement

You will be able to recognize a "good" system just from feeling, or watching, your horse's movement. There is nothing more amazing than to learn how to go from a tight, stuck walk (or trot or canter) to a flowing, free gait that allows your horse to move to his potential. Even better is to watch your instructor get on and morph your horse to such great movement that you never thought your horse could ever do!

Things Get Easier Over Time

While you may be continuously challenged with new skills or understandings, you can see clear progress in your development because the old "impossible" skills become easier and easier over time. Your body becomes more automatic. Your horse becomes more responsive. You can float through what was once an onerous task.

Your Techniques Are Used By Other Respected Riders

We're all working in our own barn bubble most of the time. But if you stop to look around, and you recognize that what you're now learning and doing is being done by other well-respected, successful top riders in your discipline, then you're probably on the right track.

Maybe you've never heard of these people, but when you read about them, you recognize that you're already doing what they are talking about! So while you're still learning it all in perhaps the novice levels, you can see that what you're doing has plenty in common with people much farther along the path than you.

Your Own Satisfaction

I'm not saying that every ride will be euphoric. Some rides (or many) might actually be tough and tiring. Some might be confusing. But if you come out of those rides with a sense of accomplishment, with the understanding of how to improve yourself so you can improve your horse, and maybe with an odd "aha" moment, then you know this is the path for you.

Other Riders

The proof of the pudding is to see how other people are doing in that system of teaching and training. In general, good basics create good riders. And the success I'm talking about is whatever you see as being successful. It can be success in showing, but not necessarily only in that venue. Maybe your vision of success is to have a calm, responsive horse that you can pop on the trailer at will, to go on a trail ride with your friend who lives an hour away. Maybe you want to ride your horse well enough to keep him sound into his later years. Is this what you're seeing done by the other riders who are learning from the same instructor?

Well, the horse industry is certainly not one-size-fits-all. It may take time for you to find that "right" path, but when you do find it, you will know!

If you enjoyed this article, there is much more ready and waiting for you in the Horse Listening Practice Sessions! You'll have something new to work on all the time, from well-planned patterns to Quality of Movement exercises. Tons of theory ready for you to "fill in" any information you need to know, email access to me and a Facebook Group to ask your questions, share your successes, and get feedback.

Click here to read more and to join one of the most complete programs on the Internet!

Don’t miss a single issue of Horse Listening! If you like what you are reading, become a subscriber and receive updates when new Horse Listening articles are published! Your email address will not be used on any other distribution list. Subscribe to Horse Listening by Email

Horse Listening Book Collection - beautiful paperbacks with all the excellence of the blog - in your hands! Click on the image for more information.

[pro_ad_display_adzone id="23593"]

If you liked this article, read more here:

10 Strategies For The Nervous Horse Rider

Maybe You Want To Be The Horseless Horse Person

“You’ll Ruin Your Horse!”

“You’re STILL Taking Riding Lessons?”

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Riding Lessons

When Feel Becomes More Important Than Technique In Horse Riding

The beauty about horse riding is that feel can become more important than technique. The opportunity is there.

But before we can go on autopilot, we do have some homework to do. Once the rider has finally developed correct muscle memory, she can slowly let the body take over, and allow the mind to take a step back. The micro-movements of the rider's muscles have to be so automatic that there is no thinking involved. Simple as that.

It might not be so simple while you are in the learning stages. You have to think to use your inside leg at the same moment as the inside rein. You have to think that the horse needs impulsion - now! You have to think about the fact that you have to center your seat in the saddle rather than tilt through the turn.

And thinking takes time. In fact, it almost takes too much time because by the time you've thought, then you've done -- the horse is already long gone into the next movement and you have to play catch up. But there really is no other way at first.

How can a rider go from technique-based riding to feel-based riding? Here are 6 steps.

Practice

At first, technique reigns supreme. You really do have to put in the repetition and time, in order to be able to develop the muscle memory in the first place.

If you've already developed muscle memory, but it's hindering the horse... then you have to not only learn better muscle memory, but undo the old ones in the process. This takes even more time than learning things correctly in the first place. But many of us find ourselves in this group and really, there's nothing to do but get on with the correct practice.

Make The Mistakes

Invariably, we have to make mistakes. And each time we ride a new horse, we will learn new things and make new mistakes because of the opportunities that horse brings. But there is no getting away from mistakes, and instead of thinking of them as mistakes, think of them as learning stages. Because it's as important to know what NOT to do as it is to know what to do.

Correct The Mistakes

Then there's the whole learning what TO do after making the mistakes! The good thing about this stage is that as you learn, you'll begin to discover "good" feels! You might feel what a nice trot really feels like when the horse is finally ready for sitting trot. Or you might have that first "aha!" moment when you realize that you can open your seat into the direction of the turn - and the horse turns so easily!

These will fuel your motivation and keep you trying even harder because then you'll know that you're on the right track. Your horse will be happier with you (and happier with being ridden in general), and the movement will feel out of this world, especially at the beginning!

Get Faster

Over time, your body will develop quicker responses and it won't take as much effort on your part to direct and then stay with the horse. What used to seem almost impossible now becomes the norm and you will start to set your sights on new and even more complicated figures or movements.

Think Less

You'll know you've "arrived" when you realize that you're not having to think your body parts into motion anymore. They just do what they need to do on their own, and you can let your mind just be. You'll have an easier time thinking ahead to the next movement, planning what's coming up, and you'll start to be able to look around and enjoy the atmosphere even while you and your horse are dancing along.

Let the Body Take Over

And then one day, you'll be able to feel the whole thing at once. Let's say you want to get a bend. You won't have to think about the inside leg, outside rein, etc. You'll just feel that bend into place. Then you'll feel the change of bend to the new bend.

What once was pieces is now a whole movement. Your movement is fluid, easy, and in time with the horse. And this is when people talk about being "at one" with your horse.

This is when riding becomes art. It's when feel becomes more important than technique.

I'm not sure if you can create "art" out of every ride. But I think you can approach art often, once you've found it.

And one more thing: I don't think you have to ride at the top levels to ride with feel.

In fact, I know I've seen many beautiful, artistic rides with horses and riders at even the most basic levels. It's just that they were so well prepared at that level, that they were working in the "feel" phase of their movements, and not in just the "technique" phase. Perhaps they were still working hard on acquiring good technique at higher levels. But they were able to ride in that "feel" zone at the level they'd already mastered.

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

From the book:

"There are many reasons why we enjoy riding horses. Maybe one of the most appealing facets of riding is the sense of freedom: freedom from our own limitations, freedom from gravity, freedom to (literally) roam the Earth. Time stands still while we have the privilege of feeling movement from the back of our four-legged friend.

Riding gives us the place to just be.

Of course, there are other purposes too. Some of us revel in the challenge of learning the skills required to becoming a good team member of this unlikely duo. Riding is like no other sport or recreational pursuit simply because of the equine partner that must not only carry us, but also do so effortlessly and gracefully. As we develop our specific skill sets, we also grow as human beings in character, emotional maturity and mental acuity.

But there is one other motivation that drives some of us to persevere in the never-ending learning process that is horseback riding: improving the horse. As your own skills develop, you begin to realize that not only can you meet your own needs through riding, but also that you can even become an instrument of benefit for the horse."

And so begins the book that reflects the most important learning I have had in all of my riding years: that I want to be the best rider I can be for the sake of my horses.

This book is geared toward the rider:

- the rider's motivations

- the essential skills for the rider

- some specific strategies

- solutions to common problems

- and the results: the great horsey moments we get to experience

Along the way, you will find chapters that discuss everything from the seat to the leg aids to the reins, discussions on half-halts, imbalance, halts, straightness and more!

Special in this book are the "In The Ring" sections that give specific suggestions based on the preceding chapters. Take these to the barn to try with your own horse!

Available as an eBook or paperback.

4 Reasons Why We Post In Trot

posting trot — Photo Credit: NBanaszak Photography

Probably one of the first things you learn in your riding lessons is to post the trot. Initially, it might take some work and muscle memory to be able to move within the horse's trot strides, but in time, posting will become second nature and a skill you may use for years on different horses in different riding styles and events.

In fact, you might get to a point where you don't remember exactly why you're posting, only that you know you are comfortable, your horse is comfortable, and you are able to be effective and efficient within the trot gait.

While the posting makes the trot easier on the rider and the horse, there are actually other, more complicated purposes that might add a completely new dimension to how you can use the posting trot to help you become a more effective rider.

Rider's Balance

Once you have figured out the rhythm of the trot, and developed some of the muscles needed to support the forward/back movement of the post, you might get into a nice groove that allows you to post relatively efficiently and comfortably within your horse's tempo.

The horse's movement prompts you and you can stay in balance fairly easily and move with the horse as needed. Posting is especially helpful if your horse has very large movement or if the trot is very bouncy, which makes it difficult for you to sit for more than a few strides. In this case, rising can save both you and your horse's back!

Even after you learn to sit the trot, you might often go back to the posting trot just to re-establish balance and posture. The forward phase can help you improve your shoulder and hip alignment, and remember to bring the shoulder blades together at the top of the rise. The sit phase can help you establish a deeper seat as the seat bones rest into the saddle.

Energize The Movement

You can use the posting trot to encourage your horse to step forward, thereby creating more impulsion and a larger hind end stride.

Some riders tend to hold the horse back while sitting the trot, possibly because they are tight through the back or simply can't move large enough to allow the horse enough freedom in the movement. Posting helps you move forward in the saddle enough to release that lower back and allow the horse to move forward with more energy.

If you work within the rhythm of the stride, you can actually encourage the horse to energize by sending your own energy forward to the front of the saddle while in the forward phase. The horse invariably feels the energy surge and attempts to match it.

Free The Horse's Back

There are many reasons why riders might want to post in order to simply take our weight off the horse's back.

If you do long distance trail riding, you might spend considerable time in the trot. Posting trot is often the choice of riders who want their horses to move strong and fast and not have to bear the weight of the rider long term. Posting will also save the rider's back, which in turn will help the horse because the rider can be more comfortable for longer periods of time.

Even if you ride in the ring, you might want to intersperse sitting trot with posting trot for similar reasons. So after a session of sitting trot work, you might want to post just to allow the horse's back to move without your weight for a period of time.

Timing

Well, posting trot is all about timing, really.

At first, you might learn how to match our forward phase to the outside shoulder (so that the inside hind leg is free to reach further underneath the body). That takes considerable timing for the inexperienced rider.

Then you learn that you can influence the horse's tempo with your own posting tempo. Go slower, and the horse will slow down in the gait. Go faster, and the horse will match your tempo. This becomes key when you want to slow the gait but keep the strides as large as possible, and develop hind end and top line muscles through tempo exercises.

Finally, 1-2 rhythm of the posting trot can help you establish rhythmical aids. For example, in leg yield, you might want to apply the leg aid as the horse is getting ready to lift the inside hind leg (and outside front leg). So you can squeeze with the calf as you post forward so that you coincide the aid just as the diagonal pair of legs come off the ground to move - forward and sideways, in this case.

So, you see that there is more to the posting trot than first meets the eye! Use it with understanding and good feel and you will find it to be a very useful skill in all your riding endeavors!

Horse Listening Book Collection - beautiful paperbacks with all the excellence of the blog - in your hands! Click on the image for more information.

Horse Listening Book 2 - Forward And Round To Training Success

Stop printing off the articles! Your favorite training articles are compiled in this beautifully bound paperback book. Have everything at your fingertips - this book can be taken to the barn as a quick refresher or leisurely read at home.

Signed Author Copies available - perfec gifts!

From the book:

"Regardless of discipline, what would be the most significant effect a rider would want to have on her horse?

We all want our horses to improve in their athletic

development, skill acquisition and connectedness. Much of our rider development and training efforts go into working toward our show or personal goals....

But the best riders aspire to do one essential thing each and every day, regardless of goals and lesson plans: they work hard to improve their horse’s way of going.

Because proper balance and weight carriage is essential to a horse’s longevity. Each and every minute of each and every ride has the potential to contribute to your horse’s health and well-being.

Or not."

Just as with all the Horse Listening Collection Books, this book is focused on helping the rider improve for the sake of the horse. But this book goes deeper into the best training articles from the blog - horse-centered theory, strategies and ideas you can try with your own horse.

The book begins with the horse's hind end (!), considers the horse's back, moves on to rider development, and fills it all in with the fundamentals of horse riding so your horse can be:

happier in his body

happier in his "work"

better balanced all-around

Available as an eBook or paperback.

10 Strategies For The Nervous Horse Rider

This one goes out to the people who want to ride horses but still have that niggling nervous feeling even while they are enjoying the incredible "sport" that is horse riding.

I mean, we wouldn't be human if we didn't get nervous - it happens all the time in all avenues of life. Sit on a 1000-pound animal about five feet off the ground and commit your entire being to that animal's four legs - and then try to get it to DO things - well, yeah, one can see how a somewhat precarious situation might arise!

So what can you really do to help with the nerves while riding? Here are some ideas that might be useful for you. Of course, many reference getting help from a riding instructor, because there really is no other way. Even if you've been riding all your life!

1. Control The Environment

One of the most obvious ways to set yourself up for success is to ride where you and your horse feel most at ease. If you can feel confident in the environment, then you will have a much better chance of finding release through your joints and maintaining a calm, relaxed feel toward your horse.

If your horse enjoys riding in an outdoor ring, go there. If your horse is less distracted in a quiet, contained indoor arena, then that might be your best choice. If you feel that your horse gets nervous on the trails alone, and you are alone, ride closer to the barn. You get the idea.

The opposite would be to force yourself through a ride when you know the horse is going to be tight and tense and unresponsive. Or let's say the weather is so bad that you are sure that your horse is going to go through 20 minutes of being over-reactive before he settles down. Rather than trying to overcome your anxiety about having to deal with such a situation, don't ride that day and wait for better conditions when you KNOW you and your horse will be calm, cool and collected.

Work up to the more difficult environments little by little, building on success rather than fighting through failure.

2. Ride The "Right" Horse

I feel I need to put this in because it can be truly helpful to find a horse that helps you build your confidence. Some horses are just calmer than others, less inclined to spook, or generally dependable and even-tempered. There is also such a thing as being "over-horsed," or riding a horse that doesn't have either the temperament or education that would suit your needs.

This is when riding schools are distinctly advantageous because they will have several horses for you to choose from. They can likely find a horse that matches your needs and helps you while you still need some support. Once you've overcome your obstacles, or developed the skill necessary to have more confidence, you can move on to a less educated or more sensitive horse.

3. Ride Exclusively In Lessons

Confidence comes with skill building. There really is no other way. There is no short cut to learning - you must lesson and you must practice!

Many people ride only in lessons with an instructor for years until they feel they have the skill necessary to ride on their own. There is something to be said for having a consistent "eye on the ground" even if you already have strong riding technique. If you want to improve as quickly as possible, this is the way to go.

4. Demo Rides

Many of us are visual learners, and watching others ride might make a huge difference for your learning process. Whether you can watch your instructor, or other riders at a higher level than you, you will surely have a lot to gain by having techniques or strategies modeled for you.

Best yet would be to have your instructor get on your horse and show you how she rides your horse to eliminate spooks, how to use your aids effectively, or what to do when something specific happens.

5. Get Lunged

Well, this is the icing on the cake when you can find it.

There is no better feeling than knowing that your instructor on the ground has your horse under control so that you can explore your seat, legs, coordination and balance. Every minute spent on being lunged will pay back in dividends for years to come. You can fast track your seat development with lunge lessons. Better seat will allow your body to "take over" when necessary and will reduce tension all around.

6. Tone Down The Ride

Keep this tip in mind if your horse tends to go too fast or run off with you. If your horse tends to be over-energetic, ride him "under power." You can slow down that trot tempo until the horse is almost walking. Or you can do the downward transition from canter to trot and half-halt to not allow the horse to break into a fast aid-ignoring trot down the rail.

If you have the ability to control the tempo of the gaits, you will be far more able to let go and enjoy your ride.

Cooling it down takes a fair amount of ability and patience, but it can be learned and it can be done!

7. Ride Specific Patterns

This idea is great to get you and your horse paying attention to something other than the distractions. Know where you are going and take your horse through a predetermined pattern that will make him (and you!) balance, bend and think. Be picky - if you choose to do a 20-meter circle, then make it 20 meters, no matter what your horse does to fall in or out. Use your aids and take your horse places!

Give your horse some "pop quizzes" to practice your aids and his responsiveness.

8. Sing!

You might be amazed at how much singing can change your demeanor. Not only will it help you keep time with your horse's strides, it will help you in every way possible including your rhythm, your energy level (reduced if necessary), your attitude and even your tension.

If you can't sing, then talk a rhyme out in rhythm with your horse. It will serve the same purpose.

9. Focus On The Current "Thing"

If you pay close attention to your own riding or even to others as they progress, you might notice that we all have "THE THING" that we are working on at any given time.

This skill is the one that most obviously needs work. It is what is preventing you from having that smooth, calm ride. For example, it could be that your horse doesn't go when you apply the leg aids. It might be that you have difficulty using the half-halt to balance.

If you can focus on the current "thing" that is loudest, you might be able to make headway into the root of what causes nervousness.

10. Get A Ground Person

I have asked people to be my ground person many, many times when I felt less than confident about what I was going to do. I had my friends help me when I backed young horses for the first few rides. No experience necessary!

If your ground person is willing to stand in the arena, or in the middle of a circle you are riding, just his presence might encourage both you and your horse to relax. The ground person can keep your mind off your tension.

Well, I hope some of this can help you if you find yourself becoming nervous in the saddle. If you have any other tips to add, please share them in the comments below.

I don't believe in putting my work behind a paywall. But there are expenses in every venture. If you really liked this article, consider tipping us! Your tip will help me keep producing more riding TIPS (pun!) with free access to everyone. With thanks for reading!

Horse Listening Book Collection - beautiful paperbacks with all the excellence of the blog - in your hands!

Goal Setting For The Equestrian - A Personal Workbook

If you’d like a structured, but personal tool to set goals, take a look at the new Goal Setting for the Equestrian: A Personal Workbook. The pages are designed for you to set and keep track of your progress over the course of a year.

Included in the book:

design your overarching goals

long- and short-term planning,

debrief your special events such as clinics or shows

reflect on, plan and evaluate your goals

sample goals and pages

The Workbook is available for instant digital download so you can print the pages right off your computer. There is also the option of a paperback version if you’d rather have a professionally bound book to hold in your hands.

Click here for more information.

If you like this article, read more here:

Top Three Ways To Gain Your Horse’s Trust While Riding

5 Ways To Be A Confident Horse Rider

23 Ways Your Horse is Your Life Coach

6 Things You’ll Learn While Riding On The Trails

10 Ways To Spot A Horse Person

8 Types Of Rides To Make Your Horse Riding Dreams Come True

Wouldn't it be great to achieve your wildest horse riding dreams?

The thing is, it's great to have dreams but it's completely another thing to make them come true.

This article is about the action-taking part after you've set your riding (or ground work, or anything to do with horses) goals.

I've been considering the big picture of goal setting these days, looking at the ride after the ride after the ride. Because as with anything worthwhile, it might take many more rides than you think to achieve that seemingly simple goal - whether it's a skill like maintaining a tall upper body, getting a real bend around your inside leg, or riding that fluid first level dressage test. Or any horse-related activity, really.

And I've been thinking about the journey. Something happens when you get into a steady groove in your horse riding schedule.

You'd think that once you're on a roll (as in, riding regularly), you'd build on your previous skill levels, step by step, beginning at one point and ending at a new, better point.

But I had a realization the other day.

Getting from point A to point B in horse riding is not a linear path. While you're busy taking the steps you need to achieve your goals, you will likely go through so many different types of rides from day to day, week to week, month to month.

When combined over the course of a year (or more), they make up the "whole" of your riding experience.

The Fun Ride

This is the one where you just have a great time and not work on too much. Maybe you ride with your friends and simply enjoy the moment of fellowship that is riding. Maybe you try a new pattern (or test) and relish in the fact that you were able to complete it without any practice. Maybe it's something that your horse enjoys - like throwing in a flying change or going long on the rail for a strong (lengthened) trot, or releasing into the swinging back of a stretchy trot.

The key is that whatever you did, you and your horse had FUN! You end your ride with this feeling of exuberance, enthusiasm and joy.

The Difficult Ride

This happens when you just can't seem to do what you're supposed to do. You try and try again. You give it your best shot. And for whatever reason - maybe it's the day, the weather, fatigue, or nothing at all, really - things just don't seem to jive. Your communication with your horse is limited. You end your ride with this feeling of disappointment, like you didn't accomplish what you set out to do.

The Work Hard Ride

This ride is the one where you have to work for everything you get but in the end, you can see the results and you and your horse are suddenly much better. It might be the result of changing something significant in your body - maybe you had to fight hard to maintain your balance. Perhaps you worked at improving the coordination of your aids. It was a struggle but you were able to make real change, which made a positive impact on your horse.

You end the ride reeling a bit from the effort and dramatic learning, but wow! It was worth every minute.

The Easy Peasy Ride

Usually, you come out of the ring in jubilation after this type of ride. This is the one where everything falls together! You and your horse move as one. You whisper back and forth to each other. Your balance is impeccable, movements are floating.

This is the ride you want to get all the time but only happens rarely. But it is the one that keeps you motivated through the less rewarding rides.

The Confusing Ride

This happens when you had goals and inspiration and it simply doesn't work out the way you expect it to. It probably happens when you have set a level of achievement for yourself but you fail to reach that expectation. Usually, you can't pinpoint what is causing the difficulty and so you are left feeling confused.

The Just-Put-The-Time-In Ride

There might come a day when you ride even though you don't really want to. You are tired, or it's really cold (or hot), or you just would rather be doing something else. Yet you know you have to just go out there and go through your paces (pun!).

While it might feel like this type of ride is pointless, just getting out there and moving and doing is a huge part of sticking with the overall plan.

The Completely Different Ride

When you do something totally out of left field, you bring a sense of newness to your rides. For example, you start your ride in the ring and realize that it's gorgeous outside! And so you head out for a ride along the trails, leaving your "lesson ride" for another day.

Or you abort the ride altogether and do some ground driving.

Or you decide to finally pull out that blue tarp and see if you can get your horse to walk over it. Or play horsey soccer with a huge ball. Or pick up something unfamiliar (like a bag or jacket or umbrella) and carry it on horseback from one place to another.

The Cross-Training Ride

We often get so wrapped up in our riding styles that we rarely step out of our long practiced and repeated movements. This ride is when you reach out to another completely different riding discipline and infuse some of what they do into your normal routine.

Let's say you ride dressage. Then you cross-train by setting up a few jumps. Or set up a few poles for a western trail pattern! Or how about you go on a cross-country ride where you can trot and canter to your heart's (and horse's) content! It can be a very powerful thing to open your mind to other sources of inspiration and learning.

***

And so your rides go from one to the next until a year (or more) has passed. And you take stock of you and your horse over this time - and notice the many small steps you have achieved, the many leaps in learning you have taken, and how far you truly have come!

Each and every type of ride is necessary - or even critical - to achieving the success you desire. Each type fits in to the overall journey that is riding, and makes it such a complete, robust experience.

I'm sure there are many more types of rides. If you can think of something to add, please comment below.

If you’d like a structured but personal tool to set goals, take a look at Goal Setting for the Equestrian: A Personal Workbook. The pages are designed for you to set and keep track of your progress over the course of a year.

Included in the book:

design your overarching goals
long- and short-term planning,
debrief your special events such as clinics or shows
reflect on, plan and evaluate your goals
sample goals and pages

Click here for more information.

Maybe You Want To Be The Horseless Horse Person

I mean, this is for the person who rides horses but doesn't own one.

What do you do when you don't own a horse? Does that mean that you can't ride or be around horses?

Not at all.

In fact, being horseless can often be a blessing in disguise. What if you give it a good go and decide the whole horse riding thing isn't for you?

It takes years of education, mentoring and even apprenticing to know enough to be responsible for a unique "pet" (some call it "livestock") such as the horse. What could be better than learning all these things on borrowed horses, investing money into your own learning, and spending time exploring different disciplines to know what you really want to do for the long term?

Some people never buy a horse but ride for years on end. It can be done.

Opportunities abound if you take a good look into what you can do when you don't actually own a horse.

Volunteer

The first and surest way to get into the scene is to volunteer your services. If you really have no experience with horses, this is a great way to start. People will happily train you in exchange for your work. You might even get some riding opportunities as you get exposure and become familiar with instructors and barn managers.

You might be exposed to the ins and outs of everything horses. Aside from the physical development that you will gain, what can you learn in a volunteer position?

horse handling - leading a horse, teaching ground manners
horse care - grooming, feeding, leg wrapping, blanketing
equipment - saddle and bridle, clean tack
horse training - lunging, ground training (such as leading), in-hand work
facility management - learn how to run a barn
client/customer relations
I'm sure there's lots more!

You can find volunteering opportunities at riding schools, trail riding barns, horse rescue operations, therapeutic and equine-assisted riding schools, summer camps, and even veterinary facilities. Give these places a call and see what fits with your schedule and goals.

Riding Lessons

Well, I've written about riding lessons so often on this blog. But really, that is the best place to start riding. There is nothing better than having a trained instructor lead you on your horse journey. But there's a lot more to horses than just riding. So when it comes time for you to think about committing more time or (physical and financial) resources into the horse "thing," your riding instructor can be an excellent resource to guide you to your next steps.

By then, she will know you and what your goals are, and she can help you decide on future horses, higher level goals, riding disciplines, and general horse management.

The advantage to riding in a school is that you will be exposed to many different horses and possibly riding styles. You will ride alongside fellow students who are at various levels - maybe newer to horses than you are, or maybe more advanced. You an learn something from watching all of them over time.

This is a distinct perk compared to horse ownership, because once you have your own horse, you will be busy affording, riding and developing that horse only. At a riding school, you might be able to ride the same horse for a length of time, then move on to a new horse later so you can continue to learn and build your skill set.

There is an old expression that a rider should ride at least 100 horses in order to be able to call themselves a horse(wo)man. You might not be able to access a hundred horses, but without a doubt, the more you ride, the more you will learn. Horses are just like people in that they bring different personalities, quirks, skills and talents to the table. Not one is the same as the rest.

Part-Boarding

You might want to ride more often than once or twice a week in a riding school environment, and that is when part-boarding becomes an excellent option. When you think you're ready to ride on your own, work with a single horse regularly, and possibly take either group or private lessons with that horse, you might want to investigate a part-boarding opportunity.

Many horse owners want to share their horse with one other rider - some for the financial help, others because they simply don't have enough time to ride their horse often enough. As a part-boarder, you will be responsible for part of the financial upkeep, but you will have access to the horse more often. You will be able to work with that horse and develop a relationship over time. You might move away from the riding school environment and into more of a boarding facility where most of the people are horse owners.

The advantage of part-boarding goes without saying: if you want to switch horses, move away from the area, change riding disciplines, etc., you can end your commitment (usually with a one month notice) without worry of what will happen to the horse. Many people spend years being part-boarders.

Full Lease

When you lease a horse, you are ready to take on more of a horse ownership role than the above options. However, there is usually an end to that lease when the horse should be returned to the owner. Often, horses are leased out year to year, with the possibility of a renewal term towards the end of the lease period.

When you take on a full lease, you are responsible for all of the horse's expenses. You might also be required to pay a certain amount to lease the horse as well. The more trained, talented or advanced the horse is, the more you can expect to pay for the lease.

But then, you can treat the horse as if it were your own - for the lease period. Many horse owners will visit the horse, or require that the horse is boarded at a particular barn or location, but otherwise, you are the contact person for the horse and with that comes the financial responsibility of vetting, shoeing and board fees. Of course, riding privileges are yours and yours only.

Under certain circumstances, there are huge advantages to taking on a full lease versus permanently buying a horse. If your child wants to ride, she may currently be young enough to ride a pony. But a few years in, she'll be taller and want to move onto higher levels - which might require a specific horse type for the discipline she wants to be in at that time - but you won't know until that happens!

For adults, leasing will allow them to learn in-depth from one horse, then have the option to move on to a new horse - which will offer a whole new set of learning experiences.

Leasing horses will allow you to change horses in the future, without worrying about the horse's security or going through a sale process. This is a luxury you wouldn't have if you owned the horse.

***
They say horse riding is only for the very rich. Well, now you can see how many, many participants in the horse industry can do so frugally, still meet their goals, and share in the incredible experience that is horses and riding.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like:

https://www.horselistening.com2012/01/03/the-top-8-perks-of-horse-keeping/

https://www.horselistening.com2017/07/04/23-ways-your-horse-is-your-life-coach/

https://www.horselistening.com2017/01/04/12-riding-quick-tips-five-ways-to-set-your-horse-riding-goals-in-20112-7/

https://www.horselistening.com2016/11/02/dear-adult-with-many-responsibilities-horse-person/

https://www.horselistening.com2015/02/22/the-one-answer-to-most-horse-riding-problems/

Top Three Ways To Gain Your Horse’s Trust While Riding

You may have seen many articles about how important it is to gain your horse's trust. It's even more important while you're riding. Let's face it - once you're on your horse's back, his four legs are your legs, and if you're lucky, you get to go where his body goes (!!). So the trust factor becomes really important - most especially when your horse sees a terrifying spot in the arena and wants to get out of Dodge.

But it's not only about you trusting your horse.

It's about getting your horse to trust YOU!

The funny thing about trust and horse riding is that trust is displayed through the horse's behavior. So if the horse spooks and runs off, we think the horse lacks trust in the rider.

However, if the horse carries on like nothing happened, then we feel that there is a trust dynamic in the horse-rider relationship. (*This applies to ground work as well as riding.)

So it might help you to take the focus off the emotional aspect of trust and instead, break it down into observable, reproducible physical responses that will be interpreted as trust when it all comes together.

3. Work past the scary area.

One of the best ways to develop trust is to project your confidence to the horse. You have to develop the communication and riding skills necessary to convince your horse that he is safe with you no matter where he goes.

Let's say the horse is spooking at an object and reacts with heart-thumping, sweat producing fear. To him, it's real danger. It could be something as simple as a bird suddenly flying by, or the sound of people walking and talking outside the arena. He's ready to scoot.

In this moment, you can either be forceful and aggressive, or you can choose to be the calm, confident one.

Even if he steps away from the perceived danger, or spooks suddenly underneath you, you can firmly but calmly and quickly re-establish what you were doing. Re-establish balance. Re-establish tempo. Stay tall and supple and balanced in your torso. Don't tense while your horse tenses. Don't look at the object your horse is terrified of (he knows when you're looking).

Just carry on as if there's nothing there, as if there's nothing to be concerned about. Because in reality, there is nothing to worry about because you would never put your horse in a life or death situation.

Ride away from the area, and then ride back to the area, knowing full well your horse might think about spooking again. Don't push him into the area, just ride past it as close as you can, but far enough away to help him stay calm. Show him there's nothing to fear.

As your horse relaxes the third and fourth time through, go deeper into the area until you're riding right through it calmly, without any fuss. Slowly but surely, your horse will realize that if you're not tense and tight, he won't have to be either.

One day, your horse will think about spooking, feel your confident guidance... and just carry on.

Trust.

2. Stay in balance.

Balance is such a huge topic. There's left and right balance (lateral) and forward and back balance (longitudinal).

The horse can be off balance laterally when he is leaning too far in one direction. Or he might have his neck turned deeply into the direction he's going. Or if he has a twist in his poll or neck (you'll notice that his ears aren't level).

He might be drifting out or falling in on a circle. Both are indications of lack of balance.

We've talked about longitudinal balance often here in the blog. The most obvious is when the horse is travelling on the forehand.

Think about it like a teeter-totter. The horse's body is the teeter-totter and the balance should be at least level, or ideally, tilted toward the hind end. Problems arise when the horse is tilted downward on the shoulders and forelegs.

He might have to brace, scramble, move too quickly, or hollow. Lack of balance becomes a problem when the horse learns that he will be moving in discomfort or pain every time you ride him.

Unfortunately, you'll likely need an instructor to help you identify and then correct balance problems. I've written much here about the pieces - half-halt, on-the-forehand, circles and more - but the challenge is to put all these together while you ride.

What I can tell you, though, is that once you improve your ability to balance yourself and your horse, you will notice a profound difference in your horse's way of going. He might be more bold, more active, softer and lighter on his feet, more confident in his movement. Let's face it - if he feels comfortable, he will be happy in himself, you and the world around him.

Trust.

1. Be consistent.

I can't emphasize this aspect enough for all things related to horses.

Consistency is the key to developing a bond with your horse. Be consistent in your general riding activities, your riding schedule and your expectations of both yourself and your horse.

Be consistent in your aids. If you send conflicting signals time and again, and your horse has to play a mental and emotional guessing game each time he interacts with you, he will soon become sour and reluctant.

The problem is that real consistency takes a lot of dedication, self-evaluation and discipline. It's so easy to let things slide and do what you feel like doing whenever. But horses remember.

Try to find a consistent rider and see what their horses are like. Are they also consistent? Are they calm? Do they know what to expect?

Trust. It's worth the effort.

Horse Listening Book Collection - beautiful paperbacks with all the excellence of the blog - in your hands! Click on the image for more information.

[pro_ad_display_adzone id="23593"]

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like:

4 Steps To Help Your Horse Through A Turn: I’m sure you’ve seen it before – there are many situations where a horse turns too abruptly, unbalancing himself and also the rider. Most often, the rider hangs on but other times, she might be unseated, losing balance, stirrups and/or seat.

How to Ride the Stumble Out of Your Horse: Do you have a horse that seems to regularly trip or stumble, either in the front or hind end?

Why You Don’t Need to Panic When Your Horse ‘Falls Apart’: Even if you are not thinking “panic”, your body might be communicating it by either being completely passive or too reactive after the horse is off balance.

Interpreting the Half-Halt: This topic is a tricky one but here is a shot at it.

Finding Your Comfortable Un-Comfort in Riding: Being uncomfortable is often a good place to be in riding.

Horses. Riding. Life.

Category: deconstructing riding

Top 6 Things You’ll Learn From Doing Barn Chores

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – Book 4: 20-Minute Exercises To Add Variety To Your Riding Routine

Are You Learning The “Right” Way To Ride?

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Horse Listening Book Collection - beautiful paperbacks with all the excellence of the blog - in your hands! Click on the image for more information.

When Feel Becomes More Important Than Technique In Horse Riding

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

4 Reasons Why We Post In Trot

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Horse Listening Book Collection - beautiful paperbacks with all the excellence of the blog - in your hands! Click on the image for more information.

10 Strategies For The Nervous Horse Rider

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Horse Listening Book Collection - beautiful paperbacks with all the excellence of the blog - in your hands!

8 Types Of Rides To Make Your Horse Riding Dreams Come True

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Maybe You Want To Be The Horseless Horse Person

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Horse Listening Book Collection - beautiful paperbacks with all the excellence of the blog - in your hands! Click on the image for more information.

Top Three Ways To Gain Your Horse’s Trust While Riding

Horse Listening Book Collection - beautiful paperbacks with all the excellence of the blog - in your hands! Click on the image for more information.