Horses give to us in countless ways. We play, learn and grow with them, making horseback riding not merely a sport (which it truly is, like no other), but so much more. Here are forty-two ways that you can interact with a horse!
Play
1. Give your horse a great grooming session and focus especially on his sweet spots!
2. Teach your horse to bow/lie down/count/"target"/hug.
3. See if you can get your horse to come to you - at walk, then trot, then canter!
4. Get your horse to leave you when you ask him to.
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The word "engagement" is second to none when it comes to horseback riding. All the disciplines ask for hind end engagement, from western performance to dressage to jumping to endurance riding - there is no other way to move than from the hind end!
We know why we want engagement: if we can get the horse moving "from the hind end", the horse can stay sound even while ridden into old age. With more weight shifted to the hind end, there is less dragging on the forehand. There is better weight bearing over the back, and the lighter footfalls save the joints and tendons. Energy from the hind end is the prerequisite for horse riding heaven and we all know that! 🙂
However, we might not be quite as accomplished when it really comes down to figuring out how we can develop hind end engagement. Many riders think that kicking the horse along and making the legs move faster is the ticket to engagement - but that is nothing further than the truth!
The key to engagement is to initiate the movement from the horse's hind end, not the front end or shoulders.
So if faster isn't the answer, then what is?
We need to find out how to ask the horse to reach deeper underneath the body without throwing their weight to the forehand, and without speeding up the leg tempo.
There are many methods to teach engagement but the "canter-trot" is relatively easy for both the horse and rider. It also accomplishes the main purpose of shifting the weight to the hind end and waking up the horse's rear engine muscles.
How to "Canter-Trot"
Start from any gait (even a reverse)
Canter (no more than three strides)
Then Trot
Before you get insulted by the seemingly simple instructions above, please take note: it's not as easy as it sounds!
Possible Errors
There might be several unwanted responses you will have to redirect before you get the desired result.
1. The horse wants to canter off into the sunset.
Many horses transition into the canter but then resist breaking back into the trot. There may be many reasons why but invariably, horses have an easier time staying in the canter (and eventually getting heavier and heavier to the forehand). This is because it takes a lot of hind end work to break the momentum of the canter!
Remember that this exercise is not intended to be a canter exercise. It is a canter-TROT exercise, so the horse has to break back into the trot within one, two or three canter strides.
2. The horse trots faster.
To engage the hind end, the horse must take a few canter strides. Just moving the legs faster into the trot is completely counterproductive to establishing hind end engagement.
If the horse just trots along faster, half-halt into a slower trot rhythm, and ask for the canter again.
Then trot.
3. The horse shows discomfort.
There might be ear pinning, tail swishing, teeth grinding, hopping... you name it. Basically, the horse is indicating either physical discomfort or mental stress.
First, ensure that there is nothing wrong with the tack, and there is nothing otherwise physically bothering the horse. If the horse is demonstrating confusion or frustration, you are likely taking him out of his comfort zone (comfortable = riding on the forehand?) and asking him to do something that he honestly finds difficult.
In this case, be gentle, calm and patient but be firm! Many horses get used to working on a heavy forehand and initially resist bearing weight on the hind legs. If this happens to be the case, then teaching the horse hind end engagement is even more essential than you think!
Keep trying for the canter and when you get it, trot.
What happens after the canter?
After the few canter strides, break back into the trot. This trot should be very different from the trots before the canter. It should feel more active, bouncier and even slower. If the hind legs are truly reaching farther underneath the body, the stride might become longer and more ground-covering.
At this point, you might want to enjoy the trot you have and move into further trot work from here. You might want to develop even more engagement and do a few more canter-trots in a row.
Alternately, you might want to move into a completely new movement that benefits from the deeper engagement you just achieved.
Play with this a few times, and then let us know how it works for you in the comments below!
Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!
Ready for something completely different? If you liked what you read here, you might be interested in the new Horse Listening Practice Sessions.
This is NOT a program where you watch other people's riding lessons. Start working with your horse from Day 1.
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!
From the first book in the Horse Listening Collection: Horse Listening, 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!
Are you an average rider? You know the type - the one who has to work hard for one step forward and two steps back.
Are you the one who has to spend hours and hours finding your seat, or coordinating your hands and legs to finally not interfere with your horse?
Then join the club!
We are the ones who drool wistfully at those riders that seem to just get on the horse and blend into the movement without nary a thought. As Sally Swift wrote so eloquently in her book, Centered Riding,
Many of the great riders have the gift of natural balance and coordination so that they never have to question how to do anything with any part of their body. If they know what they want to do, their body will respond. Because of this innate coordination, they have not needed to know how one makes a leg move, or how one breathes, or how one balances. It just happens. Therefore it is usually difficult for them to explain to the rest of us less-coordinated mortals how to move some particular part of our bodies.
We are the ones who need lessons broken down into small, achievable steps that eventually develop into just one coordinated movement. We practice, practice and then practice some more, even while seeming to make only minimal progress.
If you resemble the above scenarios, don't despair. And enjoy the following tips to get through those average rider moments that we all experience from time to time.
1. Find a good teacher.
I use the word "teacher" because the skill development required at the basic levels requires someone that can impart knowledge as well as technique. A good instructor can break down the physiology of movement. The best instructors can direct you to find feels for yourself. Detailed explanations and clarity of purpose can make the learning curve much easier and even quicker for us average riders.
2. Be patient.
Cut yourself some slack. Then cut your horse some slack. Always seek correct posture, aids, and movements but do it with a sense of humility and gratefulness. Never forget that your horse is working for you and choosing to humor your requests! If something goes wrong, problem solve and patiently redirect your horse's behaviour.
3. Practice.
As much as we would like short-cuts, secret methods or fancy expensive gimmicks that will open the world of riding to us, there is no other way to truly become an effective, compassionate rider than to practice. And so we must.
4. Accept your limitations.
Some of us not-as-young riders discover that no matter how hard we try, some parts of our bodies simply never seem to respond the way we would hope! 🙂
For example, ligaments and tendons become shortened over time and less resilient. Lower legs have more trouble staying still, or releasing our lower backs to follow the horse becomes more of a challenge. We need to acknowledge that developing more flexible bodies will take longer and harder work. We might need to seek other avenues of physical development such as yoga or Pilates to find that release we are looking for.
5. Find your comfortable un-comfort.
Despite knowing our challenges, we need to constantlyseek improvement. Beware of becoming the rider who never develops their skills year after year. Always push yourself past your comfort zone and know that confusion and frustration are part of the learning process. Difficult rides are a good sign that you are going to make a breakthrough (sooner or later)!
6. Enjoy the moment.
Even when we struggle, and certainly during our grandest rides, we must enjoy the moments we get to share with our equine friends. For it is the moment that is what we are here for.
7. Persevere.
Sometimes, it might feel like you are never going to make that breakthrough that you've been looking for. The key at this juncture is to be so determined and stubborn that you will be willing to come back and try again tomorrow and the next day and the day after that.
8. Set goals.
Set long term goals, then develop realistically achievable short-term goals. Be flexible but have an intended path. Even if you don't meet your goals, they will serve to direct your efforts and give you perspective.
9. Read, watch, imitate.
Look out for inspiration. Read the books of the masters as well as contemporary riders. In this day and age of the Internet, having access to excellent video footage of lessons, clinic rides, and show footage is at your fingertips.
Watch many riders, define what you like in a good ride and study. Then, go and try it yourself. Imitation is the first step to learning a skill set. Watch and try. Get feedback from your instructor. Once you have developed a skill, you can easily make the skill "yours" by adding something new or specific to your horse's needs.
10. Keep practicing.
Develop a routine. Follow a pre-determined path. Keep at it. There is no other way.
Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!
Ready for something completely different? If you liked what you read here, you might be interested in the Horse Listening Practice Sessions.
This is NOT a program where you watch other people's riding lessons. Start working with your horse from Day 1.
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!
Click to learn more.
Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book:Stepping Forward to Effective Riding
Personally signed books available! Give the best gift for the horse lover in your life (or for yourself! ). Send me a message for more information.
From the first book in the Horse Listening Collection: Horse Listening, 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!
You think you have everything in place to take the plunge.
Be the rider of your horse's dreams.
Horse ownership is replete with dream-come-true moments, physical activity the likes of which is not provided by any other sport, and the sheer beauty of the magnificent animal that you can feel permanently attached to.
People often become lifelong horse owners and learn how to manage and maintain their lives in order to provide adequately for their horses. But in many cases, what begins as a fulfilled fantasy ends in a disastrous situation - perhaps for the owner, but more importantly, for the voiceless horse that is dependent on human care.
Although it may seem easy to leave a horse at a boarding barn that is managed by someone else, there are still other factors that can come into play that might make or break your ownership experience. Sometimes, what seems at first as a small inconvenience can turn into the deal-breaker.
Take a look at the questions below to see how many you can answer "yes" to. All of them are important factors in horse ownership.
Do you have time?
If you think lack of time at the barn might be a factor, then hold back from committing to horse ownership. Horses take time - to groom, to clean tack, to feed and turn in/out if you are going to care for them yourself. They want time for attention, handling, training. They thrive on routine, including regular riding. If you think you might have trouble getting to the barn several times a week, consider other options.
Do you have a fair amount of experience?
At some point, most of us were complete strangers to horses and the horsey lifestyle. Although we probably recognized a strong affinity right from the beginning, learning about the ways of horses takes several years of regular exposure and consistent feedback from someone who is willing to train you.
Someone new to horses might unknowingly live the adage: "a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing." Many people bite off more than they can chew, especially in the early years, simply because of lack of experience.
If you are still developing your skills, take another route. Try part-boarding someone's horse so you can learn as you go.
Do you have patience to spare?
Horse riding and training takes a lot of patience! At times, you must be willing to try again and again, and be satisfied with one step forward, two steps back. You will learn quickly that there is no replacement to consistency and that especially in horseback riding, there is no such thing as instant gratification.
There is an old horsey truth that the horse is the mirror of the rider. You must know before you step into commitment that the horse will only be able to do as much as you can, regardless of his previous training level. However, you can be sure that he will improve as you improve - and there is no shortcut!
Are you responsible?
You can count on one thing: problems will come up. For example, there may be unplanned injuries, when the horse ends up being unrideable for weeks on end. You will still have to pay for board and increase the level of daily care. Whatever happens, you have to always keep your horse in mind and be ready to be the "go to" person.
Is it more than just about how cute they are?
Yes, horses have historically been revered for their magnificence and enduring beauty. Watching a horse perform at his potential is an awe-inspiring moment, even at a basic level show or demonstration. Being witness to the power and grace of a rambunctious horse as he plays with his pasture mates can become a lasting memory. But none of the above should be the entire reason for purchasing a horse.
Are you humble and empathetic?
Some people seem to ride only to demonstrate their strength and superiority over such a huge animal. There is probably going to be a time to assert yourself, especially if you find yourself in a dangerous situation. However, if you want to constantly impose your desires on a horse regardless of the horse's level of ability or if you feel offended when the horse doesn't comply to your requests, then horse ownership is definitely not for you.
Good horse keeping is a life-long pursuit, and you learn something new from every horse you come across. It has been said that there is a horse somewhere that humbles every rider. You need to be able to separate the ego from the event and be willing to give it another try another day. Just like people, horses have good days and bad days. Know when to let it go.
Do you have a mentor?
Even if you have spent several years learning from the other people and their horses, you will do well to find yourself someone who is willing to help you figure out your horse, especially in the first few years. There is nothing worse than having to address problems for the first time without having the background or someone's help. Having a mentor can make all the difference in your success as a new horse owner.
Can you afford it?
It certainly is true that horse keeping is very expensive. Either you have to pay someone to provide care, feed, bedding and shelter for you, or you have to do it all yourself. After the basic requirements, you will most likely need to budget for riding lessons at the least, or horse training by a professional if your horse is young or needs additional training. Add to that vet bills, supplements and show costs, and you will have a good idea of the financial commitment you are making. Plan out all of this ahead of time!
------
What can you do if you don't own a horse?
The possibilities are endless:
- take regular riding lessons to see if you can maintain a consistent riding schedule. Learn the basic skills of riding, and wait until such time that you have ridden several different horses of different types and temperaments, so you know what style of riding you like and what the ideal personality of your horse should be.
- ride someone else's horse. You might be lucky enough to find a horse owner who is happy to share their horse with you at no cost, especially if you are fairly experienced and can improve their horse's training in the process.
- part-board a horse and share in the wonderful experience of horse ownership without actually owning the horse. When part-boarding, you will discover what it is like to be part of a barn community and develop the experience necessary to know what to do during specific situations. You can always turn to the horse's owner to learn how to deal with horse health concerns and training problems that you might not otherwise be able to solve on your own.
- take on a full lease. Choose to take on a full lease if you want to be the primary rider of a horse, but you don't want to be responsible for the horse over its entire lifetime. Many owners are happy to lease their horse to someone who will incur the costs of keeping the horse and provide the regular exercise that the horse needs, even if only for a year or two.
Once you make the decision to take on the full care and responsibility of a horse, be ready to make real and significant changes to your lifestyle. Knowing what the possible difficulties might be ahead of time will enable you to make the best, most informed decision, and will likely predict the success of your endeavor!
Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!
Ready for something completely different? If you liked what you read here, you might be interested in the Horse Listening Practice Sessions.
This is NOT a program where you watch other people's riding lessons. Start working with your horse from Day 1.
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!
Click to learn more.
Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book:Stepping Forward to Effective Riding
Would you like to be the rider that all horses dream of?
By following simple, useful exercises, you will be able to develop a better understanding about many topics including:
At some point, you're going to find yourself wondering: why am I riding?
Photo Credit: NBanaszak Photography
No two answers are going to be the same, and your own answer might change as time goes on. Regardless, the moment that you find yourself evaluating your successes and considering your challenges will be the moment that your decisions will be impacting both you and your horse.
In effect, you're going to identify and set some horseback riding goals.
Horseback riding is distinguished from all other sports due to a very unique characteristic that no other sport can match: the relationship between two beings so different from each other seeking to combine into one elegant whole. When setting your sights on bigger/higher/better/rounder, you must consider not only how to improve your own skills (as in other sports), but also how you can be the best possible teacher/leader for your partner, the horse.
Although as the human partner, we have options on what we want to do when, we must keep in mind that the horse does not have a similar choice. In fact, the horse is dependent on the rider's decisions. This is when goal setting takes on even more significance. The rider's responsibility to the horse becomes a key factor in determining the progress (and health) of both partners and should not be underestimated.
Many people have written in the past about developing solid goals - both for the horse and the rider. Below are some short excerpts from excellent authors. Read on for a few thought-provoking tips and suggestions on the whys and hows of goal setting in equestrian disciplines.
First of all, evaluate your horse physically and mentally.... Moderate faults do not ordinarily disqualify a horse, but if you have no idea where you might find the horse's weakest link, it will be more difficult to plan a program.
The second step is to write down some reasonable short-term goals.... The earlier you can start and the smaller and steadier the progressive increases can be, the more opportunity you will have for review and revision.
Thirdly, plan a one-week, a one-month and a three-month program.... Use your one-month and three-month plans as references only. If you look too far ahead, you may miss what is going on under your nose. Review everything once a week and make progressive adjustments up or down in your programs.
Finally, get started today. Since the benefits of progressive training are continuous, any delay could put a cap on your horse's eventual achievement. If your untrained horse is not sick or tired, he can do a little more today than he did yesterday.
Ideally, the rider uses the minimum amount of work to the maximum advantage. She structures her sessions so well that each step builds on the last, and this kind of build-up makes even the most difficult exercises seem comparatively much easier. She achieves her aim without any unrealistic goals threatening either herself or the horse, and this requires her to base her work on a recognition of the horse's needs and limitations, rather than focusing solely on her own. Her attention shifts away from herself to the horse. And thoughts such as, I wonder if I can get this horse going as well as I did yesterday, or, I'm not going to give up until I've put those extensions through, are replaced by, He's bound to feel stiff today, so I must work him lightly, or, If he feels ready, I'd like to work again on the extensions.... She has a far more genuine love for the horse and can put herself in second place, knowing that the time she spends preparing the soil will result in a strong and beautiful planet.
Riders must promote their horse's well-being by maintaining their state of comfort, which incidentally, fosters the extension of the horse's serviceable life. Therefore, riding should consist of three goals:
1. RESTORATIVE RIDING is designed to reestablish the purity of the horse's natural gaits, his balance and regularity of rhythm under the added weight of his rider.
2. THERAPEUTIC RIDING aims at developing the horse's ambidexterity....
(a) Straighten the horse by aligning his spine parallel with the line of his traveling on the ground....
(b) Load the horse's hind legs evenly by applying properly functioning driving aids and appropriate exercises....
(c) Ride each hind leg toward the corresponding forehand and prevent attempts to cross over, or track inward.
3. ATHLETIC RIDING goals may be pursued only after the restorative and therapeutic ones have been addressed. However,... these riding goals must be mixed and blended successfully. They overlap, run parallel, and support one another. The art of riding is not severely compartmentalized.
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Enjoy more Listening Corner themes:
The ‘Art’ of Riding: When does riding transform from being a purely physical endeavour based on skills and technique, to “sculpting while progressing through space?” (de Kunffy, 1992, p.3)
Studying the Circle: The circle is used so frequently, not only in dressage, but in almost all disciplines, that we would be remiss to not include it in our “studies” about riding and training.
The Rider: Although the world around the horse has changed over the years, the horse itself remains essentially the same, and therefore the requirements of riding are essentially unchanged.
One of the most fundamental exercises in most riding disciplines is the circle. As a newcomer to horseback riding, you will likely meet the circle early on in your career, as it is beneficial in many ways to both the horse and the rider. As a veteran rider, you are all-too-familiar with the smooth curves and rounding suppleness that results in your horse after a series of various sized circles.
But what really is a circle? What does it look like when completed correctly and what figures can be classified as NOT circles?
Moving straight but not really...
It is true that riding round and round the ring on the fence line (or rail) is one of the easiest things you can be doing on horseback. The second easiest thing to do (not necessarily well) is to ride a straight line from end to end of the ring. Just point the horse's nose and hang on!
What is perhaps less well known is that moving along a straight line is in fact one of the most difficult movements a horse has to learn. Although moving along a straight path is an easily completed "figure", moving straight correctly is rarely achieved. Watch carefully and you will notice the horse's hind end pointing toward the inside of the ring, or the hind footprints not falling over the front footprints.
Enter the circle!
Just like people, horses have a preferred side and tend to want to bear more weight to that side. They are just as uneven as we are. Becoming more ambidextrous is as long of a process for them as it is for us to learn to use both sides of our bodies. And perhaps ironically, one of the most effective ways to develop better straight lines is to ride a circle.
Why should you even bother with a circle?
The primary intention of riding a circle is to help your horse loosen in the muscles and develop suppleness in his movement. It evens out the horse's ability to bear weight in the hind end and stretches both sides of the horse.
If you feel the horse stiffening on a long line, change course and head into a circle.
If you find your horse is distracted or spooking at something outside the arena, the circle is a tried-and-true method to bring his attention back to the (boring) center of the ring.
If you find your horse being uneven in his striding, or leaning in/drifting out, or moving in an otherwise "crooked" manner, then the circle is just right to help him straighten out through his body.
If your horse is a runner and speeds up with increasing tension, put him on a circle and allow him to slow down thanks to the increased weight bearing of the inside hind leg.
What does a circle look like?
A correctly ridden circle is even and round. I know - that must sound obvious! However, unless you have spent hours on perfecting the circle, you will agree with me that it is easier said than done!
Regardless of where you position the circle in the arena, it should be evenly spaced and round. You must end the circle where you began it, and the diameters should be even - if it is a 20 meter circle, there should be twenty meters from end to end regardless of where you are currently positioned.
The "NOT" Circle
The "NOT circle" isn't quite nearly as useful as the "NOT Canter"!
There are many variations of the not circle - and all of them are not circles!
A - This circle is one of the most common not circles mainly because of its pseudo-roundness. While you are riding the figure, you are quite sure that you have completed a round figure. That is, until you either look at the footprints in the sand or listen to your instructor's feedback! This circle does not start nor end at the same place and isn't quite evenly round. The horse probably fell in to the middle shortly after the beginning of the circle.
B - This is another common not circle because it is so easy to lose sight of the second half of the circle. Riders often start with good intentions (staying round through the first two quadrants of the circle), and through various inaccuracies - maybe the horse falls in to the middle, or the rider pulls on the inside rein too strongly - the circle ends in an abrupt straight line.
C - Here is another common error - the circle that follows the rail. In the end, you discover that you made a rectangle that basically left one rail and headed straight to another. This figure completely negates the purpose of the circle as the horse doesn't bend through the body. On the other hand, a well-ridden square - OFF the rail - is an extremely beneficial exercise although not at all what we are discussing here.
D - Despite the fact that this final not circle is ever so close to being true, it is not even through the quadrants and therefore ends up becoming more of an oval than a circle. Once again, the horse can avoid bending on the long sides and likely uses the rail as a guideline on where to go.
Parting Thoughts
"The intended effect of working on circles can be achieved only on condition that the correct line of the circle is followed as accurately as possible, but it is difficult to convince riders of the importance of accuracy. Many want quick and easy results and soon lose heart when they discover that riding a correct circle is not as simple a matter as it seems." - Alfred Knophart, Dressage: A Guidebook for the Road to Success (p. 31)
So get out in the ring and be the rider who practices circles to perfection. Work on developing your horse's suppleness and bend, and help him learn to carry more weight on his inside hind leg. Learn the circle aids well and soon enough, "drawing" round, even circles in the sand will become (almost!) second nature!
Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!
Ready for something completely different? If you liked what you read here, you might be interested in the Horse Listening Practice Sessions.
This is NOT a program where you watch other people's riding lessons. Start working with your horse from Day 1.
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!
Click to learn more.
Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book:Stepping Forward to Effective Riding
At its essence, the French term, dressage, means "training". In effect, all we do when we ride "dressage", is develop a better training regiment for both ourselves and our horses. Regardless of discipline, solid basic training is what every movement is based upon.
Even at its most basic level (or perhaps, especially at the most basic levels), dressage holds a value to horses of all disciplines.
Done well, it presents opportunity for you to analyze your horse's way of going, strengthening weaknesses and evening out imbalances in movement.
Done well, it provides you opportunity to develop your basic riding skills, strengthening weaknesses and evening out imbalances in your aids.
Because both are critical to your horse's success in performance, and your success as a rider.
What do dressage exercises do for the horse?
Stretching/Releasing/Bending/Strengthening
If riding were a language (which in fact, it is), then the alphabet would be based on the above qualities of movement. The foundation for all movements begin with the horse's ability to stretch, release, bend and be strong. All four qualities combine to allow the horse to move in a way that keeps him sound and physically functional for years to come. If any one component is missing, then the horse runs the risk of joint/muscle/tendon injury.
Stretching
There are two ways a horse can stretch - longitudinally (over the topline), and laterally (side to side). The former is usually the first to be accomplished well and the latter improves along with the topline as that develops. As a young horse learns to stretch, the muscles have an easier time releasing and working in tandem.
Releasing (Suppling)
Some people refer to muscle release as "relaxation" - as in, the horse should relax while cantering. However, a horse cannot truly relax in movement - he must "release" his muscles instead.
You will know that your horse released his muscles by how the movement feels: fluid, ground-covering, lightweight and sometimes even bouncy. Your horse's expression might change - from tense ears to soft and floppy, from almost no breathing sounds to snorts and deep grunts. You know you are in true suppleness when the movements feel effortless.
Stiffness and tension are the opposites to a release. Horses ridden with tight muscling develop mystery lamenesses and other ailments over the long term. All riding exercises should be aimed toward improving the horse's ability to release the muscles through their particular exercises and limit stiffness and tension as much as possible.
Bending
Increased ability to stretch and release will invariably lead to better bending. All horses have a preferred side, much like we humans have a dominant hand. Better bending will lead to better evenness in the left and right body. The horse will develop his ability to bear weight more evenly on both hind legs, and therefore stretch through both sides in an easier manner.
Strength
You might be amazed at the horse's development once the muscles work together instead of against each other. First of all, the horse's muscling will change visibly. You might notice a top line musculature where there was none before. You might notice a squaring of the rump when viewed from behind. There might also be a delightful groove developing over the horse's back over the spine, a sure indication of supple muscles working underneath the saddle. But the clincher is that the horse becomes capable of doing the movements (in whatever discipline) easier, slower and with more control.
The Healthy Horse
Regardless of our disciplines, we want horses to live long and thrive in their work until old age. Adding dressage exercises regularly into your routine workouts will always reap benefits in several areas at once.
When combined, the above components of riding will result in the horse's increased capacity for correct weight-bearing. And more than anything, improving the horse's ability to carry the rider's weight in a manner that not only prevents damage, but in fact improves the horse's health and well-being, is what all good riding should endeavor to produce.
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Would you like to be the rider that all horses dream of?
By following simple, useful exercises, you will be able to develop a better understanding about many topics including:
In daily life, assuming different personalities might be frowned upon. However, if you can can channel several different personas while riding, you might actually be doing your horse a favor!
Photo Credit: NBanaszak Photography
The reason?
Horses, just like people, have different personalities and needs. If you are lucky enough to ride multiple horses, you will quickly realize that what you do for one horse may not be useful for another. If you have the ability to respond quickly and effectively to each horse, you will be well on your way to achieving riding success!
Even if you ride just one horse, you know that you may not meet the same horse every ride. Just like the rest of us, horses have good days and bad days. They have excited days, lazy days, scaredy-cat days and even not-feeling-well days. In order to be the best riding partner you can be, you might need to alter your feel and mood to meet your horse's needs.
The best riders cultivate their ability to switch from one riding "personality" to another, in order to meet their horse's requirements, each time they ride.
The Sensitive Horse
Be gentle and kind to the horse that works hard and tries his best all the time. This is the horse that can hear you whisper if you can be quiet enough. In time, you might even be lucky enough to develop your communication skills so well that it feels like the horse can read your mind. You can use the lightest of aids and he will respond with enthusiasm and internal motivation.
However, his perfectionist nature might cause some difficulties. This horse will likely be the overachiever - you put your leg on, and he explodes into the next gait. You lean a little to the left, and he leans even farther and cuts the corner. You ask for a canter, and although he isn't balanced in the trot, he scrambles, hollows his back and still changes his legs to the three-beat gait. Over time, this horse might be the one that becomes resistant, reluctant and anxious.
Meet this horse with light and gentle aids, and you will develop a lasting friendship. Be kind, release your aids quickly and give this horse the benefit of the doubt. Assume that his "misbehaviours" are not caused by a lack of desire, but from trying too hard. This horse may need you to wait for a response rather than reinforce immediately. Let this horse take the initiative at times and help him develop his confidence by accepting his attempts even if they are not exactly what you wanted. Ideally, you should always be calm, quiet and poised.
The Uninspired Horse
At the other end of the spectrum, you might come across a horse that is simply not inspired to work. This horse might present as being quiet and calm, and might even be the horse that you would choose for a beginner rider. He likely won't be particularly spooky, and he would be the horse that seems content to stand around in the riding ring while you chat enthusiastically with your friends.
Unfortunately, his laid-back nature could lead this horse to regularly resist responding to aids. He might be the one that meets your forward request with pinned ears and swishing tail. He could feel like he's stuck in quicksand, moving only after several nagging aids. You might feel exhausted within the first ten minutes of the ride because you really are doing more work than he is!
To be an effective rider for this horse, you would have to do a complete turn-around compared to the last horse. You might need to be assertive, black and white in your aids, and be prepared to follow-up instantly. It could be fine to challenge this horse more than you would with the last horse, because he will need more external motivation to be responsible for his part of the work.
Go Ahead - Switch Personalities!
Of course, we all know that there are as many variations in personality as there are horses (ain't it the same with people?). In our examples above, riding the "lazy" horse the way you would ride the "sensitive" horse might lead to more problems that you can imagine. The key to riding effectively (and keeping the horses working correctly and happily) lies in your ability to discern the horse's needs.
Then, if you can be prepared to meet those needs, you are well on your way to developing a wonderful riding partnership!
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If you enjoyed the above article, you will find many more relevant tips and concepts in Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding
Riding is Simple, But Not Easy!Let’s face it – all we want is for the horse to do what we want, when we want, where we want, with suppleness and strength!
Take the Credit, Bad AND Good: In our quest for balance (not just on the kind on the back of the horse), it is essential for us to look at our achievements from both angles.
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