02/25/2024
As I head into a chapter of life where for the first time, I teach and instruct, more hours per day than I ride, I have some new observations.
I think one skill set does not just naturally lead to the other. Both riding well and teaching appropriately, take years to get good at. What to say? What to do? How do we communicate what we want to see and feel to another being in a way they can make immediate use of?
Break it down. Break it down some more. Think of the horse if you are riding, even in a lesson, always. Is he comfortable and relaxed? As we train on, and if the horse leaves his comfort zone to try a new request, can we make it back to “home base”, comfort and relaxation, easily?
That is one of the most important things. Equally so with riders. As we push riders on to the betterment of their communication abilities and understanding with their horse, can they too, make it back to home base? Neutral? Relaxed and balanced on the horse? Ready to receive and deliver instructions in a timely manner?
Timing and dosage of the aids is huge and must be thought about and practiced every ride. The timing of when an aid is removed is at least as important as when and how it is applied. Neither horse nor rider should ride under a barrage of requests that they cannot possibly follow or accomplish.
Teaching understanding is a big goal of mine. Learning to ride without understanding the horse, his personality, energy and intelligence, is an empty endeavor to me.
We must become what the horse needs during every step of the journey. That is what makes our sport beautiful. Partnership and communication on display.
Not easy. But so worth the time.
