For all beginner riders fear is the biggest factor that comes into play. It’s natural when sitting atop a thousand pound animal for the very first time. It’s an emotion that stays with a beginning rider for a while. A good instructor never forgets it, is aware of it and knows how to work their student through it.
In order for one to become a skillful rider, they have to master developing an independent seat. Relaxation is a key element but when fear is present, it creates mental and physical tension that any horse is extremely sensitive to. Being aware of your body, how every muscle comes into play, where that tension exists and how to get rid of it will help you find your center of gravity and staying astride like a pro.
“Becoming one with your horse,” is not quite as taxing or extreme as it is in other venues like the picture posted here to the right. Still, it’s just as important for both horse and rider.
You lose your balance; it throws them off kilter as well. Many instructors are relentless when preaching alignment to new students … elbow, hip and ankle drops straight down. If your feet are out in front of you, your upper body will come back behind the motion of the horse. A rider with legs too far behind will force the upper body to go in front of the motion of the horse. These discrepancies will make a horse either run forward, slow down or even stop in order to center your gravity to where it’s much more comfortable for them.
Knowing how to relax and keep your balance is the first step to communicating with your horse whether your motion is a walk, trot or canter and regardless of the discipline you choose.
In order for one to become a skillful rider, they have to master developing an independent seat. Relaxation is a key element but when fear is present, it creates mental and physical tension that any horse is extremely sensitive to. Being aware of your body, how every muscle comes into play, where that tension exists and how to get rid of it will help you find your center of gravity and staying astride like a pro.
You lose your balance; it throws them off kilter as well. Many instructors are relentless when preaching alignment to new students … elbow, hip and ankle drops straight down. If your feet are out in front of you, your upper body will come back behind the motion of the horse. A rider with legs too far behind will force the upper body to go in front of the motion of the horse. These discrepancies will make a horse either run forward, slow down or even stop in order to center your gravity to where it’s much more comfortable for them.
Knowing how to relax and keep your balance is the first step to communicating with your horse whether your motion is a walk, trot or canter and regardless of the discipline you choose.
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