Sometimes we joke that our trainers can just record themselves saying, "Shorten your reins," "Add more leg," and "Stop pulling" to play on repeat during lessons, while they go on a tropical vacation.
Our resolutions this year will be to not make our trainers go insane with the same sentences repeated week after week. To help you do the same, here's our favorite tips from 2019:
Jess: "It looks like you have super glue under your armpits!" -
Lane Clarke
Meaning: don't prioritize the "perfect position" you have in your head over the feeling of the horse. Horses are fluid moving creatures and require a fluid rider.
Jacki: "Sing a song in your head during the course. It helps you keep a rhythm and ride from feel" -
Point Break Farms
Mikayla: "Jumping out of the ring is not an appropriate exit strategy" -
Sarah Pollock Sporthorses
Kelsey: "Take care of your horse and he'll take care of you." -
Trinity Eventing
Eri: "Try counting 1-2-3 instead of 1-2 when jumping." -
Rebecca and Mia Farley It really helps me because I can count 1-2 at any rhythm and sometimes I inadvertently slow down or speed up my pace whereas 1-2-3 is more specific and harder to loose your rhythm.
Blaire: "Listen to your horse! They are talking to you, it's your job to pay attention to what they are saying." -
Jerry Schurnik
Lisa: "Don't be weird- Just ride your horse" -
Excell Equestrian
Ashley: "I don't think he's shown before... Grab mane!" -
BreakAway Farms
We hope these tips helps you start 2020 off on the right hoof. Giddy up!
