Progress in equestrianism is crucial not only for achieving success in the discipline but also for strengthening the bond with our horses. A positive impact on horses, in terms of muscle development, overall health, and fitness, is noticeable when the rider constantly strives to improve their skills. It’s worth noting that equestrian goals can vary – from recreational training to ambitious sports objectives. However, they all share one thing – each of us has the potential for continuous development.
Below are ten steps to help you progress faster in horse riding.
1. Be Systematic
The first and fundamental step towards significant progress in equestrianism is consistent and systematic riding. Riders often underestimate the importance of regularity, but it is the key to developing riding skills at a pace that leads to real progress.
If you limit yourself to riding once a week, your skills develop slowly, and the acquired knowledge quickly fades. Practice makes perfect, and for a rider, this saying is extremely accurate. Systematic training helps build balance and muscle memory, which is not possible with sporadic riding opportunities.
2. Ride with a Trainer
Using the services of an experienced trainer is a crucial step towards improving riding skills. A trainer is a person who not only has theoretical knowledge but also practical experience working with horses and riders. Most importantly, a trainer can spot even the smallest mistakes in your seat, riding technique, and communication with the horse. This allows you to quickly eliminate bad habits and develop correct riding habits.
3. Use an Equestrian Coaching System
Using an equestrian intercom during training is one of the ideas that can revolutionize your riding skills. Why? Equipping yourself with an intercom allows real-time communication with the trainer, which significantly speeds up the learning process and improves technique.
During riding, the trainer can provide much more advanced and precise instructions, rather than limiting to simple commands or shouting instructions from a distance. This greatly facilitates the understanding of more complex aspects of riding. You stop being a passive recipient of instructions and become an active participant in the discussion.
The intercom allows the trainer to react immediately to your actions and correct mistakes during the ride, rather than waiting for a break. This gives you the opportunity to quickly overcome problems and improve your skills. It’s a tool that will definitely accelerate your riding development, making training more effective and satisfying.
4. Record Your Trainings
By watching recordings of your rides, you have the opportunity to evaluate your riding style more objectively. It’s a great way to spot mistakes that can be difficult to notice during the ride itself. This way, you can work on improving them and avoid them in the future.
5. Find the Right Horse
When choosing a horse for training, it’s crucial to find one that you trust and feel comfortable with. Consider your riding skills and training goals. For beginner riders, calm and well-trained horses are usually recommended. Why? Because such horses are often easier to ride and forgiving of mistakes. They allow beginner riders to focus on learning technique and developing skills, rather than controlling the horse.
6. Ride Without Stirrups
Riding without stirrups aims not only to improve balance but also the seat and leg strength. Without stirrups, you are forced to use your leg muscles in a completely different way, which greatly affects your riding technique. It allows you to lengthen your leg and properly position your pelvis in the saddle. This way, you will develop an independent seat, allowing for more precise use of aids.
7. Ride Many Horses
It’s no secret that different horses have different personalities, temperaments, and react differently to aids. Therefore, riding various horses can significantly accelerate your riding progress. It’s an excellent way to develop a seat and improve reaction speed. This way, you will learn to adapt to different styles and needs of the horse.
8. Practice Other Sports
Strengthening and stretching exercises are a fantastic complement to equestrianism. Muscle endurance affects your stability in the saddle and the ability to maintain a correct seat while riding. Basically, any activity will help strengthen your muscles: gym training, cycling, or swimming. Stretching exercises and increasing joint mobility such as yoga and pilates are also recommended.
It’s worth including both strength exercises and those that focus on flexibility in your training plan. You will benefit from this both in the stable and outside of it, leading a healthier and more active lifestyle.
9. Watch Other Riders
Watching the rides of other experienced riders on video platforms is an invaluable tool in the development process. Nowadays, in the age of the internet, access to various materials from competitions, clinics, and training sessions is within reach. Observing other riders during their performances gives you the opportunity to understand different techniques and styles.
10. Read Books
Equestrian literature is a treasure trove of information on riding theory, horse psychology, training, and many other aspects related to this passion. Well-written books on equestrianism, authored by experienced instructors and experts in this field, help in understanding complex issues related to riding. They often contain explanations and illustrations that make it easier to understand techniques, principles, and concepts.
Summary: Striving for Excellence in Equestrian Sports
In conclusion, we want to emphasize that progress in equestrianism is a key aspect that affects not only your skills in the saddle but also your relationship with your horses. By improving your skills, you positively impact the health and fitness of your mount, creating a harmonious bond between you.
Equestrian goals can be diverse, ranging from recreational training to ambitious sports goals. However, it’s worth remembering that each of us has the potential for continuous development. We have presented ten key steps that will allow you to achieve progress in equestrianism faster. Consistency, training with an experienced trainer, using an intercom, recording trainings, choosing the right horse, riding without stirrups, training on many horses, strength exercises, observing other riders’ rides, and reading equestrian literature – these are the elements that together contribute to success.
Remember that each of these steps can change your approach to equestrianism and accelerate your riding development. Let the passion for horses become not only a source of satisfaction but also a driving force for your continuous development. Striving for excellence in equestrianism is a fascinating journey, with many incredible experiences and achievements awaiting you. Enjoy it and take full advantage of every training session, because in equestrianism, there are no limits on the path to perfection.
