Instructors want to develop physically skillful riders, thinking riders, and aware riders; riding should be taught with a holistic approach taking into account the 3 domains of learning: psychomotor, cognitive, and affective. As with any sport, riders need pre-requisite skills that form the foundation for more complex skills. Riders can be systematically developed and it is our job as teachers of riding to continually search for ways to teach more effectively and help students attain their goals as riders working in partnership with their horses, no matter what level they desire to attain or sport in which they choose to participate.
Horse and rider, Universo and Chloe, trotted to a halt in front of me, both breathing hard, Universo bumped me with his nose for a peppermint treat and a smile burst out on Chloe’s face as the words tumbled out . . . “I felt magnetized to my horse. When I lifted my hips, it felt like his hips lifted with mine. I am used to me bouncing along with him, but this time I felt his back under me, so there wasn’t a bounce!”
...Part of the instructor role is to adequately prepare both the rider and horse for success. Make sure that your student has the building blocks in place so that they are able to try new exercises with confidence and success.
Read MoreIdeally, the leg from the hip down, should be moving in concert with the horse. This might look as if the leg is quiet. It might also look as if the leg is moving as much as the horse is moving, whether at first level or with the cadence of a collected trot at Prix St. George. The leg movement that follows the horse movement is what gives the appearance of a quiet leg. The rider’s leg is actually not still; it has to have motion, but the motion has to be in concert with the horse,...
Read MoreOne of the fundamental skills in riding is the application of leg aid. The student has to learn the basics of how to apply the leg aid at all 3 gaits. In rising trot, once the student can follow the motion with relaxation in balance with the horse, and identify the diagonal pair of legs when rising or sitting, it is an easy progression to learn the types and timing of the leg aid.
Read MoreRider Development. What are the stages that you go through as a rider? Physical acquisition of skills. Cognitive understanding of theory. Emotional stages as you overcome fear, learn discipline, and find joy riding horses. Share with me your development as a rider. Come with me on my journey as a dressage rider.
