Knowing both types of clients whose goals are to become confident trail riders has allowed me to tailor my lessons to involve safety, proficiency and success on the trail. Part of my teaching involves learning how to accomplish “pressure situations." I define pressure situations as anything where you must quickly use seat, legs, hands and balance to accomplish a tight situation safely and proficiently. For me, there is nothing better to teach pressure situations than trail obstacles in an arena.
It seems universal that in a pressure situation fearful riders typically round their backs pulling their bodies forward, somewhat in fetal position. This I attribute to instinct in protecting ones internal organs. Unfortunately, this position is treacherous for balancing on top of a moving animal and is certainly the last place this should be done! Similarly, it seems natural to place a lot of power on the horse’s mouth because of the conditioned response to hit the brakes. However, slamming on the brakes like what happens in a car, throws the rider off balance. The horse reacts to that mouth pressure by backing, spinning or even worse rearing to feel free. Both horse and rider are acting naturally, but spiraling out of control while anxiously looking for the release.
In an arena, filled with obstacles, riders can start with simple objects that create suspicion in themselves or their horse. Here, they become familiar with their fears and their horse’s fear response. In this controlled environment, it’s no longer scary but simply challenging and fun to accomplish the obstacles. It involves practice controlling the shoulders and hips of the horse, as well as the rider controlling his or her position in increasingly difficult pressure situations. With practice, a rider subconsciously will begin to do the un-natural but correct skills that create safety, confidence and a partnership to tackle any situation they encounter on the trail.
Bottom line: Trail riders need education,
well beyond what is elementary, to succeed
at trail riding.
26 / Sport and Trail Magazine
As a trainer of mostly adults with a variety of riding abilities for more than a decade, I can't tell you how many times I have heard the phrase, “I just want to trail ride.” The thought process for this statement often comes after a vacation where beginners and novices can purchase a scenic group ride that they find delightful. This often leads to a dream of horse ownership.
When a person is ready to begin their journey into equestrian life my typical phone call usually starts off with "I don't want to ride around in circles in an arena, I just want to trail ride."
Unbeknownst to most vacationers, horses on a rental string rely on the wranglers and the herd, not the control of the beginner or novice vacation rider. Professional trainers and experienced horsemen and women will tell you rental horses are invisibly relying on the professionals as their herd leader.
Riding a personally owned horse is a whole different deal. In the latter case, the rider must guide and control the horse, even if both are afraid, in a small space with proficiency. On the trail a person can find themselves in a narrow, rocky or even slippery situation which can cause injury to either the horse or rider from guidance by a rider lacking knowledge and experience.
Frequently, I have received phone calls from horse owners saying that they have found themselves afraid to ride because of a fall or a significant lack of control of their horse that have propelled them into a panic situation.
Knowing both types of clients whose goals are to become confident trail riders has allowed me to tailor my lessons to involve safety, proficiency and success on the trail. Part of my teaching involves learning how to accomplish “pressure situations." I define pressure situations as anything where you must quickly use seat, legs, hands and balance to accomplish a tight situation safely and proficiently. For me, there is nothing better to teach pressure situations than trail obstacles in an arena.
It seems universal that in a pressure situation fearful riders typically round their backs pulling their bodies forward, somewhat in fetal position. This I attribute to instinct in protecting ones internal organs. Unfortunately, this position is treacherous for balancing on top of a moving animal and is certainly the last place this should be done! Similarly, it seems natural to place a lot of power on the horse’s mouth because of the conditioned response to hit the brakes. However, slamming on the brakes like what happens in a car, throws the rider off balance. The horse reacts to that mouth pressure by backing, spinning or even worse rearing to feel free. Both horse and rider are acting naturally, but spiraling out of control while anxiously looking for the release.
In an arena, filled with obstacles, riders can start with simple objects that create suspicion in themselves or their horse. Here, they become familiar with their fears and their horse’s fear response. In this controlled environment, it’s no longer scary but simply challenging and fun to accomplish the obstacles. It involves practice controlling the shoulders and hips of the horse, as well as the rider controlling his or her position in increasingly difficult pressure situations. With practice, a rider subconsciously will begin to do the un-natural but correct skills that create safety, confidence and a partnership to tackle any situation they encounter on the trail.
Bottom line: Trail riders need education, well beyond what's elementary to succeed at trail riding.
"I Just Want to Trail Ride"
Reality: Trail riding is College Level. Not Elementary School.
www.DelDiosPeruvians.com
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By Jody Childs
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