Using complex terminology for a more novice rider isn't a frequent occurrence for me, but recently I have been conducting a few experiments using some unsuspecting clients from riding schools & during my private sessions. (Just to clarify, I use the term 'novice rider' for someone still learning the basics, ie. walk, trot and canter, balance and a basic riding position. An intermediate rider has learnt these basics, is starting to jump & learn some lateral movements, whilst improving the basics and their position. An advanced rider is competent in all gaits & over a fence and is looking to improve their horse's way of going through their position & influence over the horse.) |
My unsuspecting candidates included a completely novice rider (Rider N1) learning rising trot, a novice rider (Rider N2) just learning to canter and improve her position in the trot, two intermediate riders (Riders I1 & I2) who's confidence needs a boost, and two advanced riders (Riders A1 & A2) with their own horses. This experiment has lasted approximately 6 weeks with some rather interesting results.
Even advanced riders need an explanation of some terms used during day to day riding, and everyone needs to understand why and how these terms are executed. | I started by throwing in the term "use your seat" whilst my selected clients were trotting to see what their reactions were. Rider N1 looked at me blankly and slowed down to a walk before plucking up the courage to ask me what I meant. Rider N2 exaggerated her rising in the trot by throwing her hips forward with such gusto that her legs starting swinging around like pendulums. Rider I1 asked me immediately what I meant, whilst rider I2 didn't change a thing about their riding, vaguely hoping I wasn't fully focusing on them. Rider A1 went into a sitting trot, whilst rider A2 asked me 'what do you want me to do with my seat'? |
Looking back now what I did was actually rather cruel. The novice riders had little or no idea what I was talking about as they wouldn't have come across the phrase 'use your seat' before. With the intermediate riders I half expected their reactions, although the rider who changed nothing did make me chuckle, as they should know by now that nothing slips past me! Rider A1 completely took me by surprise, whilst I was expecting rider A2's response. I admit, I had fun blurting out little phrases that were so vague that anything could have happened, just to see how they all reacted.
I explained what I meant to each rider using the same definition and demonstration. After sending them back out again to repeat whatever exercise they had just been attempting to see if 'using their seat' could make a difference;
N1 physically found it extremely difficult due to her lack of balance & suppleness
N2 understood the concept but her rising was still very exaggerated
I1 managed to influence her ride using her seat almost immediately, having to use less leg & rein
I2 struggled to use more seat to control the pace, but could easily lighten her seat & suggest a direction of movement
A1 complained that it made her legs ache...!
A2 tried hard, but due to the sharpness of her horse she would often resort back to relying on the rein to contain a pace, resulting in arguments.
I explained what I meant to each rider using the same definition and demonstration. After sending them back out again to repeat whatever exercise they had just been attempting to see if 'using their seat' could make a difference;
N1 physically found it extremely difficult due to her lack of balance & suppleness
N2 understood the concept but her rising was still very exaggerated
I1 managed to influence her ride using her seat almost immediately, having to use less leg & rein
I2 struggled to use more seat to control the pace, but could easily lighten her seat & suggest a direction of movement
A1 complained that it made her legs ache...!
A2 tried hard, but due to the sharpness of her horse she would often resort back to relying on the rein to contain a pace, resulting in arguments.
Despite not having direct contact with the saddle, am I still using my seat to control my horse?
Over the next 6 weeks (each client was having weekly sessions with me) we worked on using the seat, how to use it, how to improve it & why it is important. 5 out of the 6 riders grasped the concept, understood it & tried their very hardest to use it correctly. Only one rider seemed uninterested due to her finding it so difficult and frustrating, but we persevered, and eventually her usual ride became more manageable & forward going. The novice and intermediate riders found it improved their balance, posture and execution of exercises. Both the advanced riders saw extreme results in their horses & their own ability, making their schooling sessions much more pleasurable.
Back in week 1 of this experiment, following me saying to each rider "use your seat" and observing what they did (or didn't) do, I afterwards asked them what they thought I meant. N1 had no idea and admitted so. N2 thought she had to push the horse forward with her hips. I1 had no idea. I2 thought it might mean pushing yourself into the saddle more. A1 had the same idea as I2. A2 knew she had to do something with her seat, but she wasn't sure what. After an in depth explanation none of them had realised that they could actually steer, go up & down the gears and control the length of stride by using their seat, they all believed that the majority of it came from the hand & the leg. | If your trainer is vague with their directions & instruction, your aids will also be vague for your horse, causing confusion. Ask for clarity on the matter & translate it for your horse! |
Throwing around vague phrases such as 'use your seat', 'outside rein' or 'correct your posture' can not only cause confusion for the rider but certainly for the horse. As a rider we are a translator from human speak to equine understanding, & we must be clear in what we are trying to say to our rides, but in return your instructor must also be black & white in what they want you to do. No question is a stupid question - if you're uncertain, ask!
(To all of my unsuspecting victims of this experiment - thank you for unknowingly taking part & being so open so my unorthodox approach on this matter in particular. And apologies for the aching legs - but as I always say, it's a good ache!)
(To all of my unsuspecting victims of this experiment - thank you for unknowingly taking part & being so open so my unorthodox approach on this matter in particular. And apologies for the aching legs - but as I always say, it's a good ache!)