I coach a wide variety of riders, from complete beginners to competent competitors, so of course I have to adapt my approach to different levels of rider and experience. A wouldn't presume a novice rider would know how to ride a 20m circle, and at the same time if I asked an intermediate rider to leg yield away from the 3/4 line, I would expect them to understand the terminology.
When do riders get to the stage where they have enough knowledge to execute exercises without too much help from their instructor? Is this the cut off between 'novice' and 'intermediate' riders?
I taught a group of young riders recently, a group I wouldn't ordinarily teach. I was told they can walk, trot, canter and jump competently. When we started working on canter during this lesson one of the girls asked 'which corner should I canter in?' I said I didn't mind as long as it was her decision. This surprised me a little, as I presumed that the kids were able enough to choose their own place for a transition.
When do riders get to the stage where they have enough knowledge to execute exercises without too much help from their instructor? Is this the cut off between 'novice' and 'intermediate' riders?
I taught a group of young riders recently, a group I wouldn't ordinarily teach. I was told they can walk, trot, canter and jump competently. When we started working on canter during this lesson one of the girls asked 'which corner should I canter in?' I said I didn't mind as long as it was her decision. This surprised me a little, as I presumed that the kids were able enough to choose their own place for a transition.
When it is appropriate to allow riders, especially children, to make such decisions for themselves? I later told the same group to have a canter each and choose somewhere to ride a 20m circle in the canter. Interestingly, they all chose the same end of the school. This could have been for a number of reasons; they are a close group of friends and so are more likely to imitate one another; they were worried that if they chose their own place to ride a circle that I would say it was wrong; that they didn't fully listen or understand the instructions I gave and played it safe by copying the rider before them. | All riders need the ability to use their own brain & be creative with their planning & execution. |
I believe it was a mixture of these reasons, but more so because they were not used to having the freedom of choosing their own line, and it worried them slightly. I experience similar problems every day with riders on their own horses. I will always ask the rider to warm up on their own without any direction at all from me. It gives me chance to observe what is happening with horse & rider, what has changed since the previous session, and to adapt my session plan if needs be. Before their warm up I encourage them to ride circles, squares, transitions, serpentines, lateral work, as it interests me what different people actually do. The majority will stick to the outside track, worrying about their horse being in an 'outline', or going too fast or too slow. A rein change will consist of a very standard long diagonal, back onto the outside track. It is only when I step in and remind them that they can use their space & ride any shapes, that the more creative part of their brain switches on.
Be brave; use your imagination! Try to break free from 20m circles and long diagonals and be inventive with your schooling sessions. | Creativity seems to be a bit stifled when it comes to riding. When we learn to ride, at riding school or taught by parents or friends, we're told 'this is a 20m circle', 'this is a serpentine', 'this' is how we change the rein'. It's all very set in stone and rigid. Of course we need certain movements to execute a dressage test, but that doesn't mean we can only stick to these routines during our day to day riding. If you're looking to improve your straight lines & corners, ride a square. If you want your horse more off your leg, leg yield away from the track in trot and ask for counter canter. Throw in some curve balls to keep your horse's attention on you, keep them guessing what your next move might be; it'll make your schooling sessions more enjoyable & rewarding. |