“Ten Tools For The Successful Rider’s Toolbox”
(Listeners’ Choice)
By Popular Demand we have re-published this episode. Each weekend we are choosing the most listened to and commented on episodes for you to enjoy.
This interview was previously published in 2018 Anne Battley 2 (369)
About Anne
– If you would like to know more about Anne then listen to her previous chats
First Chat (090) Anne Battley
Listeners Chat (274) Anne Battley LC
About This Episode
“Ten Tools For The Successful Rider’s Toolbox”
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“Ten Tools for the Successful Rider’s Toolbox “
To be successful in the highly competitive Equestrian Sports world today it is not as simple as buying “The Perfect Horse”
The more Tools you have in your “Equine Tool Box” the better equipped you are to handle situations as they arise.
You can choose to be an “Ordinary Rider” or an “Extraordinary Rider”. The only difference being the Extraordinary Rider is prepared to do That Little Bit Extra to ensure a successful partnership with their horse. Of paramount importance is selecting the Correct Tools for their Tool Box.
I am not referring to the latest gadget or a different bit.
1) Become a Horseman Not Just a Rider.
– A horseman is someone who understands the characteristics & behaviour of the horse & can work with the horse to cause him to think & act in certain ways.
– A Horseman can bring out the Potential of the horse using a harmonious connection & unity based on mutual trust & understanding.
– Putting it simply we have to think like a horse.
– Learn to approach our training with the horse’s psychology in mind.
– We are in the Age of Instant ….and a lot of new riders today make a decision to ride and have the finances available to buy a trained horse…unfortunately they have not learnt the basic skills to train the horse…more often than not it leads to trouble as it doesn’t take the horse long to realise their new rider is not a Leader and frustration, confusion and resistance can result. This may be the faster option but is not the best one in the long run.
2) Control of Your Horse.
– This is essential if you are to be safe around them.
– Well, if you observe horses together you see they control each other’s movements by pressure & release….It’s a “Game” where the winner will be the one who controls the other & moves his feet the least.
– Simply Put: He who moves his feet first loses.
– The feet are connected to the horses mind so by controlling footfall you can establish dominance (alpha mare) & you Become The Leader.
3) Self Control
– Before you can control your horse you need to control your own emotional state.
– Horses are very perceptive…you can’t fool a horse and they can read your body language better than you can imagine. Anger & a bad attitude can have no place in training your horse. Never Ever discipline your horse in anger. Most aggressive control is born out of Fear or Frustration on the part of the human….the key to changing this is Knowledge.
4) Increase Your Equine Knowledge
– The more knowledge you have about the horse the better equipped you will be to keep your horse relaxed & healthy, train him and ride him safely & effectively.
– Learn about nutrition- it is very easy to over feed & under work a horse which can result in behaviour problems.
– Learn about herd behaviour & the mechanics of the horse’s movement.
– Immerse yourself in Horse Psychology & Horse Physiology.
5) Leadership & Alpha Dominance
– Leadership, communication, respect & partnership all start from the ground first.
– Horses & humans couldn’t be more different.
– Horses are prey animals – Perfectly evolved for survival with fabulous flight instinct.
– Your horse sees you as the predator a good visual is A “Spotted Leopard”
– Our natural instinct when something goes wrong on the horse are all wrong…we quickly turn into that spotted leopard in the horse’s mind.
– How your horse behaves on the ground will give you an idea of what you will get when you are riding.
– Horses are motivated by something They Think is in their interests- so the key to good training is knowing How to create the kind of motivation your horse needs to be willing to do exactly what you ask of them.
6) Ground Work
– This is hugely beneficial both for the mental & physical development of the horse & improves rider co-ordination.
– Groundwork is the foundation on which to build all the aids….you then can fine tune when you are riding.
– It establishes trust & confidence in your leadership & therefore security for your horse.
– You have to learn how to be effective in communicating your message with your horse.
– You want a relaxed, responsive & willing partner before you mount.
7) Essential to have an Independent Seat
– Without it you can never ride in balance & harmony with your horse.
– When a rider has taken the time to achieve an independent seat it means they are able to connect continuously to the horse’s movement & remain in balance without support of the rein contact.
– Importantly it means the rider has independent control of their seat & leg position & are able to time the aids correctly.
– Being lunged will improve your balance & timing. Exercises without stirrups or reins.
– Independent Seat & Independent Hands = Happy & Relaxed Horse. On the other hand
– Unbalanced riders have unbalanced hands they are unable to time their aids properly which leads to a confused horse which leads to resistance.
8) Personal Rider Fitness
-To become “Rider Fit” you need to ride.
– To be able to connect to your horse & follow its movements in walk, trot & canter you have to be flexible- supple in hips & back.
– You need to have good core strength.
– You need to be healthy & energetic.
– Most of all you need to be relaxed on your horse.
9) Reward Often (one of the most important tools)
– For the horse pressure can be seen as punishment & lightness as the reward.
– The horse moves away from the slightest pressure…the pressure is removed = Freedom to the horse.
– When we are riding your horse will really appreciate the reward of a loose rein & the opportunity to stretch his back muscles between exercises well done…you can do this in walk, trot & canter.
– When working on the bit you can reward your horse & give the rein for a few strides.
– When done correctly your horse will not lose line or direction nor impulsion nor change their rhythm.
– From a soothing word or an encouraging word to a juicy carrot treat.
– Reward clearly & often.
– Every lesson must end on a good note & sometimes ending the lesson early is a great reward.
– One of the most important decisions you need to make is knowing when to end the lesson.
And the last but not least tool is to:
10) Find Yourself a Mentor and or Coach
– We all need help.
– Find someone you aspire to be like & admire.
– Seek out a person who has an amazing partnership with their horses.
– A good Mentor can be a great benefit.
– Your Coach needs to be a positive like minded person who can help you in your journey.
– Constructive Criticism & Positive Feedback are Essential.
– Your Coach can help you set up & achieve your Short & Long Term Goals.
– They will teach you to develop the “Technical Skills” required. It‘s important to Know How to do something
– Why you are doing it
– Which Aids are correct & When to apply them
– Most of all you have to enjoy the journey of being a rider.
Time Stamps
01:23 – Background & Introduction
02:29 – 1) Become a Horseman Not Just a Rider.
04:10 – 2) Control of Your Horse.
05:14 – 3) Self Control
06:24 – 4) Increase Your Equine Knowledge
07:50 – 5) Leadership & Alpha Dominance
09:20 – 6) Ground Work
10:28 – 7) Essential to have an Independent Seat
12:15 – 8) Personal Rider Fitness
13:32 – 9) Reward Often
16:17 – 10) Find Yourself a Mentor and or Coach
18:09 – 101 Horsemanship Exercises
19:00 – Contact: see details below
Anne’s Contact Details
Phone: 08 9884 5245 or +61 8 9884 5245
Email: battley@reachnet.com.au
Website: www.harmonyhorsemanship.com.au
Facebook: Anne Battley or Anabat
Book Reference:
101 Horsemanship Exercises by Rio Barrett
Music
BenSound.com
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