riding instruction – Horse Listening

How Am I Supposed To Find A New Feel When I Don’t Know What It Feels Like?

I know- that's a long title and totally not recommended for a blog article. But this is a very common and legitimate question. It's also the question I had when I first discovered that "feel" is a thing.

My answer is based only on my experience as a learning rider, and then later, as an instructor trying to teach riders new feels.

I've narrowed it down to three ways that we can learn new feels, whether we're new to riding, or whether we've already developed a wonderful repertoire of feels from years of learning. There's ALWAYS more to learn, and there's ALWAYS more feels.

Let me start by telling you that the way you know a "feel" is good is by listening to your horse. (Honestly, that's where the whole concept of Horse Listening came from for me.) Your horse will tell you. You will know because suddenly, your horse will be smoother, rounder, more energetic, or simply just happier. So while you're questioning what you're doing, or what your instructor is telling you to do... you'll know if you're on the right track because of what your horse tells you in response...

So how can you find a new feel?

1. Keep trying new things on your own, in your own time.

I call these the "freebies", because once in a while we're lucky enough to figure out something new on our own. It does happen.

This is probably what most of us do when we don't or can't have access to an instructor. I bet we've all done it at some point. But in the long run, we realize that it's pretty hard to make any significant changes - simply because we don't know.

When you don't know what you don't know, you end up in this reinventing-the-wheel kind of cycle. You might actually learn new skills that will bring about new good feels, but it will take a long time, many mistakes, and would have probably been learned much quicker and even easier if you had a good instructor.

Now, there is a situation when trying things out on your own is very beneficial, and that's AFTER you've had one or a series of lessons and you want to consolidate your learning. We all need to "practice" and it can often be helpful to make your mistakes on your own, ride more independently, and fine-tune your skills until the next lesson. But you still need the feedback, theory and new challenge over the long term.

2. Learn From An Instructor or Mentor

This is by far the easiest and most time-efficient way to learn anything new.

There are three things that an instructor can do for you:

watch you and let you know what you're actually doing!
give you ideas on new things you can do (teach new skills)
DO IT FOR YOU

I want to talk about the last option a bit.

There is no replacement to finding an instructor, or mentor, who has a schooled horse, or is willing to school YOUR horse, and will let you ride the horse after they have ridden, so that you can feel (at least, to some extent), what something feels like.

Let me give you an example.

When I was learning about flying changes, I needed to learn the aids, the timing, the balance, the body position. If I had tried to do all that with my own horse, we would have gone through many a wreck and discomfort (especially for my horse) through the process. Plus, I bet that I would not have been able to learn the intricacies and details to make me good at changes.

And so, my instructor would let me ride her horse, after she did a few to warm up her horse and get him in the groove, so to speak. And THEN, I'd get on, and basically let him do his thing while I did my best to follow. It was the horse that taught me how to time the aids (well, with lots of tips from my instructor too!). It was the horse that allowed me to find my balance, because he was balanced himself. Wow! You can imagine the many feels from those experiences (it didn't all come at once).

I could never have done that by myself, on my own horse.

And it might have taken years, if at all, to feel all that on a horse that didn't do flying changes to begin with.

Now, if there is no school master, then an instructor could get on your horse, improve something for you, and then let you feel it immediately after. Plus the bonus in this instance is that your horse gets additional training.

3. Lunging Sessions

They're so hard to find in this area of the world! But lunging lessons can teach so much - especially the feels you need to find in your own body.

You might be forever stuck in your canter departures because you repeat the same movements and fall ahead or behind the horse.

If you could find a well-balanced horse, not have to deal with controlling him, and have someone coach you from the ground, you might be able to change your aids significantly over a short period of weeks or months.

What Next?

Finding the feel is just the beginning! It does help a lot to know what it feels like.

But then...

You have to be able to reproduce the conditions that brought about the feel. In this stage, you work on the feel until it becomes easier and more automatic.

And finally,.. you can move on... to a new feel!

If you’d like a structured, but personal tool to set goals, take a look at the Goal Setting for the Equestrian: A Personal Workbook. The pages are designed for you to set and keep track of your progress over the course of a year.

Included in the book:

design your overarching goals
long- and short-term planning,
debrief your special events such as clinics or shows
reflect on, plan and evaluate your goals
sample goals and pages

The Workbook is available for instant digital download so you can print the pages right off your computer. There is also the option of a paperback version if you’d rather have a professionally bound book to hold in your hands.

Click here for more information.

Top 10 Ways to Be A Star (Horse Riding) Student

walking beside — Photo Credit: NBanaszak Photography

You've booked your lesson.

You've paid your money (or will right after the lesson).

You're taking the time and you've spent effort getting your horse ready.

So now you THINK you're ready for the lesson. But think again.

Being a star student in horseback riding is an art in itself. Aside from the many variables (like the weather, distractions, mood of your horse) that might play into your lesson, there are many other factors that are critical to making the ride enjoyable and useful for you, your horse, and yes, even your instructor!

There is no greater pleasure than the one AFTER your lesson, when you can bask in the glow of hard-earned sweat, and reflect longingly on all the feels, aids and balances that you will try to emulate without your instructor's presence over the next week.

In the meantime, take a look-see through this Top-10 list to see how you rate in your Star search!

*P.S. The items on this list assume that you have your own horse and are riding independently, although many could also apply to a riding school situation.*

10. Do Your Homework.

In other words, don't wait until the lesson to finally pull your horse out of the back field. If you know your horse always goes better the day after you ride, ride him the day before your lesson, so he is at his best when your instructor arrives. If you need to give your horse a day off, then ride two days before and let him rest in between. If you haven't worked in a ring for the past month, book your lesson for a day three weeks down the line, after you've had many rides on your own to get him even slightly "legged up."

9. Be On Time.

If you set the lesson for 10am, be groomed, tacked, bridled, helmet on and maybe even in the ring (depending on your instructor's preference) by 10. Don't make her stand around to watch you groom, unless that is part of the lesson. Try to max out your time with her, in the ring!

8. Be Warmed Up.

Some instructors like to teach through the warm-up. But at some point, you will likely have developed a solid enough routine that you can go ahead and warm up before your instructor arrives. You don't have to run your horse off his feet, but if you know your horse takes 20 minutes to just begin to loosen up, do that before your lesson. Even if your lesson ends up going a bit shorter, the warmed-up horse will be ready to go (as will you) and again, you can get the most value for your time.

7. Park Your Ego at the Gate.

This one can be tough. We all have insecurities and fear factors that are difficult to let go of in the face of even constructive criticism. Letting go of your ego must be learned just as any riding skill you attempt. Try, try again, and do your best to not let your feelings interfere with your ride. Let your instructor do and say what she thinks will benefit you the most. Otherwise, you'll get lots of sugar coating and no results.

6. Think Later.

I guarantee that most of us think too much while we are riding. Although thinking seems to be necessary when you are reprogramming your body to do new things, it is a hindrance when we are trying to move in tandem with a horse. Things happen too quickly for you to have the time to think, send messages back and forth through your body, and then hope for a good result. So think as little as possible and do as much as possible. Save your thinking and questions for when you are on the ground, before or after the lesson. In the meantime, put every ounce of your energy into focusing on your aids and your horse.

5. Don't Stop Riding.

This happens all the time and seems counter-intuitive to learning. As soon as we are challenged with a new concept, we stop the horse, drop the reins, sit flat and begin to consider. Which is exactly what the horse doesn't need. Imagine that your instructor is telling you something that is relevant for that second. And if you don't ride it out, you miss the opportunity to learn. Not only that, once you stop, your horse thinks he's gone on vacation (and so does your body) and you lose all the tone and balance you worked so hard to achieve.

So - keep riding, even if you are grappling with a thought (see #6) and don't really know what to do.

4. Respond Quickly.

Many riders go round and round and round, seemingly oblivious to their instructor's suggestions. So, for example, your instructor sees a good opportunity for you to get your horse into a balanced canter, out of the trot, in just that particular corner, in that particular time frame (which is usually only seconds). She tells you to canter. And you don't. But you trot on, past the corner, past the next corner, and then, finally, step into your first canter stride on the straight line.

Although you did get the canter, your horse is now on his forehand, strung out and struggling to take that first stride from the hind end. The straight line was not a help to your horse, which was exactly why your instructor asked for it in the corner! 😉

Let's say your instructor didn't give you enough time to prepare for the corner. Maybe her instructions were a little later than you needed them to be. What then?

Canter as soon as possible after the moment. Or, make a sharp turn, head right back to the set-up area, and attempt the corner again. No need to worry, just do it.

3. Listen, Try and Trust.

These three qualities may take a long time to develop if you don't do them intuitively on your own. But let's face it - you are asking someone to teach you what they know. So of course, it's important to listen to what they say, even if you don't agree at the moment. Then, give it a try. Trust that they are here to get the best out of you, and have your best interests in mind. If you get to a point that you cannot do these three things, maybe it's time to find another instructor.

2. Make A Change.

The best students have enough skill and gumption (is that a word?) to make a difference in their horse, based on what their instructor is saying. So if she wants you to get your horse to use his hind end, then do it. If you think you already did it, but your horse doesn't respond, do it again! Or do something else. Or pop in a half-halt and then use your seat and leg again. In any case, make something happen. It might not be the right change, but do something. Then you can fine-tune the horse's response.

1. Stop Talking and RIDE!

Hands up if you are one of those riders that talks while they ride (my hand is up)! When your instructor is in the ring, don't! Instead, listen, try, do, do again, change something... focus all your energy on your own body and the horse. Then talk about it after the ride or through the walk breaks.

Trust me, this list is based on personal experience! Although I've taken lessons for more years than I can count, I have to admit that each of these points take time to actually learn to do well. But every one of them is worth the effort, and makes your lesson experience more positive, more educational, and most importantly, more beneficial for your horse.

Because he is the one that matters most!

Do you have something to add to this list? Post in the comments below!

Horse Listening – Book 2: Forward and Round to Training Success

From Horse Listening Book 2: Forward And Round To Training Success

"Regardless of discipline, what would be the most significant effect a rider would want to have on her horse?

We all want our horses to improve in their athletic

development, skill acquisition and connectedness. Much of our rider development and training efforts go into working toward our show or personal goals....

But the best riders aspire to do one essential thing each and every day, regardless of goals and lesson plans: they work hard to improve their horse’s way of going. Because proper balance and weight carriage is essential to a horse’s longevity. Each and every minute of each and every ride has the potential to contribute to your horse’s health and well-being.

Or not."

Just as with all the Horse Listening Collection Books, this book is focused on helping the rider improve for the sake of the horse. But this book goes deeper into the best training articles from the blog - horse-centered theory, strategies and ideas you can try with your own horse.

The book begins with the horse's hind end (!), considers the horse's back, moves on to rider development, and fills it all in with the fundamentals of horse riding so your horse can be:

happier in his body

happier in his "work"

better balanced all-around

Click here for more information:

Available as an eBook or paperback.

6 Ways to Unleash the Power of Your Riding Seat

Horse Listening - Horses riding life — Photo Credit: NBanaszak Photography

First, there are hands and legs. When we learn to ride, we tend to guide the horse primarily through the use of our hands, then through our legs. Rein aids and leg aids reign supreme (pun intended!): left rein here, right rein there, inside leg, outside leg... you know the routine.

And without a doubt, it is essential to learn the use of hands and legs to achieve a basic sense of control of the horse - it is not always a pleasant experience to have a spirited equine expressing his enthusiasm while you hang on for dear life!

As you become more subtle in the aiding process, you will begin to discover just how powerful the seat can be.

As time goes on, however, you begin to develop a sense for the horse's balance, for the energy that moves through the body, and for the 'release' that the horse can achieve given the opportunity. You begin to develop 'feel' through your seat.

When is the horse lifting/dropping his back? When are the hind legs underneath the body? How much energy is needed to allow just enough 'forward' for the horse to reach but not so much that he will fall to the forehand? As you become more subtle in the aiding process, you will begin to discover just how powerful the seat can be in guiding the horse without disturbing and interfering in his movement.

1. Find Your Seat.

Get yourself a good instructor that knows how to teach the finer points of using the seat during riding. There are a lot of people who use their seat effectively but for one reason or another, cannot seem to be able to explain well enough to break it down into achievable skills. You must learn how to activate your seat bones, and differentiate between using the seat versus weight aids.

Getting control of the "inner" components of the seat will take time and perseverance as this is likely not a typical movement that you're used to. Look at it as a 2-year goal - one that takes thousands of repetitions to master. Lunging on a reliable, rhythmical school horse might be on the menu in order to allow you to free your lower back, hips and thighs enough to begin to feel the physical requirements of using your seat.

Know that it is extremely worthwhile to put that much effort into the skill acquisition, as everything, including your balance, revolves around an effective use of the seat.

2. Develop Effective Half-halts.

The seat is a key component to a half-halt. Without the seat, your half-halt is about as effective as a pull from your hand, or a kick from the leg. Neither aids really help the horse in rebalancing, which is the ideal result desired from the half-halt. Use your seat to keep your horse "with" you - brace your lower back to rebalance the horse's momentum and weight to the hind end.

Use your seat bones laterally to allow half-halts to effect one side only (horse leaning on one side, or drifting through a shoulder) and alternately, use diagonal half-halts (inside seat bone to outside supporting rein) to encourage better use of the hind end by the horse.

3. Free Your Seat to Free the Horse's Back.

Encourage your horse to move 'forward' - rather than use your legs to kick a horse onward, use your seat to encourage the more balanced sense of being 'forward'. In the trot, you can follow along with the horse in a more giving way through your entire seat, opening on the "up" phase of the posting trot (without actually posting). Your seat has the power to encourage the horse to "step through" with his hind legs and develop a lovely rhythmical swinging of the back that will allow for a willing and supple response to your aids.

4. Transition From the Seat.

Rather than using your hands for a downward transition, or your legs for an upward transition, use your seat as the "root" to the transition - either upward or downward. Move your seat into the next gait (even if it is a downward transition) and expect the horse to respond almost entirely off your seat aid. Use hands/legs only if absolutely necessary, after you applied the seat aid.

5. Change Directions.

Did you know that you can allow a horse to turn smoothly and in balance simply from a seat aid? Your hands work on keeping the horse straight through the turn, and your seat works to turn the horse from his middle. Soon you will be free from "steering" the horse with your hands. Eventually, the horse will appear to read your mind because the aids will become incredibly subtle and shared only between you and your horse. The only visible result will be the lack of fuss and a total unison in movement.

6. Stop! (No Hands Needed!)

After a series of half-halts, it will only take your seat to stop the horse's legs. Simply stop moving and "halt" with your seat. Remember to keep your legs on as the horse still needs to complete the halt by bringing his legs underneath him. Your thought process could go like this: "bring your (hind) legs under, bring your legs under, bring your legs under, halt." It will work every time, guaranteed!

The above ideas are just the beginning. Use your seat to do lateral work, half-passes, flying changes and even pirouettes. The more you learn about and activate your seat, the more you will discover about the incredible power of the seat.

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Would you like to be the rider that all horses dream of?

By following simple, useful exercises, you will be able to develop a better understanding about many topics including:

- the rider’s aids

- the use of the seat

- the half-halt

- accurate turns and circles

- transitions

- horse ownership and horse care

- goal setting for the rider

- rein lameness

… and much more!

Available as an eBook or paperback.

Horses. Riding. Life.

Tag: riding instruction

How Am I Supposed To Find A New Feel When I Don’t Know What It Feels Like?

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Top 10 Ways to Be A Star (Horse Riding) Student

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Horse Listening – Book 2: Forward and Round to Training Success

6 Ways to Unleash the Power of Your Riding Seat

As you become more subtle in the aiding process, you will begin to discover just how powerful the seat can be.

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding