Last Updated on August 21, 2023 by Allison Price
You can’t control everything, but good riding is dependent on many factors. To speed up your progress, here are four things you can control.
Pro Carol Metcalf makes it look simple to ride. Although it’s not easy, these four strategies will help you become the best rider possible.
Photo by Alana Harrison
It is easier to ride like a pro if you have lots of natural talent and unlimited funds. What if you don’t have the natural talent or funds to ride like a pro?
Even if you are a normal person, like me and my horsey friends, you can still be a great rider by simply following these four tips.
It’s worth it. You won’t look as elegant or as professional Carol Metcalf ,. Your progress will be amazing, I can assure you.
Here are some tips to help you become the best rider possible:
1. Video’s are priceless. A moving picture is worth a thousand words. You’ll be able to spot the mistakes in your riding if you watch it with a coach or friend.
You may also notice your horse’s weaknesses, such as evasions and responses that are not obvious from the saddle.
You will be amazed at the progress you make in your riding skills by keeping a collection of videos.
2. You don’t need stirrups to warm up. This is a better way to warm up: Do this every time you ride . It can be done while you warm up your horse at the trot, walk, and lope.
It will help you to build your balance, strengthen your independence, and increase your strength and endurance in the saddle.
Promise!
[ Help! Use these dropped-stirrup exercises to help you.
3. Visualize. Greg Ward, Reined cow-horse Hall of Famer, used to observe the riders he liked. He didn’t have an instructor so he learned by watching.
He said Draw good images in your mind, and then just do it as you see it…let the subconscious take control.”
Erin Taormino was the reserve open champion at 2016 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity. She also uses her subconscious to make the most of it. She pictured her perfect fence run and then delivered the clean, fast performance that earned her one the highest ever recorded scores.
These pros had visions to improve their riding. Many others have done the same, and you can too. It’s simple ( it takes some practice) & costs nothing.
It’s worth a look!
[ Training your brain to improve your riding.
4. Consider it light. Start this moment by vowing to be as light and fluid as possible when cueing. Try to apply as little pressure as possible–in your hands and through your legs–and still accomplish the task.
Robin Gollehon is a professional with more than 200 national and world titles to her name. She says riding like this requires conscious effort. You’re dulling the horse’s senses if you don’t put in that effort.
