MARCH/APRIL 2013 THE RIDER /47


Ten Habits of Competent Riders


We can all think of a rider we know that seems to always do well, has calm, happy horses, and steadily improves their horse’s physical and mental state in an almost effortless manner. We watch and admire from afar, but in fact, we can all stand to learn from their regular habits and “way of being” in order to develop our own horse riding mantra.


What characteristics do competent riders have in common that makes them impressive to watch, develop their riding skills and become role models for others to emulate?


1. Persistence: Good riders will try and try again. They are com- fortable in knowing that there will be days where there is one step forward and two steps back. There is no rush, no need for acco- lades from others. They know that there will be more rides, more days, and the slow and steady approach always wins the (horse) race.


2. Open-mindedness: Good riders know there is something to be learned from everyone, even if to discover why not to do some- thing. They are the ones who read books written by the great as well as contemporary riders. They study, watch, imitate and finally develop their own style. These riders are not discipline racist, and are always aware that good riding is good riding is good riding, regardless of the saddle or style.


3. Patience: Good riders wait to reap the rewards. They know that even if something falls apart today, there will be more days to come and small steps even backward are more beneficial than quick fixes or shortcuts. They break down large goals into small, achievable steps, celebrating the small accomplishments. They know the path well enough to be satisfied with where they are at the moment.


4. Quitting: This may seem counter-intuitive, but good riders quit while they’re ahead. They ride for short periods of time to their highest ability and then call it a day. They do not worry over meeting goals and expectations now. They know that even if they did not accomplish their immediate goals, there are more days to come and more moments to practice. Rather than grilling and


humility in the quest for constant self-improvement. They take risks and expose their skills for others to watch in clinics or riding lessons. They evaluate their own skills by analyzing videos or pic- tures of their own rides. They realize that they need to develop as much as the horse does in order to meet their highest potential as a pair.


7. The Big Picture: Good riders enjoy the “work” and the path as much as they do the goal achievement. They know that each day and each step is as important as the other and is a natural progres- sion in development. They can recognize the mini-steps that devel- op into grand results in the long run.


8. Role Models: Good riders know good riding when they see it and seek to surround themselves with those who will not only help them improve on a riding level, but also on a more personal and inspirational level as well. They find people they want to imitate and model their own efforts around the aspects they admire. 9. Problem Solving: Good riders can trouble-shoot through prob- lems to come to gratifying solutions. They have many tools in their “tool boxes” and know there is more than one way to approach a situation. They are always keen to try new things and learn from new people and sources.


drilling themselves and their horse, they seem to intuitively know when enough is enough.


5. Effectiveness: Good riders seek maximum effectiveness with minimum harm. They make every step count, and they resist over- riding the horse for the sake of performance. They put in the sweat and effort required to develop their riding skills to a level that can be useful to the horse. They tend to get off their horses’ backs once their goals are accomplished. They constantly keep their horse’s well being in mind through their whole ride. 6. Self-Improvement: Good riders regularly seek to upgrade their riding skills and general horse education. They seek lifelong learn- ing and know that there is no end to learn- ing when it comes to horseback riding. They are willing to spend time, money and


10: Horse Listeners: Good riders are expert horse listeners! They are sensitive to the feedback from their horses and adjust their responses accordingly. They identify the root of the riding prob- lem and develop the basics before they expect more advanced work. Rather than sticking to their own predetermined program, they respond easily and effectively to their horses’ needs. It’s as simple as that! :-)


Bio: Kathy Farrokhzad is an EC coach and writer of the blog, Horse Listening. If you liked what you read here, check out her blog at www.horselistening.com for more articles about horses, riding and life in general.


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