30/ MAY 2024 THE RIDER


The Science of how Horses Think & Learn Equitation Essentials.


The hows and whys of a winning riding position.


By Lindsay Grice. Equestrian Canada coach, horse show judge and specialist in equine behaviour.


western, hunter seat or dressage. Why is the classic riding position worth perfecting? There’s logic behind every essential:


spinning or stopping. Simply put, if your horse spooks east, a strong position keeps you from going west.


1. Stability is matter of safety. A secure position in the saddle anchors the rider for jumping,


of Heads up! Heels down! trotting around and around the riding school arena. I acquired the hows of riding in those early years, but my whyswere typically answered with tradition – that’s just the way it’s done. Thinking back, if I’d grasped the reasoning behind the technical skills of riding, I’d have been more motivated to persevere in those drills without stirrups! The essentials of correct rider position cross all disciplines –


I learned the fundamentals of equitation to the repetitive tune


2. Your horse will thank you for going easy on his back. Though horses must adapt to the unpredictability of a novice rider’s weight shifts,


a rider who “makes it look easy” moves less in the saddle- less distracting and annoying to their horse. Researchers now have technology to read all pressures, bumps and shifts a horse


actually feels while being ridden. Dr. Hilary Clayton, researcher in equine and rider biomechanics, says the amount


of force we apply to a horse’s back depends on how we ride and what gait we’re riding. Clayton says that any weight on an equine back can cause hollowing, but you can reduce these risks by not overloading the horse, riding with a soft, balanced seat, and sitting closer to the front of the saddle.


3. The judge will reward a strong, balanced seat. Aside from a low equitation score, an unbalanced seat leads to “weightier” deduc-


tions on the judge’s card. Out-of-sync riding affects your horse’s performance. Horses don’t score as well when riders are left behind over jumps or left behind in reining spins. Flying changes don’t look smooth when the rider is flying around in the saddle. Needless to say, rider floppiness detracts from a harmonious partnership in a rail or flat class. In equitation classes, the judge will assess rider posture, position and effectiveness.


Some riders just try too hard – confusing posing with poise. A rigid or overarched back can’t follow the horse’s movement and absorb shock. There’s a balance between strength and stiffness.


4. A secure seat keeps a lid on mixed messages sent to your horse. A strong yet supple position is a stable foundation from which to communicate with


precision to your equine partner. With less motion in the saddle, your legs and reins can deliver just the right timing and intensity of aids. Having seen the technology used in “equitation science” to quantify signals from rider to horse, I’m more intentional than ever of the signals I convey as I ride. Independent movement of your trunk , arms and legs help you stay in harmony


with the motion of the horse as you communicate. With elasticity in your hip, elbow and knee joints, you’ll avoid surprising your horse with abrupt aids or balancing on his mouth for stability.


minor variations between riding styles. Next month I’ll describe the details of a balanced, effective rider position from head to toe – qualities that earn top marks on my judging score card!


About Lindsay Grice.


havior, Lindsay Grice helps riders solve their “horse puzzles”, sharing keys from the science and research of how horses think and learn. She loves to help riders prepare for competition and just enjoy


to communicate to your equine partner. With less motion in the saddle, your legs and reins can deliver just the right timing and intensity of aids. A rider who “makes it look easy” moves less in the saddle- less distracting and annoying to their horse.


A strong yet supple position is a stable foundation from which


as a freelance coach. She’s taught the science of equine behavior and learning for horse associations, courses for University of Guelph and therapeutic riding facilities. Lindsay judges multiple disciplines and breeds, holding judging certifications with


the process of riding, not just the results! Lindsay enjoys teaching clinics and travelling to Ontario farms


“Is it me or my horse?” Horse show judge, coach, trainer and specialist in equine be-


Equitation, head to toe. English, western and dressage riders share most of the equitation essentials with


an unbalanced seat leads to “weightier” de- ductions than those on the judge’s card. Out-of-sync riding affects your horse’s performance.


• AQHA • Equestrian Canada • Extreme Cowboy • Ontario Working Equitation • OE provincial Hunter/Jumper • OE provincial dressage She loves to share her own insights and stories learned from 25 years as a competitor and horse trainer.


“Why do horses do what they do?” Lindsay says, “In the horse world, our traditions and the evidence sometimes collide. I love to communicate the WHYs behind the HOWs of riding. “Equitation Science” – it makes life better for horses when we speak in a language they understand!”


Niagara agricultural advocate honoured Food & Farming Champion Award presented to Henry Swierenga


April 11, 2024 – (Elora) In front of a large crowd in Elora, Farm & Food Care Ontario (FFCO) presented the annual Farm & Food Care Champion Award today to Henry Swierenga of Niagara. The Food & Farming Champion


Award has been presented annually since 1999, in recognition of an individ- ual or group’s significant commitment to public outreach and support for On- tario’s farming community. The presen- tation was part of the agenda at FFCO’s conference, a day-long program for the Ontario agriculture industry, featuring speakers and collaboration around growing public trust. Henry was nominated by the On-


tario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) in recognition of his continued support and promotion of agriculture, with letters of support submitted by Chris Mullet Koop, President of the Niagara Federa- tion of Agriculture (NFA) and Joanne Fuller of OFA. His award was presented by Bruce Christie, past chair and board member of FFCO, with assistance from Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson.


Henry is described by nominators


as an energetic and enthusiastic sup- porter of Ontario agriculture and food, both through his long career at OFA and through his volunteer work at events in- cluding Breakfast on the Farm, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, the Lin- coln County Fair and Niagara Farm Day. Henry is a dependable presence that makes events like these possible and is currently serving on the organizing com- mittee for the 2025 International Plow- ing Match and Rural Expo in Niagara. In the NFA’s letter of support,


Chris Mullet Koop said, “Henry initi- ated and participated in many agricul- ture education events and projects. In Niagara, Henry was responsible for the production of four award-winning chil- dren’s agriculture videos. He partici- pated and helped organize our annual farm education day at the Lincoln County Fair and continues to help at our Niagara Farm Day in May. Henry is a true advocate of the agriculture industry and, although retired from the OFA, still volunteers in the organization and im- plementation of several agriculture-re-


lated events and programs.” Minister Lisa Thompson said, “It’s a pleasure to recognize a dedicated ad-


vocate like Henry, who has consistently, with OFA and now in retirement, sup- ported initiatives geared towards in-


creasing agriculture & food awareness. Through his ongoing commitment, Henry shines a light on how Ontario’s agriculture and food industry continues to grow, meeting both domestic and global market demand, while promoting the very best of rural communities.” Former colleague Joanne Fuller


added, “We are so lucky to have Henry’s passion, knowledge and experience still advocating for Ontario farmers, which makes him a perfect recipient for the Champion award.” She added, “Henry’s continued commitment shines through when he volunteers for every Breakfast on the Farm that Farm & Food Care or- ganizes. I know when I am signing up to help that Henry will also be there.”


Farm & Food Care Ontario is a


2024 Food & Farming Champion Award to winner Henry Swierenga, alongside the Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture Food & Rural Affairs, and FFCO Chair Crispin Colvin.


Photo caption: L-R Past chair and board member Bruce Christie presents the


coalition of farmers, agriculture and food partners proactively working to- gether to ensure public trust and confi- dence in food and farming. For more information visit, www.FarmFood- CareON.org.


Aside from a low equitation score,


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