Rider Insider: Room for Improvement
What is the first thing you would like to improve on as an equestrian?
October 7, 2013
Working with horses is full of challenges. Even the greatest rider in the world has something to improve upon when it comes to horsemanship skills. After all, perfection is an unattainable goal, but one every rider strives for.
Do you have a long-standing fault that you are determined to fix? Plenty of riders spend years working to stop themselves from jumping ahead of their horses. Others know they need to be more assertive in keeping their horse walking in that final stretch from the trail to the barn. Habits on the ground are sometimes just as hard to fix. Ensuring your horse leads properly at your side rather than allowing him to saunter along behind you could be one goal. Devoting the time to correcting your horse's aggressive feeding-time behavior is another.
Your goal could be something more minor, like fixing your tendency to ride with so-called "piano hands" or allowing your posture to deteriorate into a casual slouch mid-ride. Maybe you just want to be more diligent about putting your tack and gear away after every ride (your barn manager will support this goal.)
As we head into the colder months and look toward 2014, think about what your primary goal as a horseperson is. If you could devote all your energy into fixing one flaw or perfecting one skill, what would it be? Click "Submit a Comment" below and share your thoughts. Some of the editors' favorite responses could be featured in a future issue of Horse Illustrated!
Noble Equine is sponsoring the Rider Insider column in Horse Illustrated with a prize for the selected featured response. This month's prize is a Show Ready Garment Bag. If you'd like to be considered for a prize, make sure to include your contact info in the email field of the comment form (emails will not be publicly displayed.)
Back to Rider Insider >>
Give us your opinion on
Rider Insider: Room for Improvement