Ride Every Horse

I recently read an article named 'Ride Every Horse' the author says that you should ride every horse you are offered, every single horse to help you become a better rider. Now, I don't totally agree with her to be honest. I think there are some horses that just aren't appropriate to the lower level or beginner rider. As your skill set goes up, you can start to ride more and more horses.

Toffin- one of my first x

Now, from the beginning, I have ridden pretty much whatever I can, little ponies, big powerful horses, slow horses, fast horses, cheeky horses and so on. During my first six months or so I rode various horses, but all were forgiving, generally laid back and experienced enough to know what they were doing, even when I had no clue!

As time has gone on, I feel more confident to ride other types, I can control my aids more now. Less inadvertent  leg aids, stiller with my hands and so on. Therefore I feel more confident on the slightly more sensitive horses. That being said, I am still far from a great or even good rider with a totally independent seat. Anything thats really sharp or spooky still wouldn't be any good for me or the horse. Can I sit out a little spook or buck? I would like to think so, can I sit out a bronc or massive spook and bolt- and stay relaxed? No I am pretty sure that I couldn't.

Each horse I ride teaches me something new. This week I have ridden a 14.2 school master and worked on my seat, aids and contact. Next up was my 16hh 5 year old ex racehorse who is working in walk (hamstring injury) and wants to sucker out to the school gate the whole ride who reminds me about outside rein, leg and relaxing my back help improve his walk. Followed by a five year old 13hh pony who is also being used in the riding school and has been misbehaving with the kids, but whom worked as sweet as candy with a nice soft rein and lots of transitions.

I will always be thankful that my friend Jules had me up on such a huge variation of safe horses from the get go. I have no doubt that its improved my riding, but more importantly, its improved my mind and progression towards becoming a 'feeling' and proactive rider.

Signing off for now!

Ride Every Horse Article