September's entry was about the practice of technique, which is so fundamentally important in learning how to ride a horse. Practicing equitation should always be challenging, but can sometimes seem boring. The social media campaign of 'No Stirrup November' comes to mind as an effort to motivate riders to keep working in the off season.
To me, as much as technique will make a rider, or not, so will attitude. The absolute pinnacle of this idea is Para Dressage. 2016 was an Olympic year, and I searched out some performances:
To me, as much as technique will make a rider, or not, so will attitude. The absolute pinnacle of this idea is Para Dressage. 2016 was an Olympic year, and I searched out some performances:
In judging dressage, one only looks to the rider when there are issues with how the horse is going. The horses above simply flow, loosely swinging and relaxed, steadily connected to their riders. Anyone can see how some of these riders are profoundly affected by their conditions, and I feel the same humble appreciation for their talent as I do while watching any skilled rider at work. So, what about their technique?
Here's a sincere look behind the scenes of British Para Dressage:
Here's a sincere look behind the scenes of British Para Dressage:
Bond, Harmony, Partnership, Team. You can throw all your technique out the window and stay in bed if you're not interested in the relationship with your animal, and with the people who helped put you up there. I noted that British Para Dressage has experienced real growth in the last few years, which is rare in this industry, but probably not a coincidence.
In trying to foster these ideals in students, I must first lead by example.
If you're a real reader, here are some thoughts and references from top coach William Micklem on the idea of 'both effort and delight' in equestrian sport:
http://eventingnation.com/william-micklem-on-the-subject-of-happiness/
http://eventingnation.com/william-micklem-more-thoughts-on-the-subject-of-happiness/
In trying to foster these ideals in students, I must first lead by example.
If you're a real reader, here are some thoughts and references from top coach William Micklem on the idea of 'both effort and delight' in equestrian sport:
http://eventingnation.com/william-micklem-on-the-subject-of-happiness/
http://eventingnation.com/william-micklem-more-thoughts-on-the-subject-of-happiness/
So, drop your stirrups for a few minutes in your next ride if you like, but maybe also call a friend for lunch, write a thank you card to someone who helps you do what you love, and consider something your horse really likes, and do that for him. Things like this are much easier than attaining that perfect position!
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