Horses are beautiful animals, but also very smart. Riding them requires above all patience and self-control. Sometimes it may even seem that we do everything correctly, and yet we can’t control the horse. Perhaps it is a result of one of the most common mistakes made by riders.
Horses, as other species of animals, can sense the mood of man, and if it is not the best, it can turn against the rider. Beginners very often wonder why the horse doesn’t listen to them. Where is the reason for this? Learn some of the most common mistakes made in the saddle.
The horse’s bad behavior can be caused by several factors. It may be a bad mood, fear or the desire to check how much the horse can afford. You have to react to the horse’s bad habits immediately. The beginning of riding is always difficult – just like any other sport. So don’t be ashamed to ask much more experienced people for help. First of all, during disturbing situations and the horse’s behavior, you should check on whose side the fault lies – the rider’s or the animal’s.
Some mounts are not obedient only because of the awareness that everything is allowed to them. This is why it is necessary to show the horse who is in charge from the very beginning. These animals are used to a hierarchy and the rider becomes part of it. Hence comes the responsibility to make sure that you are at the top of the hierarchy and not at the bottom. Beginners must be very strict in demanding good manners from the mount in the stable. If they won’t be the boss while standing on the ground, they certainly won’t be the boss while riding the horse either. It should also be remembered that simply carrying someone on your back is not the most pleasant thing to do and is against the nature of the animal.
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Published by Pałac Pacółtowo Riding Centre Tuesday, 24 April 2018
In the vast majority of problems with the obedience of the horse are not due to its fault, but to the fault of the rider. Therefore, the analysis of such a state of affairs begins first with one’s own behavior. Mostly, problems arise when we are overconfident. The longer we ride and the more experience we have, the more often we stop noticing mistakes and lose vigilance. Often there are situations when we don’t even consider that we might have done something wrong. However, we must remember that even the most experienced rider makes mistakes and the most important thing is to catch them as soon as possible and then correct them. What are these mistakes?
This mistake is especially noticeable when the horse stumbles or accelerates too much. Holding the reins tightly is a natural human reflex and leather straps give a false impression of control over the horse. Unfortunately, by behaving this way, not only will the horse not learn to ride properly, but you will upset his balance and jerk him around.
Cramping with the knees is the most common reaction of novice riders to the command to hold on to the saddle. This behavior results in not sitting comfortably or optimally. In addition, it causes the rider to stiffen up and not be able to operate properly in the saddle.
During particularly demanding exercises, there are times when riders forget to breathe. Despite appearances, conscious breathing is very important in horseback riding. It allows you to relax and better control your body, so it is worth using special exercises for riders, which take into account the correct execution of inhalation and exhalation.
Some riders pay too much attention to correct posture and are constantly thinking about being as upright as possible. The result is that they become stiff, and this affects their interaction with the horse. In addition, a stiff body is unable to work the aids properly, and the rider feels like they are sitting over the saddle.
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