It seems as though everyone is heading back to school right now, so it’s only fitting that you brush up on your own schooling when it comes to riding. While you don’t necessarily have to go back to school, there are some great ways you can improve your riding knowledge on your own.

Attend Clinics

One of the best ways to increase your riding knowledge is to attend a clinic. Clinics give you the chance to learn from top trainers and riders. Even if you can’t ride in a clinic, auditing a clinic can give you a great opportunity to observe and learn.

Ride with Others

Sharing the riding arena with other riders is a good way to learn about your own riding. If you have close friends or riding buddies you trust, get together one day and take turns riding in front of each other. While one person rides, everyone else can tell him or her what they’re observing, both good and bad. This is a great way to identify areas where you may need improvement, especially if a riding lesson isn’t possible at the time.

Use an Online Learning Platform

Technology has changed the way we learn about riding. Did you know that you and your trainer don’t even have to be in the same state for you to get a riding lesson? There are countless training programs which allow you to upload a video of your riding for critique and assistance. Additionally, many disciplines now have subscription services where, for a monthly fee, you can access trainings, lectures and clinics given by top riders in your discipline.

Read Up

Don’t forget the power of good old reading. Subscribing to magazines for your discipline is a great way to stay abreast of the current training knowledge and advancements, and you’re sure to pick up some riding tips along the way. Many top riders have published books on riding, and those can also be an excellent resource.

Watch the Best

If you ever have the opportunity to watch the best of the best riders, do so. There’s probably no better way to learn about riding than to watch great riders ride. Watch to see how great riders sit, use their aides and balance. You’d be surprised by the tips you can pick up through your own observations.

With everyone heading back to school, put one of these methods to use to help improve your own riding knowledge.

Original Source: Back to School: Great Ways to Improve Your Riding Knowledge