7 Steps to a Better Ride

STEP 2 – EVERYBODY RELAX

By Deborah Hopkins

According to the principles of Classical riding, the first goal of every ride should be establishing a regular and harmonious rhythm. Once you get a good rhythm going, your next objective is relaxation. According to riding coach Peter Hick, mental and physical relaxation helps to keep the horse working.

A relaxed brain allows the horse to concentrate, while relaxed muscles facilitate his physical effort. The loss of relaxation can result in the loss of rhythm! Relaxation is equally critical for the rider. As Hick explains, “The horse can relax when the rider starts to relax. You do it together”. Relaxation and rhythm are interconnected in the warm up stage of your ride. “If the horse starts to get stressed, from his brain, then rhythm helps with relaxation”.

Relaxation can be developed at the walk and rising trot on a loose rein, but always proceed with rhythm in mind. Try incorporating big bending lines and circles, and include transitions between extended and collected steps, and between gaits. The placement of cavaletti poles for more rhythmic trot work, or a pleasant hack out of doors, can also prove useful. Chewing and foam at the mouth are good indicators of relaxation.

Next Post: Step Three – Let’s Talk