Why learn to ride?

Why learn to ride? This is the first sentence I read from Captain Holmelund’s book ‘The Art of Horsemanship’. Again, these words stand out. Why learn to ride? That got me pondering. How many rider’s, no matter their level of riding, are actually learning or still learning to ride? With the ever growing number of riders I think it’s fair to say that not half will take the time to learn to ride. By this, I mean, that they are able to keep their weight forward in the saddle and stay over the horse’s movement. Secure in the saddle and so, in control over their mount. 

Now, I have to be honest here, I was also a rider that wasn’t accomplished (and still striving towards the ideal), to ride before owning my first pony, and not the ideal situation either! He was a 4 year old and we both began our education together which involved a lot of confusion and heartache on both parts. Why? I was not in a position to actually ride him. I was just a passenger with no control over myself or him. In my favour, I was determined to improve and to learn and that I did. Twenty years later I am a teacher in my own right, helping people to learn how to ride. I like to be thorough with the basics which is so overlooked in the rider’s education. I know I am not the first or the last to begin this way, but if I can stress the importance of learning to ride, it will help a lot of riders and their horses to take pleasure and delight in riding. 

Horse riding has the illusion that it is easy. Easy when they are on a tired riding school horse, this leads them into a false sense of security that they are able to ride. It’s growing more common for novice and beginner riders to buy their own horse and here is where the illusion is shattered, the problems arise and it’s not so easy as was once thought. 

There is also the other end of the spectrum, riders that have been riding for years that never really had lessons, it was the norm, ‘back in the day’ to just get on and do it. So here is the second issue, rider’s who have a relatively ‘secure’ position through gripping, not through good posture or balance. What is in their favour is they realise, as they get older, that they no longer feel as secure as they once did and want to relearn how to ride. 

What we need to remember is that we rider at our own risk, no one else’s. It is our sole responsibility to ensure that we are in the safest position to control our horse. If we are not, the horse will have the control and this can be dangerous. Even the most docile horse is not immune from falls or stumbles or even fright. Falls can be avoided by taking the time to learn how to ride.

“… the ignorant rider will never know what makes riding the most fascinating of sports. He will never experience the heady exhilaration that comes only with perfect control of the power, spirit, and courage that a good horse displays to those who understand him. 

Most people take pride in looking their best under all circumstances. Why shouldn’t this be true on the bridle path? It is perhaps fortunate that most Sunday riders are blissfully ignorant of how funny they look.” Capt. Holmelund

It is this ignorance to their appearance that is part of the problem, these riders sadly know no better. Why? 

I see and hear comments about how they want to ride like Charlotte Dujardin - what is stopping them? They lack the determination involved to try and get themselves to that standard of riding. They accept themselves as they are. This applies to a general number of riders. Fortunately,  there are some who are determined to work on their position. This isn’t enough. 

Although it may have the appearance of simplicity, riding is a demanding sport. Those willing to put the work in will be rewarded in mind and body. If you have curiosity and intelligence from the beginning, you will never lose interest in riding and will be given ample pleasure and benefits. 

“From the horse’s point of view the difference between an educated rider in the saddle and an ignorant one is the difference between pleasure and play and tormented slavery.” 

Capt. Holmelund

The horse is continually punished due to an unbalanced, cumbersome, uneducated rider. He is punished for trying to do his best. He doesn’t understand what the rider is asking because his rider lacks the knowledge and skill to make his horse understand. The horse is helpless, blamed for his rider’s incompetence. How is this fair? It isn’t. So, why aren’t more riders listening to their horse, turning to themselves to improve? Captain Holmelund is rather blunt in his words;

“… the rider does not know the difference between a horse and an automobile. He is kept pounding over hard roads and stony paths until his feet are sore… because the stupid rider does not know that the inside of his hoofs is soft and sensitive. He is punished with a sore back and painful kidney trouble as the rider does not know enough to keep his weight forward in the saddle.”

Have you ever considered your horse’s point of view? Place yourself in the mind of your horse for a moment. try to feel what your horse experiences. Quite a revelation isn’t it?

I’m not going to lie, as I know through my own experience, it is hard work. You need determination and patience. A lot of patience. You also need to believe in yourself. This belief gives you the strength to keep going, to search for a better way, to enable you to sit forward in the saddle, to keep over the horse’s movement and most importantly of all, to be safe in the saddle to keep you in control. Remember, if you are not in control of your own body, you are not in control of your horse. This is why you should learn to ride.