Q: I'm a relatively novice rider looking to buy my first horse. Any tips on what kind of horse I should be looking for? A: Depending on your budget and confidence, generally, a schoolmaster (a horse who has a great deal of experience) is a good choice for a novice rider as he will be…
Q: I’m really struggling with my horse’s training. I’m too embarrassed to admit to anyone that I’m having trouble, but I can tell the other liveries at our yard judge me when my horse plays up. I don’t know what to do and feel like giving up. Do you have any suggestions? A: We’re sorry to…
Q: Why does everyone recommend Pilates for horse riders? Answered by Bonita de Klerk, Pilates instructor A: Riding requires you to have strong core muscles. The core is made up of a series of abdominal and spine-stabilising muscles. These muscles help keep you upright, strong and stable. These muscles also influence your posture. Pilates is focused on…
Q: I just can't sit the sitting trot. How can I improve this? Answered by Elena Jankowitz A: The sitting trot is challenging for everyone and there are numerous factors that can make it difficult to sit. The important point to remember is that the trot has a moment of suspension when none of the hooves are…
Q: I have a tendency to tilt forwards and arch my back when I ride. How can I learn to sit up straighter, with a straighter back? A: Tilting forwards and arching the back can be related issues. Arching of the back can cause a rider to tilt forwards and make it easier for your…
Behind every successful rider is a coach who is constantly teaching, motivating and inspiring their rider [dropcap]A[/dropcap]ll instructors have their own personal style of teaching, which will work for some but not for others. As a rider, you will likely change instructors a few times as you grow up, become more or less competitive, or change…
Not two riders are the same, and you as an instructor will have to adapt your teaching techniques as per their behavioural style [dropcap]P[/dropcap]eople differ from one another, and that’s a good thing: it makes the world more diverse and colourful. It also explains why you instantly ‘click’ with a certain person, while others are harder…
It's important to understand the individual goals and lifestyle of each rider [dropcap]I[/dropcap]n the equestrian sport many riders become trainers, but what makes a good trainer in particular? What is it like to be coaching somebody both in their daily training sessions and at competitions? Equine Support International (ESI) brings you a series of three articles that…
