Horse riding

Your friend simulates I M P R O V I N G C O - O R D I N A T I O N 349
the movement of
the horse’s head by REIN CONTACT This exercise will
moving the strap help you develop an allowing rein
back and forth contact—one that is consistent, but
not restricting. Ask a friend to hold a
KICKING BACKWARD Most people can set of reins (or a material strap) as if they
easily use their right leg by itself, but not their were attached to a horse, moving them
backward and forward. Close your eyes
left leg, and this exercise is designed to even and let your hands go with the movement
out the imbalance. Stand diagonally in front of of the reins, keeping the same weight on
a mirror and, with your weaker leg, kick a ball either side and ensuring you carry the
weight of your lower arms.
backward to the opposite wall. This simulates
the movement used when giving a leg aid with Let your arms go with the
movement of the reins
your heel. The aim is to keep repeating the
exercise as the ball bounces back to you. Try DAILY TASKS

to do a set of 10 kicks before resting. Everyone tends to use one side of their
body more than the other, even for
Balance with your simple tasks, such as picking up the
weight on your telephone. One of the most effective
right leg ways to improve your coordination is
to use your weaker hand, arm, leg, and
Use a mirror so that side on a daily basis, even if it feels
you can watch the ball unnatural (see exercise, far left).There
are lots of tasks you can do with your
weaker hand: opening locks, turning
doorknobs, drinking coffee, brushing
your teeth, and combing your hair.
Similarly, your less coordinated leg
can be improved by kicking a ball and
by exercise such as swimming. Just as
horses like working on the left rein,
most of us prefer riding to the left,
so you should practice turning to
the right as much as possible.

Nudge the ball
backward with
your heel

350 P H Y S I C A L P R E P A R A T I O N O F T H E R I D E R

developing core fitness

As well as doing exercises specific to riding, it is this aerobic program with a range of exercises
important to maintain your general fitness and that develop both sides of your body. In addition,
stamina so that you can maintain an effective making improvements to your diet and your
position in the saddle over extended periods. general lifestyle will give you the energy you
For this you need to do regular aerobic exercise need to keep up your training and to do all the
to develop your heart and lungs. Complement physical tasks involved in horse management.

AEROBIC FITNESS your pulse becomes slower because your heart is able to pump
more blood around your body with each beat, and your lungs
All riders will benefit from maintaining a good level of core are better able to exchange oxygen for waste products in the
fitness. Aerobic exercise improves the efficiency of the heart and blood.This gives you increased energy and stamina.
lungs and increases the amount of oxygen in your blood, which
helps your muscles work efficiently. As your fitness improves, Aerobic exercise is low-intensity and rhythmic, and works
major groups of muscles. Activities such as walking, cycling,
AEROBIC EXERCISE swimming, rowing, and rollerblading are good examples.
Jogging on a trampoline for The key to effective aerobic exercise is to keep your pulse
20 minutes at a time is an rate at an optimum level (see chart, below). If you walk, for
ideal exercise because it will example, you may need to walk at a faster pace than usual to
increase your heart rate and reach this level, but at the same time you must not let your
tone your leg muscles without heart rate increase too much (by sprinting, for example). If
jarring your knee joints. you work your body intensively, you will quickly tire and are
likely to do less exercise overall. So, work your body like you

TARGET HEART RATE HEART RATE 200 MAXIMUM HEART RATE
190 AEROBIC ZONE
Aerobic training involves increasing 180
your heart rate to 70–85 percent of its 170 FAT-BURNING ZONE
maximum. Burning fat requires an 160
increase to only 50–60 percent of your 150 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65
maximum heart rate.These levels 140 AGE
depend on your age, so use the chart 130
(right) to find your target level. For 120
example, if you are 25 years old, your 110
aerobic training zone is 134–162 beats 100
per minute.To measure your heart rate
in beats per minute, find your pulse on 90
your wrist or neck, count the beats for 80
15 seconds, then multiply this by four. Beats per
Do this as you are exercising, since your minute
heart rate will fall as soon as you stop.
Alternatively, you can use an electronic
heart monitor, which will give you a
constant reading. Adjust the intensity
of your exercise so that you stay in
your target zone for the entire session.

D E V E L O P I N G C O R E F I T N E S S 351

without being stressful on your joints. Pilates, for example,
helps build core stability of the pelvis and spine using techniques
such as pelvic floor exercises. Choose one of these activities
to complement your fitness training.

It is really important that you enjoy the exercise you do.
If you are not having fun, change the sport or the people you
do it with.Whatever exercise you choose, always get advice
from a qualified instructor who understands equestrian sports
and can ensure you are working at the right level.

MUSCULAR EXERCISE Many gyms and physiotherapists STAYING HEALTHY
are equipped with Pilates machines. These are designed to
strengthen core muscles, and they are excellent for improving Exercise is not the only thing you need to pay attention to in
posture, flexibility, and body awareness. your physical preparation. In competitive riding, people are
becoming increasingly careful about what they eat and drink.
condition your horses—with periods of aerobic work followed There is an obvious practical reason for this: a horse will last
by periods of rest—and always try to finish before you begin longer and be able to perform better if he carries less weight.
to feel very tired. Overexertion will not benefit your heart On the other hand, horses differ in their shape and size, and
or lungs, and can actually be dangerous to your health. everyone should find a horse strong enough to carry their
weight. However, a healthy diet has other benefits: it means
To benefit from your workout, you need to keep your that your energy levels will be better and that you are less
heart rate in its aerobic zone for at least 20 minutes at a time. prone to illness. Being exhausted or sick will obviously be a
Aim for sessions of around 40 minutes, three or more times setback to your training. Leading a generally healthy lifestyle
a week. Less intensive exercise is required for burning fat and eating well, getting enough sleep, being careful about
(see chart, left) and long walks are ideal. your alcohol consumption, and not smoking all contribute to
a healthy mind and body.The aim is a balance that will allow
A BALANCED EXERCISE PROGRAM you to achieve more and enjoy life to the fullest.

As well as doing low-intensity aerobic exercise to develop GETTING SPECIALIST HELP
your heart and lungs, improve your riding by increasing your
strength and muscle tone. Most of the exercises that are good There are many types of specialists who can help you plan an
for your aerobic training will also help your general muscular exercise regimen. It is important that you go to someone who
tone and strength for riding. Any exercise you do should have is experienced and qualified and who assesses you properly
low impact to prevent wear on the joints, and should use both before you start a program.The ideal specialist is someone who
sides of the body and all the limbs as equally as possible— understands the demands of equestrian sports, but who also has
racket sports, for example, mainly use one side of the body, wide-ranging expertise with a good overview of developments
so are not helpful for riders. Examples of suitable activities in suitable therapies and treatments.
include walking, swimming, aqua-aerobics, cycling, skiing,
dancing, basketball, and martial arts. Performing a variety of There is an increasing number of personal trainers who are
activities ensures that you use a wide variety of muscle qualified in sports physiology and can give valuable help, but
groups, so try to alternate between any three of these sports. who are not qualified to treat injuries. A physiotherapist will
Yoga, Pilates, and the Alexander Technique are all excellent not only be able to treat you if you have an existing injury,
for developing strength, posture, balance, and suppleness but is also able to assess your state of fitness and advise about
suitable exercises to develop core stability of the spine and
fitness of the muscular system. Joint injuries and displacements
are also treated by chiropractors and osteopaths. Both involve
manipulative treatment, and it would be advisable to get a
medical opinion before deciding on any course of action.Of
course, once you have embarked on a fitness program, you will
become stronger and more flexible.You will be less likely to
suffer injuries and will have less need for specialist help.



CHAPTER TEN

MENTAL

PREPARATION

OF THE RIDER

In equestrian sports, where the horse does
most of the physical work, it is mental
attitude that defines a rider’s limits. All
riders—from novice to elite—can greatly
improve their performance by altering
their attitude of mind.

In this chapter, you will learn practical
ways to prepare for competitions, using
techniques such as visualization and
controlled breathing.You will also learn to
concentrate on what motivates you, and to
identify your long-term aims, so that you
can set yourself goals and organize your
time accordingly. Success comes from
being positive, aspirational, and open-
minded, but it also means keeping things
in perspective, getting along with people,
and, above all, enjoying yourself.

354 M E N T A L P R E P A R A T I O N O F T H E R I D E R

why mental preparation?

If you want to be a successful rider, improving below your expectations in competitions. It will
your mental abilities is just as important as also enable you to harness a greater proportion
developing your physical abilities. Mental of your brain-power.There are six key components
preparation will help you avoid being in mental preparation, and these should be an
disorganized in your training or performing integral part of any competitor’s training.

BENEFITING FROM MENTAL PREPARATION believe that mental preparation skills can be effective, you and
your coach will make time to practice them. For example,
There is often great resistance to training the mind in the time spent doing mundane stable-management tasks can be
riding world. Many riders are reluctant to use mental used productively to practice concentration techniques,
preparation techniques because there is a belief that everyone thinking positively, visualization, and other exercises.While
has inherent mental strengths and weaknesses that cannot be you are out trail riding, there is plenty of peaceful time to
changed.This is obviously untrue. Simply thinking positively analyze your progress and figure out your training priorities.
or breathing more efficiently can have an immediate effect on
your performance. Elite athletes from every sport continually LEARNING THE TECHNIQUES
emphasize the part that mental preparation plays in their
success: the need to be sufficiently disciplined, motivated, In the past, coaches would shout such things as “Relax!” to
committed, calm, and organized is crucial. Increasingly, their riders during a competition in an effort to improve
coaches are building time into training schedules for mental their performances. In reality, such commands do not have
preparation, and even hiring sports psychologists to work the desired effect, particularly if the rider does not know
with their riders. Even for the novice rider, mental preparation how to respond effectively to them.
is the easiest route to improvement on a daily basis.
For example, being able to calm yourself down in a
MAKING TIME competition is not easy without having studied practical
ways of doing so beforehand. In training, you need to practice
Lack of time is another common reason given for not relaxation techniques (see pp.358–59) in the same way that
preparing mentally. Horse riding and management is certainly you would practice riding exercises.Then you can make
hugely time consuming but, as long as you are prepared to these techniques work for you in competitions.

ASSESSING YOURSELF

It is important to realize that it is possible to change to assess what are your main strengths and weaknesses.
your assumptions, as well as the way you think, and the way Read through the following list of questions. If your
you react to particular situations: although our genes may answer is “yes” to any of them, then you will benefit
predispose us to a certain pattern of behavior, we need to by improving your mental preparation—both in your
build on that potential.The first step to making changes is riding and in your life.

HAVE YOU EVER... • Focused on all the negative aspects of your riding?
• Lost your way in a dressage test or showjumping round? • Found it difficult to get motivated?
• Become very nervous before a competition? • Lost concentration?
• Become angry after making a mistake? • Failed to prepare sufficiently for a competition?
• Made the same mistake repeatedly? • Found it difficult to be disciplined in your weekly training?
• Lacked confidence in your ability? • Performed well in training, but badly at the competition?

W H Y M E N T A L P R E P A R A T I O N ? 355

Mental preparation can be a valuable part of the armory THE POWER OF THE MIND
of every rider. Of course, it cannot be a substitute for The brain has enormous potential, which can be realized
technical ability: it must complement, not replace, in a number of unique and unpredictable ways. It is an
your physical training. electrochemical powerhouse made up of billions of nerve
cells, each capable of making and receiving several thousand
THE AIMS OF MENTAL PREPARATION contacts—a match-head-sized piece of your brain contains
about eight billion connections. Once you understand how
Mental training can be divided up into six different areas, powerful your mind is, you will see why mental training can
each of which you can concentrate on in turn. A truly change your riding—and your life.
accomplished rider will be proficient in all these areas, but it
will take time to reach this level of accomplishment—just as All of our actions are controlled by the brain, but most
it takes dedicated training to improve your riding skills. of the time, you are not conscious of making any decisions.
The unconscious mind is where most of your thoughts
• Be Steady—Being methodical and consistent is essential feelings, attitudes, and behaviors originate. An iceberg is a
good analogy: the conscious mind is just the tip, with a vast
if you are to maintain a good relationship with your horse. amount of unconscious activity going on beneath the surface.
You also need discipline to get up early each morning and However, you can consciously train your brain to be used in
stick to your timetable.Your aim is to work hard, and to be a more effective way.
calm but persistent.
You can exercise your brain just like any other part of your
• Be Simple—A good rider will be driven by the need body. For instance, you can practice thinking rationally by
solving problems that require rational thought—doing a
for logic and efficiency. Analyzing complicated tasks and crossword puzzle, for example, or thinking about how best
breaking them down into smaller parts will make them to organize your finances. Such exercises will create and
more manageable, as will defining vague tasks with more strengthen the connections between the cells used for this type
precision.Test out ideas and learn from your mistakes. of thought.This is true however old you are: aging does not
mean inevitable decline—although if you stop exercising your
• Be Positive—You need to be constructive and optimistic. brain, it can lose much of its potential.

Realize the importance of working with others. Believe in You can also change unconscious attitudes in the same way.
yourself and focus on your abilities, not your shortcomings. For example, by actively trying to think positively on a daily
Work from your strengths and always think forward to basis, you will become predisposed to being positive in any
your next goal. situation. As a result, you will be able to achieve more. In
contrast, a negative attitude will result in negative responses.
• Be Flexible—To be the best, you have to be able
HORSE RIDING KEEPS YOU MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
to be creative and open-minded in your search for
improvements.You need to look for more efficient
progressions that will allow you to achieve more, and
you must be prepared to think laterally. Always aim to
find new, better ways of doing things.

• Be Prepared—The ability to plan ahead realistically is

vital. From the start, you need to practice making decisions
and taking control, so that eventually you are more ready
and able to seize opportunities and be independent of your
coach. In this way, you will always make the best of any
opportunities you encounter.

• Be Human—To cope with the ups and downs of

competition life, you need to have respect for yourself and
others. Developing your own individuality is an integral
part of improving your performance. Accept life’s diversity
and unpredictability, and above all, enjoy yourself.

356 M E N T A L P R E P A R A T I O N O F T H E R I D E R

getting started

At the start of a mental preparation program, successful riders—this will give you ideas
there are two key areas to focus on. First, you and inspiration. Use role-playing techniques
need to keep reassessing what motivates you, to practice focusing on the mental attributes
because your priorities and goals will change over that these people possess. If you are able to think
time. Second, you must study the experiences of like a successful rider, you can become one.

MOTIVATING YOURSELF motivates you, the thing that underpins it all should be the
possibility of achieving a personal best.The driving force
Although we all recognize that it takes actions to achieve behind the successful athlete’s actions is not to be the best,
goals, it is difficult to remain consistently motivated. but to be the best they can be.
Unfortunately, few people are entirely self-motivated, but
it would make an incredible difference if this were not so. As STUDYING SUCCESS
Kurt Hahn, the founder of the Outward Bound schools, says,
“We are all better than we know—if only we can be brought to Some riders take pride in reaching a certain level of riding
realize this, we may never settle for anything less.” expertise without any lessons, but this means that their
knowledge is entirely limited to their own experience.
Motivation is all about individual needs and personalities.
Different people are motivated by different things. For some, Those riders who actively seek out the champions and
having a cause is enough; others are inspired by just watching take every opportunity to study their methods will greatly
top riders; and others do something simply because someone accelerate their progress because they can use the sum of
else said they could not. For many, it is all about the challenge other people’s experience.There is great value in studying
of pushing themselves to the limit.Whatever it is that champions at every level—not just those that have achieved

MASLOW’S HIERARCHY OF MOTIVES

In the 1950s, American psychologist Abraham Maslow classified

human motivation in a hierarchy ascending from basic biological

needs to more complex psychological desires.The latter

become motivators only after the more basic needs below them Self-fulfillment, 7: SELF-
on the hierarchy have been satisfied. For example, when food realizing one’s ACTUALIZATION
and safety are difficult to ensure, the satisfaction of those 6: AESTHETIC NEEDS
potential 5: COGNITIVE NEEDS
4: ESTEEM NEEDS
needs will dominate a person’s actions, with the result that 3: BELONGING AND LOVE Symmetry, order,
and beauty
learning or beauty will have little significance. On the 2: SAFETY
1: PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS Achievement,
other hand, if the lower needs are already satisfied, they Knowledge, approval, and
will no longer be motivators. understanding, recognition
and exploration
There is a direct relationship between Maslow’s Feeling
secure
hierarchy and the changing motives for your riding.

Initially, riding will simply be a good sport—

good for your health as well as fun to do, as long Affiliation and
as you feel safe and enjoy being part of a riding acceptance; love
group. As you become a better rider, you will
increasingly be driven by your need to ride of the sport

well and to understand all about riding.

Then you may also start to think about Health, fitness,
doing things with a view to reaching and well-being
the highest level in the future.

G E T T I N G S T A R T E D 357

Recognizing that a friend has mastered a particular skill
can help convince you that you too can develop the same
attribute, given sufficient practice. Alternatively, you can
invent your own characters.You can then bring a particular
character to mind when you need to—for example, to
think about how they would react to a particular situation.
Eventually, their attributes can become a permanent feature
of your own personality.

Choose a role model to suit the particular aspect of mental
preparation you are focusing on (see p.355). At first, you will
need to concentrate just on doing things—participating.This
is where being steady and human comes in.Then you will look
at doing things well—this is where being positive and simple
counts. Later, you will also be doing things with a view to the
future—for this, you need to be flexible and prepared At any
stage, role-playing will help you to overcome areas of weakness:

• Being Steady—This is about being careful, disciplined,
and persistent.The image of a banker works well as a role
model. Alternatively, a competitor from a sport like long-
distance running, rowing, or mountain climbing may be
the right role model for you.

INSPIRATIONAL RIDERS By watching other riders, you can • Being Simple—This is about being rational and analytical.
learn from both their successes and their mistakes. Go to shows Imagining that you are a professor searching for answers and
and competitions. Try to watch the best and keep their image learning from mistakes, or a competitor from a precision
foremost in your mind—use them as your role models. sport like gymnastics, can help you to think like this.

international status.Try to find role models who have • Being Positive—This is about having a constructive
characteristics and horses similar to yours, and who ride at outlook on life. An army general is an ideal character to
the same competitions as you do. imagine here, because this role requires working together
with other people in order to become stronger.
ROLE-PLAYING AND MODELING
• Being Flexible—This is about being ready to adapt your
We all play different roles in our work and daily lives, and ideas or approach in order to get the maximum result from
in doing so we take on different qualities and characteristics. the minimum effort. Imagine you are a wizard: finding a
The way a person acts as a parent to his or her children, for better idea can result in a magical performance.
example, is quite different from how they would behave in
the company boardroom.You can harness this phenomenon • Being Prepared—This is about being able to deal with all
for training purposes. eventualities and make effective decisions. A circus ringmaster
could be your imagined character. Golf champion Tiger Woods
Role-playing can be a very powerful tool in mental is an inspiring role model.
preparation, particularly in developing areas of weakness.
Taking on a particular role can enable you to access a whole • Being Human—This is about being able to empathize
set of desirable qualities and attributes, whether you possess with others, as well as being able to keep problems in
these in reality or not. Practice taking on different personas. perspective.The image of a spirited and wise grandmother
You may wish to model yourself on someone you know well. can help you with this attitude, or you may know someone
like this personally. A famous role model, such as South
Africa’s Nelson Mandela, could also be effective.

358 M E N T A L P R E P A R A T I O N O F T H E R I D E R

being steady

Different riding activities have different physical performance. Learning how to control your
and mental demands, and understanding what adrenaline levels with relaxation techniques,
is required in each case will help you to take and training yourself to be able to concentrate
control and enhance your performance. Nerves on the task and to ignore distractions, can turn
and excitement may ruin a potentially superb you into a winning competitor.

REDUCINGYOUR AROUSAL LEVEL competition or because you are excited. If worry is the
cause, then progressive training and exposure to a
Arousal is a term used by sports psychologists to describe competition environment will decrease your uncertainty
levels of both physical and emotional alertness or activation and reduce the importance of the competition. It helps to
in response to a particular situation. Strong emotions such as try to slow everything down and deliberately smile and be
fear, anticipation, or anxiety cause the body to prepare either proud of the fact that you have made it to the competition.
to run away or to face danger.The physical effects of this If excitement is the cause, then use specific pre-competition
“fight-or-flight” mechanism are heightened adrenaline levels, routines to make everything normal, regular, and steady.
pulse rate, and breathing. Then, focus on the mechanics of your performance rather
than what is going on around you. Surround yourself with a
Many riders think that the more aroused they are and the support team that is unemotional but dependable.
more adrenaline they have, the better their performance
will be. However, while high arousal levels can increase To be able to reduce arousal in competition, it is essential
determination, high adrenaline levels are actually counter- that you practice reducing excitement levels in training.
productive: they inhibit clear thinking, feel, and physical Practice switching into a world that moves more slowly.
control. Even cross-country riding demands a cool head, since You can create a bubble of calmness and security around
overexcitement can lead to the taking of unnecessary risks. you.There are two main strategies for relaxing: one is to
You can be over-aroused either because of worry about the

DEMANDS OF EACH DISCIPLINE HIGH Dressage performance level
Showjumping performance level
In any equestrian activity, there is an optimum Cross-country performance level
level of arousal, with a depreciation in performance
with either too much or too little arousal.This PERFORMANCE
varies for each rider-and-horse combination and
for each discipline (see diagram, right). LOW

In dressage, for example, the rider needs to LOW PHYSIOLOGICAL AROUSAL HIGH
be well coordinated and in control of every
movement. In this case, too much arousal can
interfere. For showjumping, however, the rider
needs to have a certain amount of physical energy
to get the horse in gear. In cross country, where
competitors brave formidable-looking obstacles
at a fast pace, the optimum level is even higher.

One of the difficulties of riding is that sometimes
a rider needs a different level of arousal than their
horse does. In showjumping against the clock, for
example, the horse must be sufficiently calm to
listen to the rider and jump athletically.

B E I N G S T E A D Y 359

use your mind and imagination to relax your muscles, using ABDOMINAL BREATHING
meditation or role-playing techniques.The other way is to
do the opposite: use your muscles to relax your mind. If you If you become stressed or agitated before a competition,
systematically tighten and relax all your main muscles, you can practicing abdominal breathing can help you feel calm. Put
induce physical relaxation, which will be followed by mental your hand in the center of your abdomen below the bottom
relaxation. Focusing on your breathing will also immediately of your rib cage and breathe in.Your abdomen should expand
calm you down (see box, right) and lower your pulse. and your hand should move outward. Hold this for 2 seconds,
then breathe out slowly by pulling in your
INCREASING AROUSAL abdominal muscles, pushing the air
out of your lungs.Your hand should
When you become bored or lethargic, it is necessary to move inward.
increase the level of arousal. If your horse also needs to be
more energized, then you should give a more vigorous warm- As you breathe like this, close your
up than usual. Set yourself challenging performance goals, eyes and repeat a suitable trigger
trying to produce a personal best in specific areas, and word, like “stop” or “slow.” You will
surround yourself with one or two people who you respect find that your pulse rate lowers and you
will feel calm. Do this ten times.With
WINNERS SUCCEED BY regular practice, you will find you can
get the same effect in just three breaths.
“ ”EFFORT, NOT BY ACCIDENT This exercise can become central to
your method for
and who know your goals.They can have the task of cajoling relaxation. Use
and encouraging you to perform at your best and to help you it to clear your
feel a sense of anticipation and urgency. In addition, you can mind before
use positive trigger words such as “go” and “yes” and “do it” or during a
and “strong.” Many people like to use personal stereos to training session.
listen to inspiring words or upbeat music.
longer than a showjumping round, they make greater
IMPROVING CONCENTRATION demands on concentration. Get into the habit of analyzing
a test sheet as you would a course of fences—the end of one
Lapses in concentration can undo all the good work that has movement being the fence before the start of the next one.
gone into your training and preparation. It is easy to become Then see the movements as related distances in jumping,
distracted, either by external factors, such as words from so that there is a continuous stream of concentration from
spectators, or by internal factors, such as thinking about one movement to the next. In addition, set yourself specific
receiving a prize as you ride into the ring when you should be aims regarding the direction and speed for each movement.
thinking about the first exercise or fence.
Cross country demands long periods of continuous
Another typical internal distraction is thinking about hitting concentration.You cannot concentrate only on the fences
a fence or performing an inaccurate movement, and some because distances are far greater than in showjumping –
riders concentrate on this to such an extent that they forget every line around every corner is important if you are
where they should be going next.This is particularly true to save even a few feet and complete the cross-country
during a showjumping round. In training, a rider needs to course with the minimum effort in the required time.
make it a habit always to think of the next step rather than It is more effective to set specific performance goals,
to look backward. such as directional lines and minute markers.

Both showjumping and dressage demand fairly short but For all equestrian activities, make concentration a specific
continuous periods of concentration.The physical presence goal.The easier riding is for you, the more likely you are to
of the fences in showjumping tends to concentrate the mind be distracted. It is therefore particularly important for more
very well. Dressage tests, on the other hand, do not have advanced riders to work on their concentration.
such mental props; and since a test is also two or three times

360 M E N T A L P R E P A R A T I O N O F T H E R I D E R

simplifying your training

Riding is a very time-consuming sport, and your activities. If you identify your ultimate aim,
sometimes it is difficult to imagine how you will and then plan ahead carefully, you can break
complete all your tasks in the time available.You everything down into manageable steps, and
need to be efficient and to organize your time achieving your goals will not seem nearly as
effectively, and to do this you need to simplify difficult as it might have first appeared.

LESS IS MORE This is especially true in equestrian sports because of the
interaction required with your horse.The simpler your
The phrase “less is more” might be something of a cliché, communication system and methods, the greater potential
but encapsulated in these three words is a principle that, your horse will have because it will be easier and quicker
consistently applied, can make a very positive difference, to train him.
not just to your training, but to your life in general. Making
life less complicated, so that there is less effort and less Make it a habit to reduce things to their simplest forms.
waste, can turn an ordinary rider into a great rider. Aiming There are some riders who delight in using a whole series
for simplicity and accuracy results in less change, less of different aids over several seconds to produce something
expense, and less stress, leaving you with more time and
scope. For example, a general strategy to make less result BREAKING DOWN THE TASK Gridwork is one
n more should include buying just what you need, rather example of how a challenging exercise can be made
than what you want, or traveling when other people manageable. This rider simply has to keep her balance,
are not doing the same.The key is to prioritize. because her approach has been made with precision.

There is nothing more important in your
mental preparation than to aim for more
simplicity and precision in your approach.

S I M P L I F Y I N G Y O U R T R A I N I N G 361

as simple as a canter transition. Although the horse may Being efficient means finding methods that work for all the
understand and be very obedient to these aids, there are three main equestrian activities. It is difficult to foresee precisely
main disadvantages. First, while this series of aids is being what might happen in the future, so a flexible training base
given, it is not possible to give other aids—for instance, to that leaves the door open for all activities is of enormous
change the direction or level of impulsion. Second, it makes value. Hence the emphasis on establishing a basic riding
it difficult for other riders when they ride that horse. And position that can easily develop into a dressage or racing
third, it makes more advanced work difficult or impossible. position, and the importance of establishing the constants
(pp.122–23), which will allow a horse to be good at
Being simple also means breaking down every advanced dressage as well as at jumping.
exercise into simple parts.There is a straightforward
progression to every exercise. If the techniques are getting PRACTICE MAKES PERMANENT
complicated or starting to feel like hard work, then it is likely
that there are some gaps in your progression. If you realize The most obvious area in which there is a need to be
this and work from the basics, you will find that neither you precise and to do things well at an early stage is in practicing
nor your horse will find the exercises complicated and that your basic riding skills. If you rehearse physical actions,
you will progress smoothly. such as rising to the trot, over and over again, they become
automatic: you no longer need consciously to put effort
FINDING THE BEST SOLUTION into them, and you do them without thinking. Some
people refer to this phenomenon as muscle memory.
It is a fact that if you always do what you have always done,
you will always get what you have always gotten.To improve While such practice will make the action permanent,
performance, it is necessary to embrace change and look for it will not make it good. Bad practice will simply establish
greater efficiency. As part of this process, you have to let a bad habits. It always takes longer to correct bad habits than
good idea give way to a better idea.This is not easy if you it does to establish good habits to begin with.Therefore,
have worked hard to do something well over the years and good-quality work from the beginning is vital for both you
and your horse. Doing things well is normally easier than
“WINNERS doing things badly, so the only extra resource required is
a little more time at the start.This is important because
ARE ACCURATE AND you need to practice something until you no longer get it
wrong, rather than practice it until you get it right at times.
”FOCUSED
STAYING FOCUSED
invested time in methods that you feel proud of and that
have served you well. But you need to be unemotional, and Being focused is a prerequisite for fulfilling potential, but
to avoid letting your ego get in the way of a better way. many people talk about the need to be focused without
realizing what it takes to do it.There are a number of
When you are training, actively try to find problems in essential ingredients to being focused, and if you are having
your methods and exercises, rather than just finding reasons problems with focus, the first step is to assess which are
why they are right. If, after honest appraisal, you cannot find already in place and which must be added or improved.
things wrong with what you do, then it is likely your method
is a good one; if, however, you work only from a list of First, nothing can take the place of persistence.Talent
positives, you are unlikely to reach a valid conclusion. will obviously not—the world is full of unsuccessful people
with great talent. Education will not, because the world
Searching for faults should not be an exercise in self- is also full of educated people whose lives stagnate.
denigration: you should look at failure as part of a process Persistence is of primary importance.
that helps you to arrive at the right answer. Instead of trying to
forget bad performances, it is better to analyze them truthfully Second, being focused means being positive.You need to
and constructively, so that you can perform more accurately look forward with self-belief.Third, your focus needs to be
next time.This attitude is of crucial importance for improving refined by prioritizing your goals. It is not possible for even
the quality of your training and for accelerating your progress. the most talented performer to do everything they wish to
do, so choices have to be made. Some goals will have to be
dropped, while others may be given a longer time frame
in order to focus on the priority.Your short-term focus
will be improved if you also have a long-term goal.

362 M E N T A L P R E P A R A T I O N O F T H E R I D E R

GOAL-SETTING blink an eye.” In other words, Redgrave scaled down the
challenge by working out intermediate (and achievable)
The pivotal skill of mental preparation is goal-setting. Having goals. In Atlanta, by simply completing his final action step—
something to aim for will motivate you, and you will feel rowing 2,000 m—he achieved his ultimate aim of winning
a boost in your self-confidence when you achieve it. It will a fourth gold medal.The point here is that if your goal-setting
help you to decide what is important and what is not, so and action-steps program is well planned, then eventually your
that you can organize your time accordingly. It will also long-term aim becomes just another action step.
help you to measure and evaluate your progress.
If you fail to meet your goals, think of it as a useful
It is necessary to give goal-setting a structure so that lesson that you can use in modifying your training program.
it includes the long-term aim, the intermediate goals, Work out why things went wrong and how you can improve.
and the short-term action steps. Were you too stressed? Did you fail to warm up adequately?
Or was the goal unrealistic in the first place?
The golden rule to remember is to plan backward and
execute forward (see diagram, below). Having decided on If, on the other hand, you succeed, you are justified in
your long-term aim (what might be achieved), you then feeling pleased. Remember also that goals change over time,
need to work out the necessary intermediate goals (what so if they are no longer working for you, do not be afraid
could be achieved).Then you are in a position to list the to reprioritize.
various action steps (what should be achieved) so that
you can accomplish these goals. PRIORITIZING

The significant psychological advantage of this process is Equestrian sports potentially involve an enormous volume
that, at each stage, the scale of the challenge is reduced. A of information, techniques, and theories—not least because
good example of how this works was explained by British there are two participants, you and your horse. Also, the
rower Steve Redgrave when he was aiming for his fourth range of activities and the difference between novice and
gold medal in the Atlanta Olympics. “Times tend to improve advanced levels are huge.Therefore the need to decide on
by 4 seconds during an Olympic cycle. I calculate this involves priorities and simple structures is even more important
an improvement of .0012 of a second for every hour spent than with most sports.
training.That’s one two-hundredths of the time it takes to

ACHIEVING YOUR ULTIMATE AIM PLANNING

Having decided on your ultimate aim (to compete in the AIM EXECUTION
national championships, for example), you have to plan GOALS
backward, working out the goals that will lead to the aim ACTION STEPS
and then the action steps that will lead to these goals.Your
plan has to take everything into account, including your
resources and your other commitments. In fact, one of your
goals may be related to a reorganization of your commitments
or to a fund-raising exercise.

When you execute your plans, you will start with the action
steps, which will take you forward to achieve the intermediate
goals. Succeeding in these should eventually lead you to your
ultimate aim. Of course, it will be much more satisfying if
you make your long-term aim quite challenging, with no
certainty of achieving it.The action steps, however, must
be very achievable—then you will always be able to
build on success.

To turn your goals into realities, you must make
them specific and quantifiable; agree them with
your coach or partner and write them down.
Include a time frame; and always double-check
that they are both essential and realistic.

S I M P L I F Y I N G Y O U R T R A I N I N G 363

F O R M I N G DA I LY AC T I O N S T E P S

Writing down the specific steps that you need to take each to do with the six components of mental preparation. Make
day will help you to define them precisely and—if you have sure they are manageable: there should never be any doubt
lots of them—to prioritize them. Each action step should about them being achievable. Put “I will” before each action
relate directly to specific goals—the examples here all have step to emphasize your personal commitment to it.

1. BEING STEADY 4. BEING SIMPLE
• I will use the measuring tape to get the canter poles the • I will shorten my stirrups another hole for jumping.
right distance apart. • I will list my priorities for the week.
• I will get up at 6.00 am every day. • I will get a friend to videotape tomorrow’s ride so it can be
• I will buy a rule book at the main conference. analyzed in slow motion.

2. BEING HUMAN 5. BEING FLEXIBLE
• I will take deep breaths and smile inwardly before entering the • I will use yoga as well as circuit training for my physical
competition arena.
• I will close my eyes and feel the movement of the horse. preparation program.
• I will celebrate my birthday with my family on Tuesday. • I will study top riders jumping against the clock.
• I will do brainstorming on my finances next Monday.

3. BEING POSITIVE 6. BEING PREPARED
• I will use serpentines and shoulder-in exercises to • I will compete at the National Championships at the
achieve straightness.
• I will ask a friend to stand and watch and give me support. intermediate level.
• I will write YES—CAN DO on the back of my hand. • I will sign up for a trainer’s day.
• I will choose a new role-play category to work on each day.

In the short term, there is a type of prioritizing that can MAKING TIME
be very effective for those who feel swamped by the sheer
number of tasks they have to tackle. Divide your tasks according In order to work smarter, and not just harder, it is important
to their level of importance and urgency. If a task is not to structure your days so that you have sufficient time for the
important and not urgent, then you should drop it, and tasks you need to complete. Make up a timetable and allocate
make no exceptions. If a task is not important but urgent you specific time periods for specific tasks. So many people
should try to delegate it; if it is important but not urgent you become overwhelmed by everything they have to do that they
have the option of delaying it until later. Spend your time on jump from one task to another and actually end up doing less.
tasks that are both important and urgent. Organizing your By spending a solid hour on one task and rewarding yourself
tasks like this will immediately simplify your life. with a short break before tackling the next task, a huge
amount can be achieved.
Whatever you prioritize in your riding training, it should
always be something that will be of maximum use to you. You may also wish to extend your normal timetable. It is
For example, you can always keep the four components of worth noting that by finding an extra 2 hours a day you can
the rider’s position and effectiveness (see pp.100–101) at create the equivalent of 13 extra working weeks a year, which
the forefront of your mind, because these are required at is an extra 25 percent.This could be done by getting up an
all levels and for all the main equestrian activities. hour earlier each day and staying on the job an hour longer.
It is obviously important not to burn yourself out with
Similarly, the six aims of mental preparation (see p.355) excess work, but this is a good example of how a relatively
should be a regular part of your overall program, but these small but regular increase in work can, over a long period,
should be prioritized according to your needs. add up to a substantial amount.

364 M E N T A L P R E P A R A T I O N O F T H E R I D E R

staying positive

While all riders have slightly different aims, and set their own personal goals, rather than
everyone can benefit from a positive approach. comparing their performance against others.
For example, many riders give up competing With coaching and support you will grow in
because they know someone who can ride better self-respect, confidence, and competence.The
than they can. Instead, they should keep riding key is to be aspirational and to think positively.

KEEPINGYOUR SELF-RESPECT BEING ASPIRATIONAL

The huge downside to participating in sport is the sense Many people question an approach to training that is primarily
of failure and lack of self-worth if you do not do well in positive because they say that it gives people unrealistic
comparison with some others.This often results in active expectations and that a culture of praise without criticism
participants becoming armchair participants.You can avoid leads to a lowering of standards.
this in two main ways: first of all, by remembering that your
overall self-esteem is more important than a particular However, you need to have a balance between being over-
performance or other people’s expectations; and, second, by idealistic and being negative. People tend to underestimate
always putting your primary focus on your own performance themselves because it is the safer thing to do.Why aspire to
and working to a personal best.This will both improve your great achievements and risk disappointment when you can be
performance and help you maintain your self-respect.The more modest in your aims and therefore enjoy a better result
various marathon road races around the world are wonderful
examples of events in which hundreds of thousands of PERFORMING IN PUBLIC At competitions, riders are often
runners seek to achieve a personal best; they participate in faced with a huge audience, and this can be very daunting.
something in which everyone is a winner. As already mentioned, Remember, though, that the better you do, the more they will
the point is not to be the best, but to do your best. applaud—they are on your side. Some of them will have wanted
to be in your place but lacked the persistence to get there—so
put your mind on the task and enjoy your moment in the limelight.

S T A Y I N G P O S I T I V E 365

as a bonus? Unfortunately, this latter attitude will not stretch BELIEVING INYOURSELF
you enough to develop your ability.There are numerous
examples of people with a positive attitude doing better than The breaking of the four-minute-mile barrier by British
more talented people who limit themselves with a negative runner Roger Bannister in 1954 is a wonderful example
attitude. As a starting point, try not to think about problems, of how simply having belief in your abilities can change
but instead rename them as challenges. Subconsciously, everything. Bannister trained specifically for the challenge
most people react negatively to problems and positively to by setting goals for each quarter of the race, putting aside
challenges.Winners love a challenge and know the importance any negative thoughts of a barrier. He ran it in 3 minutes
of working from strengths and gradually expanding these 59.4 seconds, and within 2 years most international milers
strengths until the weaker areas are relatively small. Being in were running under 4 minutes.What had changed was their
belief in their ability.Their negative attitude had been made
WINNERS KNOW positive by Bannister’s success.

“ ”THEY ARE ABLE The lesson to take from this is that negative thinking is
frequently self-fulfilling. Everyone suffers from self-doubt
a team is an advantage because team members can compensate from time to time.We ride into the arena and a voice in our
for each other’s limitations and together produce a better head says, “Why am I doing this? It’s too much.” Instead, you
result.This is why the right horse for each rider is so important should think, “Well done, I’m here, wait for the bell.” As you
(see Chapter 11). It is also true that really successful riders ride to a fence thinking, “Don’t lean forward,” or, “I’m going
are invariably those with the best support team, who do too fast,” try to rephrase your thought in a more positive
everything from helping to select the right horse to being a way—“Shoulders back” and “Slow down.” Do not worry
pair of eyes on the ground.This team will be supportive in about hitting a pole; focus on clearing it. Do not think about
times of stress, and will encourage, not condemn. stopping; focus on moving forward. Repetition of this
technique is important if it is to become a good habit. Practice
imagining positive experiences every day, and whenever a
negative thought or picture enters your mind, replace it with
its positive counterpart. Conjure up an image of your positive
role model during moments of pressure or crisis to trigger
the required positive qualities and to banish self-doubt.

366 M E N T A L P R E P A R A T I O N O F T H E R I D E R

a flexible approach

Although it is important to keep your riding they look at the established way of doing things
techniques simple and consistent, small and consider whether it could be improved.
improvements can always be made in equipment When an innovative approach is combined
and training.Truly great riders are open to new with hard work, energy, and talent, you have
ideas and methods.They are proactive, in that the recipe for real success.

A BETTER IDEA including stables where they are free to walk out into a small,
enclosed paddock or yard, and more natural feeding routines
Over the years, sports change as competitors find better (see pp.50–51), are increasingly preferred.
ways of doing things, and horse riding is no exception. In
showjumping, a revolution happened almost 100 years ago PRODUCING THE EDGE
when the Italian coach Captain Federico Caprilli invented
“the forward seat,” jumping the fence with the seat out of It is common to describe an extraordinary performance by a
the saddle and the body inclined forward. Up until then, all horse and rider as magic. Of course, there is a method behind
riders had jumped sitting in the saddle with an upright body the performance: it is called magic only because the rider is
or even leaning backward. Although every showjumper now a jump ahead of fellow competitors.The first step toward
acknowledges the merits of Caprilli’s balanced position, it producing your own magic is to study these special performers.
took many years before it was universally adopted.
In dressage, the best examples of this occur in the freestyle
Otto Lorke, a German dressage trainer working between dressage test to music (kur), which is becoming increasingly
the 1920s and the 1950s, had a similar effect on world popular.The movements and exercises used must be within the
dressage, although he achieved this with a large number of capabilities of your horse, but an imaginative rider can produce
small changes, rather than with one single change. He placed something that is original and capable of surprising the judges
an emphasis on doing quality work in just a snaffle bridle and audience. In showjumping, almost every round against the
before progressing, and rejected mechanical training. He also clock requires the rider to look at the course from all angles and
find a route that is better than what is obvious. In cross country,
WINNERS FIND there is a similar requirement, with so many potential routes
and different distances through combinations and related fences.
“ ”A BETTERWAY When you walk the course, you need to look at all possibilities.

emphasized the importance of harmony—the ability to go On a daily basis, be prepared in training to keep an open mind
with the horse’s movement—above the shape of the rider. He and experiment a little, looking for small gains in any area.
showed that suppleness and lightness of rein contact were also These small gains will eventually give you your next personal
vital.Those who adopted his methods include most of the best and possibly a major win.To understand the effect of
influential riders and coaches in the dressage world—Willie each change, make only one alteration at a time, if possible.
Schulteis, Bubby Gunther, Joseph Neckermann, Harry Boldt, If thinking creatively does not come naturally to you, then you
Herbert Reibein, and Reiner Klimke. just need to practice it. For example, try brainstorming several
hypothetical ideas. For instance, what would the consequences
Improvements such as Lorke’s are obvious in the be if humans had eyes in the back of their head, or could only
competition arena, but behind-the-scenes improvements—in walk sideways? This should get you into the way of thinking
stable management and types of equipment—can also make a laterally and generating new ideas.
significant contribution to performance. For example, the
more natural stable management systems in Australia and CREATIVE DRESSAGE
New Zealand, where horses are given more freedom, Freestyle dressage to music is a wonderful example of the need
for creativity and imagination in riding, but it must be based on
good-quality work. The horse can only produce high-level magic

if he is exceptionally well trained. Here, Nadine Capellman of
Germany and her horse Trannis form an inspirational team.



368 M E N T A L P R E P A R A T I O N O F T H E R I D E R

being prepared

It is said that luck is a combination of good much depends upon the attitude and performance
preparation and opportunity. If you are prepared of another—your horse. If you prepare yourself
for all eventualities, you are more likely to make a and your horse well, you will be ready to meet all
success out of any opportunity that arises.This is the challenges that competition can provide, and
especially true of equestrian sports because so you will create the opportunity for you to win.

BEING INDEPENDENT VISUALIZING THE COURSE
Before you go into the arena, ride the course in
When you are competing, whether in dressage, in the your mind. This can significantly improve your
showjumping arena, or on the cross-country course, you reaction times and the ease of your
cannot rely on instructions from your coach. If your performance, particularly with a
preparation is good, it should allow you to be independent jump-off course or a difficult
no matter what the situation.You should practice making related distance. You will
your own decisions in training and regularly set up simulated need to have practiced this
competition situations. technique in training.

As a beginner rider, you are almost totally dependent on
your coach, but you should quickly be encouraged to take
control of the warm-up and cool-down periods and then other
small parts of the ride. In this way, you can get used to making
decisions and taking responsibility for your work.You will also
find that your concentration level is generally much better if
you have to make decisions rather than just wait to be directed.

You should also be actively involved in your own goal-
setting so that you can take ownership of your own training.
This does not mean that the coach is opting out—on the
contrary, giving responsibility to the rider is the sign of a
good coach. Independent thinking is a vital part of creating
and making the most of opportunity, but first there must be
opportunities for the rider to be independent. As you learn
to make informed decisions, you will also create an added
dimension to your riding that is very satisfying.

MAKING DECISIONS

Being a step ahead is a prerequisite for a good performance.
It is often said that some people waste their lives in chasing
dreams and thinking the impossible. However, if you know
that life is not a rehearsal and are prepared to make tough
decisions in order to seize the moment, then you can make
the very best of a situation.

Initially, the choices you have to make can be small.Will it be
the left rein or the right rein?Walk, trot, or canter? Light seat or
seat in the saddle? Then, as an advanced rider, you make bigger
choices.Which horse to buy? Which competitions to enter?
Which coach to choose? As with all choices, deciding what
not to do can be as difficult as deciding what you should do.

B E I N G P R E P A R E D 369

CASE STUDY whether his mother was tacking up his horse correctly. During
his round, he over rode. A week ago he was the favorite to win,
THE PROBLEM: but on the day of the competition, he was did not even place.
It was the same story as last year. His father would be furious.
On the drive to a show, Paul’s car got a flat tire. He missed his
first competition, and he knew that from then on, his weekend COACH’S SOLUTIONS:
was going to get worse. At the second competition, his mother
was late braiding his horse’s mane. He felt angry with her • Paul was favorite to win, so much of what he does must be
because, as a result, he had hardly any time to get to the arena. good. He needs to recognize this and to work from his strengths.
The stewards shouted at him to come forward and start, and his • Most of his difficulties at the show were created by poor
horse was not in a cooperative mood. He felt it was a disaster, planning and by not remaining positive. Good planning and
especially since his fellow riders, Julie and Sinead, did so well. organization will get you to the show on time, even with a
flat tire, because you allow for the unexpected.
That afternoon, as he was waiting to go into the arena, he • The next step is to learn to remain calm.This would be a
decided to take one last practice jump. His horse tripped in the good opportunity to try role-playing. Paul needs to identify
pit that had been created on the takeoff side, and poles crashed in with someone who is unemotional and disciplined.
all directions. Paul kept thinking ahead to his round and dreading • While at the show, Paul needs the support of people he can
the six short strides in the course—he knew he would find them trust, such as his coach, who can help him keep his mind on
difficult. He was worried and tense, and all he could think about his riding, not the other riders or the selectors.
was the selectors who would be watching. During his round, he • Paul must also learn to stay focused on what he has to do, not
tried hard to slow down on the short six strides, but his horse what he should not do.Visualization will help this positive focus
was not listening to him.They were on a half-stride and, before and give him the chance to show his true talent in the ring.
he knew it, the horse had stopped—just as Paul knew he would. • We need to talk about his goals and why he is riding—it should
be for himself, not his father. If he can learn from his failures and
On the second day, in the big competition, he performed much look back on this and smile, he will find the future very exciting.
worse than he had during training. He knew the selectors had
written him off by then—they are quick to point out weaknesses.
And he had found it difficult to remember the course. People
kept talking to him as he walked it, and he was worried about

Other decisions you might face have to do with timing— to visualize an introductory dressage test or course of
for example, the timing of the aids and the timing of the fences. For more advanced riders, it is standard practice
stride to jump a fence, which is a special skill in itself.You also to do a mental rehearsal of a complete showjumping
need to know when to start a new exercise or to change course or dressage test. In cross country, it is also helpful
an exercise; when to rest, and when to ask for more.The to visualize yourself in the safety position over a drop
ability to do this well comes from your own experience and fence (see p.265).
from studying others.

VISUALIZATION TECHNIQUES WINNERS SEE

Many studies have shown that in physical terms, the “ ”SUCCESS AS A SCIENCE
human nervous system cannot distinguish between an actual
experience and an experience imagined vividly and in detail. Visualization is particularly effective for exercises where
This is the reason why visualization works: you can prepare everything happens very quickly, such as jump-offs against
for situations that you are not able to practice in reality. the clock or doing the sequence changes in a dressage test.
Visualization is now commonly used in all sports as a It also allows continuous practice of difficult sequences,
standard approach to mental preparation—all you need which you could not otherwise do without having a whole
is to be open to possibilities. stable of horses at your disposal. In all cases, the more you
can understand what is required and feel what is going on,
This technique has a huge variety of applications—you can the more effective the mental rehearsal will be.
use it to rehearse almost anything. Even as a novice rider, it is
possible to benefit from visualizing something like the rising
trot, because this will allow you to practice the movement in
your mind. As you become more experienced, you can start

370 M E N T A L P R E P A R A T I O N O F T H E R I D E R

a balanced approach

In any sport, the focus needs to be on both the Whatever the competition level, all performers
performer and the performance. Unfortunately, the need to keep their sport in context.There is a
development of the performer as a well-balanced time to be a success in your life and a time for
human being often takes second place. If this your life to be a success.The balance between
happens, the performance will eventually suffer. these two aims is of the greatest importance.

KEEPING A SENSE OF PROPORTION GETTING ALONG WITH PEOPLE

If a life is entirely dependent on competitive success, then Research by the Carnegie Foundation, confirmed by the
disappointment is almost inevitable. Most people gradually Stanford Research Institute, suggests that what determines
realize, as they get older, that the real structure of their lives a person’s success is 15 percent technical knowledge and
is centered around a loving core of family and friends rather 85 percent ability to manage yourself and deal with people.
than around money, possessions, and ambitions. A performer
needs to achieve happily rather than achieve to be happy. Especially in the horse world, no one can remain in
isolation.There are always people to deal with, whether they
If there is one outstanding characteristic of those who are fellow competitors, farriers, vets, coaches, or organizers.
participate successfully in sports, it is that they enjoy The basis for getting along with these people and getting the
themselves. So if you are not getting much enjoyment from most out of each situation is to respect them, without losing
your horse riding, it is unlikely that you will progress quickly
or stay in the sport. Others who are even more fortunate WINNERS
actually love what they do, and it is true to say that if you
love what you do, nothing is tedious or hard work.The only “ ”DELIGHT IN LIFE
surprising thing is that enjoyment is so often overlooked
in mental preparation programs. Unfortunately, so much your self-respect.You do this by being assertive rather than
emphasis is put on the things that we do wrong that many submissive or aggressive. Submissive behavior is characterized
people are discouraged from participation. Instead, we by failing to stand up for your rights, or by standing up for
them in such a way that others can easily disregard them.
should be more concerned about the things we do not You express your thoughts in apologetic, overcautious, or
do but that we could do. Giving yourself opportunities is, self-effacing ways, or you fail to express yourself altogether.
of course, a prerequisite for being a winner, but you will Aggressive behavior is standing up for your rights in a way
that violates the rights of another person.You express your
not succeed if you are not enjoying what you are doing. thoughts in inappropriate ways, even though you may honestly
The most typical reason for a lack of enjoyment is not believe the views to be right. If you are assertive, however,
having a balanced outlook. By developing a contented and you will stand up for your rights in a way that does not violate
secure life outside of your sport, you will normally find another person’s rights.You express your point of view but at
it easier to enjoy your sport. It can be a relatively minor the same time show that you understand the other person’s
thing, such as an overdemanding coach or unpleasant fellow position.These different types of behavior can be summed
competitors, that reduces your enjoyment. A brief analysis
of what things please and displease you about your riding will up memorably by saying that the basis for assertive behavior
quickly show you what things need to be changed. Any increase is thinking, “I’m okay and you’re okay,” submissive behavior
in enjoyment will help you to keep riding and to ride better. is thinking, “You’re okay, but I’m not okay,” and aggressive
As part of a balanced life, you also need to be able to relax. behavior is thinking, “I’m okay, but you’re not okay.”
Horse riding should help most people relax, but many elite
riders will need to do other things. Any activity that replenishes When talking to other people, a key element of treating
your energy and refreshes you can be considered relaxing. It them with respect is to listen empathetically.This requires
may be something small like soaking in a bubble bath or taking a giving them time to say their piece and delaying any
day off to listen to music and see friends, or it may be something
more active, like walking or playing a different sport.

A B A L A N C E D A P P R O A C H 371

evaluation or judgment until you have heard all the story. is about looking after yourself as a human being, making sure
It means using eye contact and both verbal and nonverbal that your emotional needs are taken care of and that you
encouragement as appropriate, saying “I see,” or “I create time for rest and personal development.This balance
understand,” and nodding and smiling.Watching the other brings a harmony to your life that keeps you doing things.
person’s body language for clues to the full meaning of any
communication will also be helpful. Horse people probably The second balance is between doing more and doing less.
do this better than many others because they are used to A positive mental attitude encourages you to achieve more,
reading a horse’s body language.
to be confident and ambitious.This has to be balanced by
If you combine these techniques with remaining broad- the need to analyze and simplify things, and to look for
minded and good-humored, then it is possible to get along priorities.The result of this balance is quality work.
with most people.This in turn helps you create the right
support system. Performing at your best is much easier if The final balance is between possibilities and realities.
you are well supported. Everyone needs regular support All performers will do better if they are creative, coming
from friends, family, coaches, sports scientists, sponsors,
organizers, and the media. It is no coincidence that top up with ideas for doing things differently and more
riders always give maximum credit to their coaches. effectively.This has to be balanced by what is realistic.
You have to make decisions about your options and the
PERFORMANCE BALANCES resources and preparation required to achieve a successful
outcome. Always do things with an eye on the future.
Whatever you want to achieve in your sport, you will do it
better if you have a balanced approach.The first and most THE BIGGER PICTURE Horse riding is a great sport and one
important balance is between effort and delight.To succeed that permeates all areas of your life. The friends you make, the
takes persistence and work, but the other side of the balance horses you ride, and the experiences you gain will stay with you
for ever. Your successes and failures in competition are part of
the bigger picture; they are not the whole picture.



CHAPTER ELEVEN

BUILDING YOUR

ULTIMATE TEAM

Finding the right horse is the starting
point for successful riding, and you will
need to know what to look for.The right
horse could be a pony, a cob, a warmblood,
or a Thoroughbred—as long as he has
good sense, strength, and potential.

In addition to your horse, you will rely
on other, human team members. Grooms,
farriers, vets, organizers, associations, and
coaches all form your network of support,
with your choice of coach being of
particular importance. An effective
rider has to be a good team player and
realize that each member of the team
complements the others. Not only will
this achieve extraordinary results, it can
develop friendships that last a lifetime.

374 B U I L D I N G Y O U R U L T I M A T E T E A M

the ultimate horse

A horse that has the potential to become your be a pleasure to work with, and to have the
ultimate horse will be the one that most suits right combination of good sense, strength, and
you. Make sure you do your research before you potential.The aim is to find a horse with whom
buy. Horses come in many different sizes and you can form a team whose value far exceeds
shapes, but you will want the one you choose to the sum of its individuals.

BUYING A HORSE use of an agent and a vet.You should do this even if you are
looking at a fairly low-value horse, because the cumulative
Your ultimate horse might be bought at public auction, or cost of keeping a horse over the years makes the purchase
from a private home, or from a dealer. Decide first on what price relatively less important.
type of horse you want and what type of work you want it
to do.Then seek advice from a coach you trust, or employ a Horses with the potential to win advanced competitions
reputable agent, because their knowledge and experience will or Olympic gold medals are hard to find, but if you discover
be invaluable. It takes a special skill to be able to quickly a horse that has intelligence, strength, and potential, you will
assess a horse’s ability and suitability, and it would be foolish have found a special partner that may one day take you to
not to make use of such people’s wisdom. unexpected achievement and glory.

The advantage of buying a horse at a public auction is INTELLIGENCE AND TEMPERAMENT
that you know you are paying the market price, but the
disadvantage is that there is normally a restricted time for There is no doubt that your priority when choosing a horse
trying out the horse and making up your mind. Buying suitable for general riding is that he should be sensible.The
privately gives you more time to make your assessment and two things that most determine whether a horse is sensible
test-ride the horse, but the asking price may be unrealistic are his basic nature and his intelligence; it is important to
and the vendor’s riding facilities limited. In such cases, distinguish between the two. Unfortunately, slow-wittedness
you may have to ask for the horse to be taken to a more or lack of intelligence is often mistaken for good temperament.
suitable facility for you to assess him.
Intelligent horses are desirable because they are far more
Buying from an established and reputable dealer gives the likely to be quick to train, and to watch out for you in
possibility of after-sales service and an exchange if the horse challenging situations, such as when jumping or riding cross
proves unsuitable.Wherever you are purchasing your horse, country. If an intelligent horse, however, is badly handled, he
the important thing is to do your homework and make full is often more difficult to train because he is quick to think of

VETTING YOUR HORSE

When you are considering buying a horse, always arrange a
veterinary examination to check the horse’s soundness and his
suitability for a particular activity. Making an assessment is often
not an exact science, but a matter of weighing up different
factors. For instance, a horse that is not sound enough for the
prolonged and intense physical demands of horse trials may still
have a long and active life in pleasure riding or dressage. Just as
with the many humans who cope with physical weaknesses, so
it is possible, with good management, for horses with small
ailments to work successfully and comfortably. An experienced
vet who knows your sport therefore plays a key role in finding
your ultimate horse.

T H E U L T I M A T E H O R S E 375

evasions and unusual reactions. For example, such a horse and this is what is required in a young horse. Such a nature
may quickly learn how to nap toward home or stop and rear, is a prerequisite for easy training and for fulfilling a horse’s
and he will soon learn what he can get away with. physical potential, although, sadly, it is quite possible to ruin
a good temperament with bad training. It is also possible to
On the other hand, slow-witted, passive horses tend to improve a horse’s temperament, but only with skillful
accept bad training practices and, regrettably, are used as training, time, and patience. No matter how talented or
examples to justify these methods. Horses like this beautiful a horse is, therefore, you should not consider buying
are considered desirable for the beginner rider him if he has an unwilling or difficult temperament.
because their slowness makes them seem
safe, but in reality their lack of responsiveness If, after you have bought your horse, he turns out not to
and engagement makes them a difficult ride be suitable for your needs, or you simply do not get
and therefore unsuitable for the beginner. along, always be prepared to resell him to
a more suitable home and look again.
A good temperament can be defined
as a calm, willing, and sociable outlook, ULTIMATE HORSE BIKO Karen
O’Connor, riding for the United States
Olympic team on her great horse Biko.
As a 3-year-old, Biko’s enormous potential
was immediately evident.

376 B U I L D I N G Y O U R U L T I M A T E T E A M

STRENGTH GOOD FEET Any lack of

A horse’s strength and the length of his working life stem Having little height or width symmetry in the
from a combination of two things: good conformation and feet will create
muscular strength. Some horses, such as quarter horses and
sprinters, have a higher proportion of muscle that is suited to in the heel of the foot is a additional strain
anaerobic exercise, such as dressage and showjumping.This serious defect.Without this, on another part
results in a rounder, bulkier muscle shape and can produce few horses remain sound of the leg
great strength in the short term. Others, such as Arabs and
ponies, have a higher proportion of muscle suited to aerobic because the navicular area is
exercise.This results in a flatter, leaner body shape and
produces lower levels of strength over longer periods, hence exposed to injury and there
the Arab’s suitability for endurance riding. Good training can
produce good muscle development, but when comparing is particular risk of injury
horses, the ones that are natural athletes and have better
conformation will have greater potential and durability. to the wings of the pedal With a good width

A HORSE’S CONFORMATION bone. The front feet should of foot, line A will
equal line B. Narrow
Conformation is related to function in the same way that a be a pair at an angle of
rider’s position is related to their effectiveness. Breeding for 54–58 degrees to the feet tend to lead to B A
specific physical characteristics that reflect fashion ideals but soundness problems
are unrelated to the use of the horse should be abhorred.The
most important issue is whether a horse’s build allows him to horizontal. A foot shaped

like this will be able to On the front feet,
disperse force evenly when the pastern should
it hits the ground, which be at the same

reduces stress on the tendons, angle as the foot

joints, and bones of the

foreleg. Few horses have

perfect feet, but a farrier can

resolve some problems.

HORSE MOVEMENT Showjumpers
and dressage horses tend to make a
round action with each step, with an
obvious use of the hock and knee
joints, whereas racehorses and Arabs,
like this one pictured here, have a

flatter, pendulum action.

T H E U L T I M A T E H O R S E 377

work well and efficiently.The key element of good fetlock joint should be the same as it is just below the knee.
conformation (see box, below) is overall proportion: Additional strain on the tendons can occur if the horse is
everything should fit together in a balanced way. back at the knee, which means that the foreleg appears to
bend backward, and be concave behind the line of the knee.
Conformation is an important factor in soundness. Although
there may appear to be exceptions—those horses with poor Sloping shoulders and a 90-degree angle at the hip joint
conformation that do work and stay sound—the experience (between the ilium/pelvis and the femur/thigh) will help
of vets and of those who work horses in an intense way over the horse to make effective muscular use of his limbs.This,
many years suggests that some aspects of conformation are combined with his use of his back and his natural suppleness
vital to ensure a long and useful working life. and way of going, will dictate whether or not a particular
horse is a natural athlete.
The most important area is the front legs, from just below
the knee to the ground, including the foot (see box, left). A beautiful head with big eyes is often mentioned as a
Tendon damage is the injury most commonly sustained by necessary requirement when choosing a horse, but in fact
horses that have to gallop in their work, and longer tendons an ugly head bears no relationship to intelligence or
will be weaker.Therefore, the cannon bone should be short, personality. Despite this, many people insist on buying a
so that the knee is close to the ground, and the main horse with a beautiful head, so if you are looking for a
tendons between the knee and the fetlock joint should be cheaper horse, it may be a good option to choose one that
correspondingly short.The width of the bone just above the does not have such a pretty face.

GOOD CONFORMATION

A horse with good conformation should fit into an imaginary To minimize strain on the joints, all limbs should be straight.
square (see below). In addition, the vertical distance from When viewed from the front, the pastern, cannon bone, and
the wither to the lowest part of the belly should equal the forearm should form a vertical line.Viewed from behind,
distance from this point to the ground.This ensures plenty of there should be a vertical line from the point of buttock,
room for the heart and lungs to function.The knees and through the hock, to the heel (see below).This will help the
hocks should be close to the ground for short, strong tendons. horse to move straight and thus reduce stress on the joints.

An obvious place Good width from Round, strong,
for the saddle to sit flanks to tail gives well-muscled
room for the hip joints quarters
without slipping

4 in (10 cm) Large, flat hocks Good distance
between provide propulsion from hip
to hock
cheekbones Good width of
gives room for second thigh Hind feet
gives strength 5 degrees
larynx more upright
than fore feet
Sloping shoulders
allow free movement REAR VIEW

Cannon bone is
parallel with
the tendons

SIDE VIEW

378 B U I L D I N G Y O U R U L T I M A T E T E A M

HUNTERS When looking for a hunter, temperament should THE HORSE FORYOU
be the priority. Then look for good feet, straight limbs, sloping
shoulders, and big quarters. With these factors in place, the right A horse’s potential, or scope, dictates what activities he is able
training and feeding will produce an excellent equestrian partner. to do and to what level. Scope is affected by breeding or type,
and the support or training the horse receives.With regard
COBS A cob is the ideal flexible family horse. At around 15 to breeding, horses are often described as cold-, warm-, or
hands (5 ft/1.5 m), cobs have great strength and can do hotblooded. Coldbloods include the heavier and draft horses;
everything from competition work to driving. The Welsh Cob hotbloods include the Thoroughbred and the Arab; and
(below) and Morgan Horse are of this type and are utility horses. warmbloods are the result of breeding between coldbloods
and Thoroughbreds. Increasingly, warmbloods are being bred
directly from other warmbloods.These horses are widely known
as sport horses because they are specifically bred for dressage,
showjumping, and sometimes horse trials.Warmbloods can
be divided into three groups according to their ability to carry
weight: heavyweight—up to 260 lb (118 kg); middleweight—
up to 225 lb (102 kg); lightweight—up to 190 lb (86 kg).

All native ponies in North America are originally from
Great Britain, apart from Icelandic ponies, and there are no
native breeds in France, Italy, or Germany. Natives such as the
Connemara and Welsh probably have the most scope of all—
they are hardy, but not lacking in ability. Adults who are small
enough to ride ponies have a great advantage in that their
costs will be considerably reduced: ponies need less intensive
maintenance, they can often be worked without hind shoes,
and they eat less than a big horse. Ponies are also tougher;
they are less susceptible to sprained tendons, and will heal
better without raised scars after cuts and grazes.

A cob is a type of small horse that can carry a heavier rider
than a pony.The cob is possibly the most flexible and useful of
all the horses for pleasure working. However, they are not built
for speed, which generally precludes them from higher levels.

A horse’s gender may also affect its scope. Stallions need
knowledgeable handling and are not suitable for novice riders.
Geldings (castrated stallions) are undoubtedly easier to manage.
Mares are, generally speaking, cheaper to purchase, but you
need to have sensitivity and awareness to manage them,
especially when they are in season. By far the most influential
factor in the scope, development, and value of any horse is the
training and care that he receives.The progressive and humane
training set out in this book will allow your horse to fulfill
his potential, but it is a long-term project.To take a horse
to advanced competition level requires immense dedication
from riders and coaches, as well as from an extended backup
team without which a horse can never rise to such heights.

OLYMPIC HORSE
Custom Made was discovered as a young horse. He
showed potential with huge sense and strength, and found
the perfect partner in David O’Connor, who won a gold

medal on him at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.



380 B U I L D I N G Y O U R U L T I M A T E T E A M

the ultimate backup team

The rider, horse, and coach form the core of any and enjoyment possible.With the possible
team, but the work of the farrier, groom, and vet exception of the horse, there can be no stars of
keeps the show on the road, and a host of other the team: if the team is to stay together, everyone
people—including friends and family—play must respect each other and understand their
supporting roles that make special achievement different responsibilities and roles.

FINDING AND KEEPINGYOUR TEAM backup team that you can use. Grooms often advertise their
availability in specialist equestrian magazines, and local pony
When finding the professional members of your equestrian clubs and riding clubs are both good sources of information,
team, personal recommendations are always helpful. as well as being good training grounds for grooms.
However, both farriers and vets belong to professional
associations that can give you details of members working in In addition to the services of the farrier and the vet,
your area. Successful farriers and vets are often reluctant to you will occasionally need the help and support of other
take on new clients, so it is an advantage to stable your horse professionals. If your vet does not practice equine dentistry,
at a commercial livery stable, which will have an existing for example, you will need a specialist to do this essential job

THE GROOM Whether you are your
own groom or you have someone else
looking after your horse, no one plays
a bigger role in providing the safe and
secure environment and the daily routine
that a horse needs. A groom is in the best
position to spot small changes in behavior
or health that require attention, and can
also provide companionship for the horse.

T H E U L T I M A T E B A C K U P T E A M 381

of keeping your horse’s mouth healthy and comfortable. THE FARRIER
You may also, at various times, need the services of an
equine nutritionist, or the help of a physiotherapist or other “No foot, no horse,” goes the
specialist practitioner. old adage.You might add, “And
no farrier, no foot.” A farrier is
Once you have established a team, you need to keep it a skilled craftsman who needs
together. One of the keys to this is ensuring that all the team to visit your horse every 6
members can visualize the bigger picture—your long-term weeks or so to replace shoes or
aims. It is also essential that their role in achieving these aims is just to keep the feet trimmed
recognized. It is worth recalling the story of the three men who and in good order. Different
were doing identical work in a marble quarry: when asked what horses, and different activities
they were doing, the first said, “I’m cutting marble,” the second and workloads, will require
said, “I’m cutting marble for a column,” and the third said, “I’m different types of shoes. In
building a cathedral.” This third man was the one most likely to some cases, specially designed
remain motivated and committed to his work because he was shoes are used to help remedy
acutely aware of its purpose.Team members who understand foot or balance problems.
the overall aim, and who can respect and communicate with
each other, are likely to stay together and to achieve the most. some of these contacts for fundraising purposes. People like
to be part of such a team: they feel good about supporting a
SUPPORT NETWORK worthy cause, having an interest, and being part of the
celebrations when you achieve success.
Performing to the best of your ability is much easier when
you are well supported. Apart from your horse, your coach, Your official equestrian association will be able to
and your team of key professionals, you need to be proactive provide support if you are prepared to be involved in the
in developing a wider support network. Family and friends association and give back in other ways.This is the strength
can play a major role in this, especially in encouraging your of belonging to a vibrant organization.You will be able to
motivation and discipline, such as on cold mornings and make useful contacts and have access to everything from
difficult days.They do not have to understand the technical advice on coaches to details of special group visits to
details of riding, but they do need to understand your goals competitions or stables.
if they are to be supportive enough to make small changes in
their lives to facilitate the achievement of your goals. You may find it of great educational value to participate
in training programs for coaches or judges: it is surprising
The same applies to people at your place of work or study. how useful it is for you, as a rider, to see yourself from the
You will need their cooperation if you are to be able to stick perspective of a coach or a judge.
to a timetable that takes into account your equestrian
commitments.With a little luck you might also be able to use

THE VET

In many respects, the vet is the leader of the backup team because
he will almost always be the person you call first when your horse is
showing behavioral changes or needs treatment for any weaknesses or
injuries.The vet will work with the rider and groom, and will know
when to call in the physiotherapist or other specialist. It is essential
that the vet is a good diagnostician—the veterinary assessment will
determine the work of most of the other team members.The vet will
look for pain, heat, or swelling, and for any abnormalities in behavior
or way of going.Watching the horse at a walk and a trot, and then
conducting a manual examination (possibly combined with the use
of X-rays or thermal imaging) will help the vet to locate the precise
location of any problem.

382 B U I L D I N G Y O U R U L T I M A T E T E A M

the ultimate coach

When seeking out a coach, remember that learn from your horse—a well-trained horse can
while internationally renowned trainers lead the teach a great deal and is much sought-after by
competition world, it is more important to find those who wish to become better riders.Wise
someone who suits your individual needs. Also, riders use every opportunity to learn so that they
you should never underestimate what you can are eventually in a position to coach themselves.

IDENTIFYINGYOUR COACH their particular method, they may say that there are many
different, successful training approaches. In fact, what you need
Over the years there have been a number of great coaches is the most up-to-date, effective method, not something that
who have advanced equestrian sports and introduced new and just works. Studying what the very best coaches do at any level
better techniques that, in time, have influenced all riders. A will be very helpful in assessing and choosing your own.
famous example is Bert De Nemethy, the late Hungarian coach
of the US showjumping team between 1955 and 1980. He Your local coach may not have an international reputation,
was able to bring together his knowledge of classical dressage but this does not necessarily mean he or she cannot be better
and the demands of international showjumping, and then than an international guru. A good coach is trustworthy and
apply his analytical mind to produce a systematic approach for
the preparation of all showjumpers. He gave a generation of WORKING WITH YOUR COACH Every relationship
riders the belief and confidence to use his methods consistently. between coach and student will be different, and will develop
in different ways, but the best are two-way; a good coach will
Beware of being led astray by coaches whose ability to always learn something from his or her students.
market themselves is superior to their methods. In justifying

T H E U L T I M A T E C O A C H 383

welcoming, positive, simple and flexible in approach and, GREAT COACHES
above all, a person with vision.Your trainer should be willing
to identify with your difficulties, and understand that every Reiner Klimke was a great German coach of the 1970s to
student has special requirements, as well as special abilities 1990s, and his riding successes spanned many years. He was
that can be developed. If this description fits, then you have one of the fortunate elite who was influenced by Otto Lorke,
found a great coach. who founded a dynasty of legendary German trainers, including
Bubby Gunther,Willi Schultheis, Joseph Neckermann, Harry
LEARNING FROMYOUR HORSE Boldt, and Herbert Rehbein.The qualities that made Klimke a
great coach were his passion to communicate and his love of
The consensus among top riders is that the horse is our horses. Here, riding his beloved Ahlerich, he epitomizes the
best teacher. In analyzing learning, research has continually coachwho leads by example, and shows that good training can
shown that reading, hearing, or seeing something is only half leadto a long life in equestrian sport.
as effective as feeling it. In other words, we remember best
the things we actively experience.

Learning to ride is no exception: often it is not until
riders have actually felt something that they can understand
what is required. In this respect, a well-trained horse is
invaluable: from such an animal you can learn what a
new exercise should feel like, and you can begin to
understand the relationship between the different exercises.
Most importantly, you can learn about good timing and
effective use of the aids. Many of the great riders have
benefited from riding advanced horses trained by others.

The lessons you can learn from a young horse are very
different: you learn about patience, the need to understand
before taking action, and the importance of having a method
and doing things correctly from the beginning. If you are a
novice rider with good basics, there is much to be said for
learning both from an unspoiled young horse, with the help
of your coach, and from a more advanced horse. But there
is little value in riding a badly trained horse, because this
is only likely to give you bad habits.

LEARNING FROM A WIDER WORLD BEING YOUR OWN COACH

The equestrian world is full of different training methods, so Riders are primarily motivated not by ribbons and medals,
it is important that your influences are complementary.The but by feeling good about what they do and by the sheer
Internet is a good resource. Books are invaluable, but beware satisfaction of performing well.The most satisfying thing
of poor translations and older books espousing outdated riders can do is to be self-sufficient, knowing that they are
standards of competition and equine care. Not all influences responsible for their own learning, and can approach it in an
need be derived from equestrian sport: great coaches from independent way. If you can do this, you can not only say that
other sports will have wisdom that crosses boundaries and can you had a good coach, but that you are now a good coach
be crucial to your development.Valuable techniques in areas yourself. Ultimately, you have to make your own decisions,
such as mental and physical preparation, for example, can and in this respect you are your own coach. If you can realize
often be derived from those used in other sports. that, potentially, you are the very best coach you will ever
have, you will be inspired to learn more.
Although it can be argued that the horse is still exploited by
humans, we no longer accept the cruelty and misuse that has
taken place in the past.We now recognize a need for a more
humane and holistic approach to training, and this is at the
heart of the training principles described in this book.There
are huge benefits in this approach for you and your horse.

384 G L O S S A R Y

glossary

A AIDS The ways in which a rider communicates or AUSTRALIAN NOSEBAND See p.390.
signals to a horse.The natural aids are the voice, legs,
ABOVE THE BIT When the horse carries his head hands, seat, and body weight.The artificial aids are AZOTURIA A condition characterized by muscle
high and well in front of the vertical as a result of the whip and spurs. cramps. It occurs as a result of inappropriate feeding
not using his back and of accepting the rein contact. (especially overfeeding concentrates on rest days),
AIRS ABOVE THE GROUND When the horse’s combined with a lack of a progressive warm-up.
ACCEPTANCE Acceptance refers to both the forehand or both the forehand and the quarters come
physical and mental acceptance by the horse of the off the ground.They are not part of modern dressage B
rider’s presence, weight, and leg, seat, and rein competition, but are exhibition exercises, particularly
contacts, including basic language. at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Exercises BALANCE The relative amount of weight on the
include levade, courbette, and capriole. horse’s forelegs and hind legs and the consistency and
ACTION The way in which a horse moves. Straight stability with which that weight is carried. It also
action describes the limbs moving in a vertical plane ALLOWING Describes a rein contact that goes with refers to the rider’s weight distribution.
(as opposed to moving the feet in or out during the movement of the horse’s mouth, rather than going
flight—known as dishing); round action is where the ahead of or restricting it. See also Nonallowing rein. BANK A type of fence. In cross-country courses,
flight of the foot makes a circular shape, as in a dressage banks range from a narrow type, which is jumped over,
horse; flat action is where the foot stays a more ANAEROBIC EXERCISE Period of strenuous to the Irish bank, which is wide enough for the horse
consistent distance above the ground, as in a racehorse. exercise demanding muscle function without oxygen. to jump onto and make a full stride before jumping
See also Aerobic exercise. off again. In showjumping, banks take the form of a
ADAPTATION See Training effect. variety of tables, between one and three strides wide.
ANAEROBIC THRESHOLD The point, during
AEROBIC EXERCISE An activity level that utilizes work, beyond which a horse will begin to produce BARS (OF THE MOUTH) The narrow gap
a horse’s capacity to supply oxygen to his cells. It lactic acid in his muscles. See also Lactic acid. between the incisor and molar teeth on which the bit
occurs during work at relatively slow, steady rates sits.The bars are V-shaped and only covered by a thin
and develops endurance. See also Anaerobic exercise. ARENA (MANEGE, SCHOOL) An enclosure used layer of skin and tissue, so they are easily damaged.
for riding. Small arenas usually have an all-weather
AGAINST THE CLOCK A timed round in a surface made of combinations of sand, clay, rubber, BASCULE See Parabola.
showjumping competition. It takes place either in the or synthetic materials; larger arenas are usually grass.
first round (as in a speed class), or in later rounds, as BAUCHER HANGING SNAFFLE See p.384.
in a timed round between all the competitors who have ASCENDING OXER A type of showjump where
gone clear—known as a jump-off. the front pole is lower than the rear pole. BEHIND THE BIT Describes a horse bringing his
head back behind the vertical and shortening his neck

BITS Bits are used for communication and control, FRENCH LINK SNAFFLE JOINTED EGGBUTT SNAFFLE
not for forcing a position of the head and neck. The central plate spreads the load and makes direct One of the two most commonly used snaffles for
They can be divided into three main families: snaffles, contact on the tongue. A mild bit. training and trained horses. A mild bit.
curbs, and pelhams. The main action of a snaffle is
on the tongue and bars of the mouth, while gag BAUCHER HANGING SNAFFLE TWISTED JOINTED SNAFFLE
snaffles act upward into the corners of the mouth. The mouthpiece is held upright, which helps The mouthpiece is twisted, which gives a smaller
Curb bits and pelhams, which both have curb chains, prevent the tongue from getting over the bit. bearing surface on the bars. A strong snaffle.
act primarily on the tongue and lower jaw. A snaffle
and curb used together create a double bridle (see
p.386). A pelham is a combination of both a snaffle
and a curb, with a single mouthpiece that sits in the
same position as a snaffle. Most snaffles have a joint
in the middle of the mouthpiece, while curbs and
pelhams are normally unjointed and straight or
slightly curved. Bit mouthpieces are normally made
of steel, but various synthetic materials are used,
as are rubber and copper.

FIXED MOUTH CURB RUGBY PELHAM VULCANITE PELHAM
The standard curb for a double bridle. Designed to look like a double bridle and to A broad mouthpiece spreads the load on
The mouthpiece has a tongue groove. be used with a double bridle headpiece. the tongue and bars of the mouth.

G L O S S A R Y 385

in order to prevent normal rein contact from the It is the opposite of cow-hocked, where the hocks are BULLFINCH A vertical fence with light brush or
rider. It is often the result of discomfort caused by very close together. Both are serious conformational birch sticking vertically out of the solid base. It is
sharp teeth or inappropriate use of overly strong defects that increase stress on the hocks and reduce used in a cross-country course, and its origin is in an
bits or gadgets. their power. old-fashioned cut-and-laid hedge.

BELL BOOTS See Overreach boots. BREASTPLATE A piece of equipment designed C
to prevent the saddle from slipping backward. It is
BEND Referring to the lateral bend in the horse placed around the horse’s shoulders and chest and CADENCE As a horse moves more efficiently with
from the poll to the tail. is attached directly to the saddle. an increased level of impulsion, the period of time his
feet stay on the ground (stance time) is reduced and
BETWEEN THE AIDS An alternative expression BREECHES Calf-length riding trousers worn the period of suspension increased.This emphasizes
to on the bit and on the aids. It refers to the horse with long boots. the rhythm of the pace and is often called cadence.
coming through his back, working as one connected
physical unit, and accepting and understanding the BRIDLE See p.386. CALMNESS Refers to the need for the horse to be
basic aids through the leg and rein. mentally calm in order to avoid the paralysing effect
BRIDOON A small-ring snaffle, commonly used of mental tension, and to allow an unconstrained basis
BITLESS BRIDLE Any of a variety of bridles that do as the snaffle bit of a double bridle. for all his work.
not use a bit but instead use pressure on the nose or
jaw of the horse. BROKEN DOWN Describes a horse that has CANTER The pace between trot and gallop. It
sustained severe damage to the tendons between the has three beats (outside hind, inside hind and outside
BONE The measurement around the leg just below knee and fetlock joint. It particularly affects cross- fore together, inside fore) followed by a period
the knee or hock.This measurement is one of the country horses and racehorses, because galloping of suspension.
factors determining the horse’s ability to carry weight. creates substantial forces in this area.
CANTER PLANK OR POLE A solid plank or pole
BOUNCE FENCE Two fences placed 91∕2–16 ft BROKEN-NECKED A horse whose neck is placed on the ground and used in place of a fence to
(3–5 m) apart, requiring the horse to take off for the unnaturally flexed between the third and fifth practice the technical aspects of jumping. A plank is
second fence immediately after landing over the first vertebrae, rather than flexing naturally between preferable to a pole because it cannot roll if stepped
fence without taking a stride. Another one or two the axis and atlas behind the poll. See also Flexion. on and is therefore safer. See alsoTrotting plank.
fences are sometimes added to make a double
or triple bounce. Bounce fences are often used at BRUSHING The action of one of the horse’s feet CAPRIOLE A dressage movement, where the
the start of many jumping grids and as a test in striking his opposite foot or leg if he does not move horse kicks out with the hind legs, as though he
cross-country courses. straight.This can happen when riding on a circle or were releasing the hind legs over a fence.
when a horse loses his balance.To protect the legs,
BOW-HOCKED Describes a horse whose hocks brushing boots are often used on both front and hind CAVALETTI A pole permanently fixed to either
point outward so that the distance between the hocks legs, covering the area from just below the knee to small blocks or X-shaped supports, which can be used
is greater than the distance between the fetlocks. just below the fetlock joint. for various jumping exercises.The X-type supports

SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL SNAFFLE JOINTED CHEEK SNAFFLE
Also called the fulmer snaffle. The mouthpiece is The long cheeks at the side help to improve
held upright. There is an increased nutcracker action. steering, making it very suitable for young horses.

DUTCH GAG
Rein pressure on either of the two lower rings creates
a gag action, lifting the mouthpiece upwards.

LOOSE-RING JOINTED SNAFFLE D-RING JOINTED SNAFFLE
One of the two most commonly used snaffles. Also called a racing snaffle. Almost identical in
It has a mild gag action. use to the eggbutt snaffle.

STANDARD PELHAM KIMBLEWICK PELHAM JOINTED GAG
The mouthpiece should be slightly rounded to The straight mouthpiece with tongue groove Rein pressure causes the mouthpiece to rise,
reduce pressure on the tongue. increases pressure on the tongue. putting pressure on the corners of the mouth.

386 G L O S S A R Y

are unsafe because of the risk of injury if a rider falls CHANGE OF CANTER LEAD Change of leading COB A type of horse, rather than a breed, between
on to them. Cavaletti should never be placed on top leg in canter. See Leading leg. 14¼ hh (4 ft 9 in/1.5) and 15½ hh (5 ft 2 in/1.6 m),
of each other because they can cause a horse to fall. that can carry 170–200 lb (77–90 kg).
CHANGE OF REIN Change of direction in the
CAVESSON NOSEBAND The standard noseband arena or on a circle: from going around to the right COLDBLOOD Draft-type horse.When crossed
(see below). to going around to the left, or vice versa. with the Thoroughbred (defined as a hot- or full-
blood) they produce warmbloods, which are often
CHAMBON A schooling gadget designed for use CHAPS/HALF-CHAPS Leather protection for called sport horses.
during lungeing work without a rider. A rounded the rider’s legs, worn from the top of the thigh to
strap or rope runs between the horse’s forelegs to the ankles (chaps) or from just below the knee to COLIC The term given to any restriction in the
the poll and then to the bit. It encourages a horse the ankle (half chaps). Half-chaps permit the mobility digestive process in the abdomen. Horses are prone
to lower and lengthen the head and neck. It is of the joints that long riding boots often prevent. to colic after changes to their natural diet of grass,
particularly useful as part of a retraining program for and because they cannot vomit. Colic can cause
spoiled horses, but overuse of any gadget will tend to CHIPPING IN A horse putting in one or two extreme distress and is a common cause of death.
produce an unnatural way of going. short strides before taking off for a jump.
COLLECTION A variation of a pace, characterized
BRIDLES by an increase of weight on the hind legs, combined
with a slight lowering of the quarters, a raising of the
The two classic bridles are the snaffle bridle and the double bridle. Both bridles are shown with cavesson head and neck, and a shorter stride.
nosebands. The noseband should be fitted two finger-widths below the protruding cheekbone. The headpiece
of both bridles goes around the head behind the ears. It should be broad enough to spread the load of the COLT An uncastrated male horse up to 4 years old.
weight of the bridle. If your horse shakes his head and appears to be uncomfortable with the bridle, it could See also Gelding.
be that the headstrap section of the noseband (which lies under the headpiece) is too narrow, with all the
weight pressing on this narrow strap. Placing it on top of the headpiece will alleviate this problem. COMBINATIONS In showjumping, a series of
three fences separated by one or two strides. In cross
BRIDLE DOUBLE BRIDLE country, there may be three to five fences separated
by one to three strides or bounces.
Headpiece
Browband COMING THROUGH THE BACK The process
of having the horse’s hind legs engaged, so that
Throatlatch Snaffle bit the chain of muscles can begin to lift his back and
Cheekpiece Curb chain connect the horse as one athletic unit from the
Curb bit quarters to the poll. See also Engagement.
Cavesson
noseband Snaffle rein CONCENTRATES Foods consisting of high levels
of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, including
Eggbutt Curb rein cereals, oats, barley, nuts, and mixes.
snaffle
CONDITIONING The training of a horse to respond
Reins to a signal that is not instinctive. Responses to the
main leg and rein aids are conditioned, while fleeing
from danger is instinctive. Also describes the process
of improving the horse’s fitness and performance.

CONFORMATION The shape of the horse’s body,
as dictated by his skeleton and the relationship
between the various parts. Conformation is a
significant factor in soundness.

CONSTANTS The qualities constantly required in
dressage, showjumping, and horse trials: acceptance,
calmness, forwardness, straightness, and purity.

CONTACT The rider’s leg and rein contacts.

COUNTER-CANTER A canter in which the leading
leg is deliberately the outside foreleg, rather than the
inside foreleg. Often used during training for flying
changes and as a straightening exercise for the canter.

COUNTING STRIDES The process of being aware
of the individual strides between fences or canter
planks.The rider counts each stride as the leading
leg comes to the ground.

COURBETTE A dressage movement, where the
horse leaps forward in equal bounds from the hind
legs, with the body staying at 45 degrees to the ground.

COW HOCKED See Bow hocked.

G L O S S A R Y 387

CRAMPING BEHIND Describes a poor jumping DISUNITED Describes the canter when the front EQUITATION CLASS A jumping class judged on
style in which the horse fails to open up his hind legs legs appear to have the correct canter lead but the the performance of the rider rather than the
behind him. Cramping increases the likelihood that hind legs are following the opposite lead.This gives performance of the horse.
the horse will hit the back pole of oxers. the incorrect sequence for the pace: inside hind leg,
outside hind and outside fore together, and finally EVADING THE BIT Any one of a number of actions
CRIB-BITING A stable vice.The horse grabs hold the inside fore. that a horse may take to avoid accepting the bit,
of and chews any protruding material; it is often including crossing the jaw, opening the mouth, lifting
accompanied by windsucking. Usually caused by DOG-LEG A jumping exercise demanding that the the tongue, putting the tongue over the bit, or
stress and an unsatisfactory environment, and it can horse goes straight after landing over a fence and then gripping the bit between his molar teeth.
damage the horse’s incisor teeth. Also called cribbing. makes a turn before going straight again to a second
fence.This is different from a bending line, which is EXTENSION One of the variations within a pace,
CROSS BREEDING The crossing of one pure on a curve from start to finish. characterized by maximum lengthening of the stride
breed with another. while maintaining the same tempo. Also pertains to
DOUBLE Two showjumping fences with a fixed the straightening of a joint as opposed to flexing (or
CROSS REINS Two reins that run from the bit to distance between them. closing) a joint.
the front of the withers and then cross over and
attach to a roller or saddle approximately 12 in (30 DOUBLE BRIDLE See p.386. F
cm) lower down.They are used while lungeing to
introduce some weight to the horse’s mouth without DRAW REINS See Running reins. FARRIER A person qualified to put shoes on a
having the reins tight, and also to prevent too much horse’s feet, to take care of the health of the feet, and
bend in the neck to the inside or outside without DRESSAGE SADDLE See p.393. to ensure they are suitably balanced in relation to the
falsely shortening the neck. action of the horse. Also called a blacksmith.
DRESSAGE WHIP A stick, approximately 3½ ft
CURB BIT A bit with one mouthpiece, a curb (1.2 m) long, used to enhance understanding of the FAST-TWITCH FIBERS Thick, glycogen-storing
chain, and two pairs of rings—one attached to the leg aids. See also Jumping whip muscle fibers that accomplish vigorous exercise.
cheekpiece of the bridle, the lower pair attached to
the reins. A curb is used with a snaffle (bridoon) of a D-RING JOINTED SNAFFLE See p.385. FAST WORK In racing, this describes working the
double bridle.The curb chain prevents the curb from horse for short periods close to or at his maximum
rotating more than 45 degrees and sliding up into the DRIVING See Long reining. speed. In horse trials, it describes working for short
snaffle, causing discomfort.The curb is not intended periods at three-quarter speed, well within the
to raise or lower the position of the horse’s head. It DROP Any fence where the distance from the top of horse’s maximum capability.
allows the rider to use more refined aids, in the case the fence to the ground on the landing side is greater
of a trained horse, or to teach respect for the aids, in than it is on the takeoff side. Horses will land farther FATIGUE Any strain in the horse resulting in
the case of a spoiled horse. See p.384. away from a drop than with a normal fence, because delayed adaptation and the horse’s inability to
the parabola of the jump lasts a little longer. respond. See also Training Effect.
CURB CHAIN The chain that runs from one side
of the curb bit to the other, behind the lower jaw, DROP NOSEBAND A type of noseband designed FEEL Good feel allows the rider to do the right thing
along the line of the chin groove. to discourage a horse from opening his mouth, at the right time. It requires a combination of harmony
crossing his jaw, and evading the bit.The front with the movement of the horse and experience of
D section fits above the bit, a hand’s breath above the how horses can and should feel to the rider.
nostrils; the back section comes down underneath
D BOX The area used by the veterinarian to inspect the bit and fastens at the back.When the horse FEEL A STRIDE See See a stride.
horses for soundness before the cross-country phase opens his mouth, he draws the bit up into the
of a three-day event. It is also used for the 10-minute corners of his mouth. See p.390. FEI Fédération Equestre Internationale (International
break to aid recovery and check equipment. Equestrian Federation), the international authority
DROPPED BACK See Hollow back. for equestrian affairs.
DEEP Too close to a fence on takeoff.
DUTCH GAG See p.385. FIFTH-LEG TRAINING Training that encourages
DESENSITIZATION See Habituation. the horse to look at what he is jumping and make
E decisions to ensure the safety of both horse and rider.
DIAGONAL (IN RISING TROT) When the horse
is in a trot, his inside foreleg and outside hind leg ELECTROLYTES Simple inorganic compounds, FILLER Any of a huge range of wood or plastic
move in a diagonal pair, as do his outside foreleg and including salt, which dissolve in water and are essential decorative material used to fill gaps at the base
his inside hind leg.The rider both rises and falls in for many of the chemical processes in the body.They of a showjumping fence.
time with one pair of diagonals.You can change the are given to the horse after prolonged sweating or
diagonal you are rising on as appropriate. loss of body fluids when competing or traveling. FILLY A female horse under 4 years of age.
After this time, they are called mares.
DIRECTION The precise route you take, the rein ENDURANCE (LONG-DISTANCE) RIDING
you are on, and the bend that you have, depending The sport of riding longer distances of 32–322 miles FITTENING The process through which a horse
on what exercise is being undertaken. (20–200 km) within set time periods, while keeping is made fit for a particular level of exercise.
the horse in the best possible condition. Even with
DIRECT REIN The normal, straight rein contact some of the longer rides it is possible to average FLASH NOSEBAND See p.390.
from the rider’s hand to the horse’s mouth, allowing 10 mph (15 km/h).
the movement of the mouth. See also Indirect rein. FLEXIBILITY Describes both the physical
ENGAGEMENT When the hind legs are moving suppleness and the mental ability to cope with
DISHING See Action. (engaging) in a way that allows the chain of muscles different situations and activities. Both of these can
along the horse’s length to lift his back and connect be developed with good, progressive training.
DISMOUNT The action of getting off a horse, him from the quarters to the poll.When this
normally on the left-hand side. happens, the horse is described as coming through FLEXION The natural bend between the atlas and
his back. See also Coming through the back. axis vertebrae just behind the horse’s poll. Forced

388 G L O S S A R Y

flexion can stretch the ligaments here, causing GAIT An alternative word for any of the paces traffic or the leg contact so he no longer
discomfort and an unnatural flexion three, four, or (walk, trot, canter, and gallop), or variation (such reacts adversely.
five vertebrae down the neck (see broken-necked). as collected, working, and extended).
Also describes the closing (as opposed to the HACKING See Trail riding.
extending) of any joint. GALLOP A four-time pace, faster than the canter,
with a period of suspension.The typical (transverse) HALF-HALT An almost invisible, momentary, and
FLIGHT Describes the period of time when a gallop sequence is: outside hind, inside hind, outside coordinated use of the aids, used for getting the
horse’s feet are off the ground. Also the name given fore, inside fore. If the hind legs are reversed (inside attention of the horse and improving his balance.
to the period of time between takeoff and landing hind, outside hind, outside fore, inside fore) it is
over a fence. called a rotary gallop. HALF-PASS A movement in dressage in which the
horse goes forward and sideways at the same time.
FLYING CHANGE Change from one canter lead to GELDING A castrated male horse.
the other canter lead during the period of suspension HALF-STRIDE DISTANCE A distance between
while maintaining canter.When a number of changes GENERAL-PURPOSE SADDLE See p.393. fences that includes the equivalent of half a horse’s
are made, with a fixed number of strides between stride—for example, three and a half strides. It
each change, they are called sequence changes.The GETTING LEFT BEHIND Describes the action requires the rider to either lengthen or shorten
most difficult sequence is to change the canter lead of restricting with the rein contact when jumping, the stride slightly to achieve a good takeoff point.
at every stride. which may also cause the rider to give the horse
a jab in the mouth. In an extreme case, the rider HALT See Square halt.
FOAL A colt, gelding, or filly, up to a year old. also loses control of his or her weight, ending
up sitting on the back of the saddle instead of HALTER A piece of bitless headwear used for
FOAL SLIP A lightweight halter designed for a foal’s keeping the majority of the weight through leading a horse. It fits like a loose bridle.
head to allow leading and general handling.The foal the legs.
slip should be removed when the foal is not being led HAND The unit of measurement to describe the
or handled. GIRTH The strap that runs from one side of the height of horses. One hand equals 4 in (10 cm). Most
saddle to the other and holds the saddle in place. It ponies are between 12 hands and 14 hands and most
FORAGE Any food given to horses, including hay may be made of leather or webbing, sometimes with horses from 15 to 17 hands.
and concentrates. an elasticated insert.The term also refers to the
circumference of the horse’s body measured just HANGING FORELEGS Describes the horse’s
FOREHAND The area in front of the saddle from behind the withers. failure to bring the shoulders, elbows, and knees
the horse’s shoulders to his head. forward and to tuck up the legs while jumping.
GIRTH GALLS Sores that appear just behind the Also called dangling in front. A good horse will
FOREQUARTERS See Forehand. elbows.They are caused by the friction of the girth bring the knees up quickly: this is called snapping
on soft skin and can result in bad behavior. If left the knees.
FORGING The striking of the horse’s fore foot by untreated, they can become infected.
the hind foot, making a sound like a hammer hitting HANGING TO HOME Describes a horse trying
metal. It occurs when the horse leaves the forefoot GRAB STRAP A strap attached to the front arch of to head toward the stable or arena exit when
on the ground a little longer than normal, usually the saddle and used for support. ridden, or trying to avoid going away from the
because of poor balance. stable or arena exit. It denotes lack of acceptance
GRAND PRIX In showjumping, the highest level and forwardness. It can eventually develop into
FORM The shape of the rider’s position, including of individual competition, with one Grand Prix class napping. See also Napping.
the posture of the spine and the position of the limbs. at each international show. In international dressage,
it is the class between the Intermediate II level and HANGING SNAFFLE See Baucher hanging snaffle.
FORWARD SEAT A term sometimes used to the Grand Prix Special.
describe riding with the seat out of the saddle HARMONY The ability to go with, rather than
with a shorter length of stirrup than in dressage GREEN Describes a horse, normally young, that follow or restrict, the movement of the horse.The
and a more closed angle at the knee and hip. It is has started training but is still not established in rider’s legs go with the horse’s sides, the seat with the
also called two-point position, as opposed to three- his work. horse’s back, and the hands with the horse’s mouth.
point, where you sit on your seat and have some
weight in both legs. GRIDS A series of jumps used to help develop HEAD TILTING When a horse rotates his head to
a rider’s jumping position and improve a horse’s one side from the poll, making one ear higher than
FORWARDNESS Refers to the horse going forward jumping technique.Training using grids is referred the other. It usually occurs as the result of restriction
willingly, responding to the rider’s forward aids. to as gridwork. through the rein (particularly when approaching a
fence), or it may indicate discomfort in the mouth.
FRESH Describes a horse that is feeling exuberant GRIDWORK See Grids.
and behaving inattentively, usually because of having HOLLOW (OR DIPPED) BACK A back that is
had too little exercise. GROUND LINES The use of a pole or small concave: the result of the lowering of the vertebrae
filler 20–30 in (50–75 cm) in front of a fence to between the withers and the croup caused by lack
G help prevent a horse from getting too close to a of use or restricted use of the back. It is often
fence before takeoff and to help define the shape exacerbated by age.
GADGET Any piece of equipment, other than of a fence.
standard tack, that is used to elicit a specific HOMEOPATHIC REMEDY A minute
response in training. Most gadgets work using GYMNASTIC JUMPING Exercises, normally concentration of a substance—used to treat illness or
either pulleys or pressure points.They include grids, that encourage a horse to jump more injury—prepared in accordance with the homeopathic
balancing reins, running reins, chambon, and athletically and with greater spring. principle that like cures like.
overhead check reins. Gadgets do not form part
of a progressive training program, and they H HOT A horse that is excitable and free-wheeling,
should be used only on a temporary basis and being difficult to control and train to become calm.
with the greatest care. HABITUATION The process of desensitization— Often associated with Thoroughbreds.
for example, gradually exposing the horse to

Poll G L O S S A R Y 389

Crest Withers Loin
Croup
Forelock Flank
Cheek

Muzzle Jugular Dock
groove
Point of
Shoulder buttock

Point of shoulder Thigh

Chin groove

Breast

POINTS OF THE HORSE Girth Sheath Gaskin
Elbow Stifle Point of hock
Knowing the points of the horse is
particularly useful for describing the Forearm
location of a wound, or pain, heat or Knee
swelling, to your veterinarian. It will also Cannon
aid communication between you and
your coach. The insides of the legs are
known as the medial side and the
outside as lateral.

Fetlock Coronet
Heel
Pastern

HOTBLOOD The name given to Thoroughbred INTERVAL TRAINING A conditioning program height, and weight of a horse’s step is changed as a
or Arab horses. consisting of controlled periods of canter work result of pain.When the same thing happens as a
separated by controlled intervals of rest, allowing result of lack of suppleness or even development of
I partial recovery of the horse’s resting pulse. both sides of the horse, it is usually called unlevel.

IMPULSION The combination of suppleness, IRONS See Stirrups. LATERAL WORK Dressage exercises in which the
strength, and spring, all achieved within a particular front and hind legs move on different tracks, such as
speed. An integral part of the horse being between J in shoulder-in, travers, renvers, and half pass.
the aids and coming through his back.
JODHPURS Ankle-length riding pants worn with LEADING LEG The inside foreleg in canter that
INCISORS The teeth at the front of the upper and short (jodhpur) boots. finishes each stride in front of the opposite foreleg.
lower jaws (six on each) that are used for cutting and It is the last leg to leave the ground before the period
pulling grass and hay. JOINTED EGGBUTT SNAFFLE See p.384. of suspension. If the canter stride starts with the
outside hind leg (first beat of canter), the inside hind
INDEPENDENT SEAT A rider who has achieved JUMPING SADDLE See p.393. and outside fore will follow next (second beat); the
a balanced position that does not require contact inside fore—the leading leg—then touches the
from the reins or leg in order to maintain the position JUMPING WHIP A short whip, approximately ground (third beat).When the horse changes
is said to have an independent seat. It allows use of 2 ft (60 cm) long, used for jumping and general work. direction, the canter lead should also change.
the limbs without disturbing the balance.
JUMP-OFF See Against the clock. LEATHERS Stirrup leathers. See Saddles p.393.
INDIRECT REIN Allowing rein contact made
while the hands move over the neck or withers, K LEFT REIN, RIGHT REIN See Inside and outside.
breaking the straight line from the hand to the
horse’s mouth. See also Direct rein. KUR A freestyle dressage test to music. LEG YIELD The most basic of all lateral movements.
The horse remains straight except for a slight bend at
INDOOR SCHOOL An indoor arena. L the poll. He goes forward and sideways at the same
time as his inside legs pass and cross in front of his
INSIDE AND OUTSIDE Describes the direction LACTIC ACID A by-product of the breakdown of outside legs.
of the bend of the horse, however slight.The hand, carbohydrates stored in the body, which restricts
leg, and rein on the inside of the bend of the muscles if it is not removed. It is produced when LEGGING UP The first and longest phase of
horse are therefore the inside hand, leg, and rein, there is insufficient oxygen supplied to muscle cells, conditioning in which the mechanical frame of the
and vice versa. such as during strenuous exercise.

LAME Describes the state in which the length,

390 G L O S S A R Y

horse, particularly the bones, joints, tendons, LUNGE WHIP See Lungeing. MOUNT To get on to a horse. It can also refer to
ligaments, and cartilage, is strengthened throughout the horse itself.
a 3- to 6-month period of aerobic conditioning LUNGEING Working the unridden horse on a
over increasing distance. circle by means of a long line, which is attached MULTIBRIDLE (MICKLEM) The Micklem
to the horse’s head and held by the trainer. Also Multibridle is a combination of noseband, lunge
LEG UP Describes when a rider has assistance in used with the ridden horse to help develop the rider’s cavesson, bitless bridle, and halter, developed by the
mounting, by springing off an assistant’s hand instead position without the rider having to control the horse. author. It is based around the shape of a dropped
of the stirrup iron. The trainer will also use a lunge whip, which is longer noseband. It is designed to avoid pressure to the
than a dressage whip and has a soft lash. typical points of discomfort on a horse’s head and
LEVADE A dressage movement where the horse also to avoid the need to change equipment.
remains stationary and brings the forehand off the M
ground, with his four legs bent and with a deep N
bending of the joints of the hind legs.The horse’s MANEGE See Arena.
body makes an angle of 45 degrees with the ground. NAPPING Describes when a horse continually turns
MARE Female horse over 4 years of age. toward home or refuses to go away from home. It
LIGAMENT Fibrous bands that attach the bones denotes lack of acceptance and forwardness. See also
of the horse together. MARTINGALE A piece of tack designed to Hanging to home.
prevent the horse’s head from becoming excessively
LONG REINING (DRIVING) The horse is high.The most common is the running martingale: NAPPY Describes a horse that has a tendency to nap.
controlled from the ground by two long reins a strap that runs from the girth and then divides See also Napping.
or ropes attached to the bit.The trainer walks into two, each with a ring at the end; the rings run
approximately 13 ft (4 m) behind the horse. along the reins.The Irish martingale is simply a NECK REINING Steering a horse with both
piece of leather about 9 in (25 cm) long with a ring reins in one hand.The horse moves in the direction
LOOSE SCHOOLING/JUMPING The working at each end. It joins the reins together under the the rider’s hand is moved, responding to pressure
of a horse without a rider or any equipment in an horse’s neck and so prevents them from coming on the neck by moving away from it. Neck reining
enclosed area, both with or without jumps. It is over the horse’s head. is used in Western riding and in polo. It is also used
excellent for improving communication. for other activities where a free hand is required,
MOLARS The back teeth in a horse’s jaw (six on such as leading another rider.
LUNGE CAVESSON A cavesson-type noseband each side).The outside edge of the top molars often
fitted with rings to which a lunge rope is attached becomes sharp and needs rasping by a veterinarian or NECKSTRAP A strap that surrounds the horse’s
for the purpose of lungeing. equine dental technician. neck just in front of the withers. It is used as extra
support by the rider.
NOSEBANDS DROP NOSEBAND FLASH NOSEBAND
Ideal for early training. It comes The most popular noseband but NONALLOWING REIN A rein contact in which
Most nosebands are designed into effect only when the horse often the most uncomfortable for the hand does not go with the movement of the
to discourage a horse from opens his mouth. the horse. horse’s mouth.This can come about as a fault, as a
opening the mouth and evading result of stiff hands, or intentionally, as in rein-back.
the bit, but they should not be Sometimes called a rein of opposition.
used as an excuse for using
force or to cover up discomfort, O
resistance, or bad training.
A well-trained horse can ONE-DAY EVENT A type of horse trial, with the
eventually be ridden in a loose dressage, showjumping, and cross-country phases all
cavesson noseband. Because a on the same day. See also Three-day Event.
horse’s top jaw is wider than
his bottom jaw, considerable ON THE AIDS (ON THE BIT) See Between the aids.
discomfort inside the mouth
can be caused by flash and OPENING UP BEHIND Describes a desirable
standard crossed nosebands. jumping style in which, from the middle of the jump
Check in the rule book for onward, the hind legs are released, with the hip, stifle,
approved nosebands. and hock joints straightening out behind.When the
hind legs do not straighten out properly, the horse is
CROSSED MEXICAN GRAKLE AUSTRALIAN NOSEBAND said to be cramping behind. See also Cramping behind.
Also called figure-eight. Its More comfortable than a figure- A wonderful noseband, reducing
light weight makes it suitable eight or flash; the upper section pressure on the tongue. This is OPEN REIN A rein moved away from the horse’s
for racing. is attached higher up the head. appreciated by most young horses. neck to encourage the horse to move in that direction.
It causes a slight increase in pressure on the opposite
side of the horse’s mouth, which he moves away from.

OUTLINE The shape of the horse from the poll
to the tail. It is also sometimes called the topline,
although this is primarily a reference to the
conformation of the horse rather than the shape
he assumes in movement.When the horse goes
with impulsion he is often described as having
a round outline, particularly if he is worked
with collection.

OUTSIDE See Inside and outside

G L O S S A R Y 391

OVERBENT When the face of the horse comes PERIOD OF SUSPENSION The moment in trot negative reinforcements to encourage a desired
behind the vertical and the neck is shortened. Often and canter where all four feet are off the ground at behavior. A positive reinforcement introduces a
associated with the use of strong bits or gadgets, and the same time. Sometimes called a moment of reward, such as a gentle pat on the neck or the
riding the horse from the hand instead of the leg. suspension. offering of food; a negative reinforcement takes
something away, such as the pressure of the leg or rein.
OVERFACING Asking the horse to do an exercise PIAFFE In dressage, a highly collected trot on the
that is too difficult for his stage of training or ability. spot with a slightly prolonged period of suspension. RELATED DISTANCES A specific distance
The expression is most often used in relation to the The quarters are slightly lowered. of between three and ten strides between one
size of a fence. showjump and the next.
PIROUETTE When the hind legs stay in almost the
OVERGIRTH A girth that runs over the top of the same spot and the forehand moves around the hind RENVERS A dressage movement where the horse
saddle around the whole body of the horse. It is used end, either in a collected walk or with a high degree moves with his quarters to the outside and forehand
as an extra girth for cross country and racing. of collection in canter. It can be performed for a to the inside, with the opposite bend from
quarter-turn, half-turn (demi-pirouette), or whole shoulder-in.
OVERREACH BOOTS Rubber, synthetic, or circle.
leather, bell-shaped boots that fit around the horse’s RESISTANCE A lack of acceptance of the bit and
pastern and cover the heels of the forefeet.They are PLACING PLANK/POLE Plank or pole used in rein contact (shown in such reactions as the horse
designed to prevent injuries caused by the hind feet front of a fence, normally out of trot, to help a horse opening his mouth or grinding his teeth); a lack of
hitting the heels. Also called bell boots. and rider find an appropriate takeoff point. willingness to go forward; or a refusal to respond
to the rider’s aids.
OVER RIDE Where the rider does too much or too POINTS OF THE HORSE See p.389.
little with the aids when riding, in relation to the RHYTHM The regularly repeated sequence of steps
needs of the horse. PORT A raised section in the mouthpiece of some in a walk, trot, or canter, with the walk having four
curbs and pelhams that presses on the roof of the beats, the trot two beats, and the canter three beats.
OVERTRACKING Describes the hind foot landing mouth, designed to prevent the horse from placing
beyond the print of the forefoot on the same side in a the tongue over the bit. RISING TROT See Diagonal (in rising trot).
walk or trot.This is also described as tracking up. In
the collected paces the horse will not overtrack; the POSITION TO THE INSIDE See Shoulder-in. ROLLER A wide strap that goes around the body
longer the step, as in extension, the greater the of the horse. It is used instead of a saddle to attach
overtracking will be. PRIX ST. GEORGE The introductory level of side reins to when lungeing or when introducing the
international FEI dressage test. horse to the use of a saddle.
OXER A type of fence using two sets of poles. An
ascending oxer is lower at the front than at the back, PROGRESSIVE LOADING Systematically exposing ROTARY GALLOP See Gallop.
while a square oxer is the same height at the front a horse to increasing exercise demands, with
as it is at the back. successive increments separated by recovery periods ROUGHAGE Bulk, high-fiber foods, such as grass,
that allow for biological response and adaptation. hay, chaff, and straw.
OXYGEN DEBT When the intensity of work is such
that the energy needs cannot be met by the use of PROPRIOCEPTIVE SENSE The ability to sense the RUGBY PELHAM See p.384.
oxygen and glycogen, the horse is said to have an position and movement of the body and legs, even
oxygen debt. It is possible to temporarily fuel the when they cannot be seen. RUNNING AWAY The horse ignoring the rider’s
muscles anaerobically, otherwise the horse must be aids to slow down and, instead, going increasingly
rested. See also Anaerobic exercise. PUISSANCE A specialist showjumping competition faster.To cure this, you must first find the reason why
for international horses only. It consists of a small the horse is running away.
P number of fences over an extended number of
rounds finishing with a triple bar and a wall RUNNING OUT When a horse avoids a fence by
PACES The steps of a horse, which include the walk, approximately 7 ft 2 in–7 ft 5 in (2.2–2.3 m) high. moving sideways to the left or right in order to go
trot, canter, and gallop. around it.
PURITY Refers to the naturalness and correctness
PACING A trotting gait in which the horse moves of the paces, including both a natural and regularly RUNNING REINS Separate reins forming a
the legs in lateral rather than the normal diagonal repeated sequence of steps and period of suspension, simple pulley.They run from the girth, either from
pairs.This is done deliberately in some types of and a natural outline and use of the horse’s body, just below the saddle flap on either side, or from
harness racing.When a walk is hurried, or a horse is head, and neck. between the horse’s forelegs, up through the bit, and
stiff in the back, he may also go very close to pacing. back to the rider’s hands.They should be used with
Q the greatest care as they frequently create an
PARABOLA The regular shape that a horse’s center unnatural shape in the neck and prevent the horse
of gravity makes when jumping. Also called the bascule. QUARTERS The part of the horse’s body between from truly connecting from the leg to the hand.
Usually, the shape of the first half of the jump and the the back of the saddle and the tail.
second half of the jump will be identical. S
R
PASSAGE A very collected trot with a prolonged SADDLE See p.393
period of suspension, the horse moving forwards REARING The action of a horse taking the front legs
slowly.There should be an accentuated flexion of the off the ground and standing on straight hind legs.This SADDLE SORE Any sore or damaged skin in the
knee and hocks, as in piaffe. See also Piaffe. is a resistance that can often be prevented by keeping saddle area. It is caused by ill-fitting or dirty tack.
a horse moving forwards.
PELHAM A bit with a single mouthpiece, curb SCHOOL See Arena.
chain, and two sets of rings to which double reins can REIN OF OPPOSITION See Nonallowing rein.
be attached. It is designed to combine the functions SCHOOL MOVEMENTS The exercises or
of curb and snaffle. See pp.384–85. REIN-BACK Where the rider signals to the horse to movements formed from a combination of shapes—
walk backward, moving his legs in diagonal pairs. made up of straight lines and circles or parts of
circles—that are used in the arena for the purpose
REINFORCEMENT The process of positive or of developing a horse’s physical ability.

392 G L O S S A R Y

SCHOOLING WHIP See Dressage whip. SPOOK See Shy. to correct an imbalance or deficiency in the diet,
to treat an illness, to add weight, to aid digestion,
SEAT This refers to the way the rider’s buttocks SPURS An artificial aid: a metal or plastic and so on. Supplements, which should be given
and the seat bones are placed in relation to the attachment to the rider’s heel used to back up strictly according to need, can include vitamins
saddle. It also refers to the rider’s position in the the normal leg aids.The length of the spur is not as and minerals in concentrate form, salt-licks,
saddle for a particular activity, such as a dressage, important as the shape at the end of the spur.They electrolytes, and herbs.
a showjumping, and a cross-country seat. See also should not be capable of wounding a horse, and they
Independent seat. should be worn only by an experienced rider who SURCINGLE See Overgirth.
has a stable leg position.
SEE A STRIDE The rider’s ability to find the right T
takeoff point when jumping. It is the fundamental SQUARE HALT A halt in which, when viewed
priority for effectiveness of the jumping rider if a from the side, the horse’s two hind legs are perfectly TEMPO The speed of the rhythm. It describes not
horse is jumping to his maximum ability. in line and the two forelegs are perfectly in line. the speed at which the ground is covered but rather
When training a young horse, it is more important the speed of the steps.
SELF-CARRIAGE When a horse does not seek the that he is stationary, with weight on each leg. As
support of the rein contact, he is said to be in self- his balance becomes more advanced, he will then TENDONS The dense cords of tissue that attach
carriage. It is an often misapplied phrase because it naturally halt squarely. muscles to bone. In comparison to muscles, they
is the horse that carries the rider, not the other way are relatively inelastic.The main tendons are the
around. In many instances, the horse learns to lean STABLE VICES Any repetitive undesirable deep flexor and the superficial flexor, which,
on the rein because the rider gives him a rein contact behaviours, such as crib-biting or windsucking, combined with the suspensory ligament, are the
to lean against. displayed by a horse in the stable or field. most commonly damaged parts of a galloping
horse. See also Broken down.
SEQUENCE CHANGES See Flying change. STALLION A male horse, 4 years old or over,
that has not been castrated. THOROUGHBRED Registered descendants of
SERPENTINE A type of school movement where three sires (the Darley Arabian, the Brierly Turk,
parts of circles are connected to each other, forming STANDARD See Wingstand. and the Godolphin Barb) of racehorse type,
loops and S-shapes, requiring the rider to keep sometimes described as hotbloods.
changing direction and, therefore, rein. STARTING UNDER SADDLE The process during
a horse’s training when a rider is put on the horse THREE-DAY EVENT A type of horse trials at
SHOULDER FORE See Shoulder-in. for the first time. varying levels of difficulty, with a dressage phase,
normally over 2 days, followed by a speed and
SHOULDER-IN The horse is bent to the inside STEEPLECHASE A type of fence made of birch endurance day (including roads and tracks,
and goes forward with the forehand positioned to the with a sloping profile, which makes it very suitable steeplechase, and cross country), and a final day
inside in relation to the quarters. A smaller degree of for being jumped at speed. Steeplechase also of showjumping. See also One-day event.
this is called shoulder fore. describes a race over a course of this type of fence.
In three-day eventing, there is a specific steeplechase TIED IN BELOW THE KNEE A conformational
SHY Sudden movement away from an object. section on the cross-country day. fault in which the width of the foreleg just below
The horse may shy out of fear of a stationary the knee is less than the width just above the
object or in response to unexpected movement, STIRRUPS Consisting of the irons (in which the fetlock joint.This fault places extra strain on
such as that of a bird suddenly flying into his path. rider’s feet rest) and the leather straps by which the the main tendons.
Shying sometimes happens because of the horse’s irons are attached to the saddle.
restricted vision. By putting a horse into shoulder-in TIMING The rider has to time every aid and
position, away from the area that worries him, shying STRAIGHTNESS Refers both to the equal and even every transition accurately. In jumping, they also
can often be avoided. development of both sides of the horse in each pace have to time every stride to produce a good
and to the precise positioning of the forehand, which takeoff point.
SIDE REINS Reins running from the girth or roller together produce straightness.
to the horse’s mouth on both sides.These are used TONGUE OVER THE BIT The tongue should
when training young horses and for lungeing work. STRAIN Immediate response to excessive demand, normally lie under the bit.When there is excessive
They are used to introduce a rein contact and to resulting in either fatigue or failure. pressure on the tongue, the horse learns first to lift
control the bend of the horse’s neck. the tongue and then to place it over the bit.There
STRIDE Any one full sequence of the four legs of are a number of attachments to stop the tongue from
SITTING TROT The rider keeps the seat in the horse. Each beat is referred to as a step. In trot getting over the bit, but with good training this
the saddle during the trot, as opposed to rising to there are two beats or two steps for one stride of should not happen.
the trot, where the rider allows the seat to rise trot. In canter there are three steps for each stride,
out of the saddle and lower back again in time and in walk there are four steps for each stride. TRACK Where you ride in the school. For example,
with the trot. the outside track is the area next to the arena fence.
STUDS Metal pieces that are screwed to the horse’s It also refers to the line followed by the hind legs and
SNAFFLE The basic bit, consisting of a mouthpiece shoes to prevent him from slipping, for example, forelegs of the horse. In lateral work, the horse’s
with a ring at each end to which single reins are when jumping or riding cross country. front and hind legs go on different tracks.
attached. See p.384.
SUBMISSION This refers not to subservience, but TRAIL RIDING Pleasure riding done outside
SNAP THE FORELEGS See Hanging forelegs. to the horse being willing, attentive, and confident the arena.
in all aspects of his behavior, and accepting a
SPEED The distance covered in a specific time, usually soft rein contact. TRAINING EFFECT (ADAPTATION)
expressed as meters per minute or miles per hour. Physiological reaction to stress in which tissues (from
SUCCULENTS Fleshy foods, such as apples, given hoof to bone to muscle) and body functions (from
SPEED CLASS See Against the clock. as a treat or added to feed to increase palatability. respiration to circulation to excretion) respond by
adapting to achieve a greater level of capacity.
SPEEDWORK See Fast work. SUPPLEMENTS Substances given in addition
to a horse’s basic feed for a specific purpose:

G L O S S A R Y 393

TRANSITION Used to describe both going U WEAVING A stable vice caused by boredom and
from one pace to another, such as from a walk to poor stable management: the horse moves his head
a trot, and changing from one variation of pace to UNLEVEL See Lame. and weight from side to side repeatedly, normally
another, such as from a collected trot to a medium over the top of a door or gate.
trot.The transitions can be either progressive, as UPRIGHTS An alternative name for a vertical
above, or direct (sometimes called acute), such as showjump. A type of narrow wingstand. WELS CAVESSON The type of lunge cavesson
going from a walk to a canter. Moving from a walk used at the Spanish Riding School.As with a
to a canter and then back to a walk is known as a V drop noseband, it fits below the bit, which
simple change. avoids squashing the sensitive tissue inside the
VARIABLES The variable components that are horse’s mouth between the outside edge of
TRANSVERSE GALLOP See Gallop. required for all riding activities—direction, speed, the teeth in the top jaw. As with a traditional
impulsion, balance, and timing. lunge cavesson, it is positioned just below the
TRAVERS A dressage movement where the horse protruding cheekbones.
is bent to the inside, and goes forward with the VAULTING The sport of doing gymnastics on
quarters positioned to the inside in relation to horseback, using a horse on the lunge and a WESTERN RIDING Used to describe any of a
the forehand. vaulting roller that has supporting handles for large number of activities, including trail riding,
the gymnast to hold while springing up onto reining, cutting, and showing, using a Western
TROT A two-time pace, between walk and canter, the horse saddle, which is deep and supportive, and is
in which the legs work in diagonal pairs, with each designed to be ridden with a long length of leg.
hind leg moving in unison with the foreleg on the VAULTING ON Getting on a horse without using
opposite side. the stirrup or without the help of a leg up, either WINDSUCKING A stable vice in which the
with the horse standing still or in canter. horse repeatedly sucks in air while crib-biting.
TROTTING PLANK/POLE A series of three See also Crib-biting.
or four planks or poles placed in front of a fence VOLTE A 20-ft (6-m) circle—the smallest circle
that is approached in trot.They are used to help ridden in dressage. WINGSTAND A wide support for the poles of a
control the regularity of the trot and ensure a showjump, which also acts as a wing to discourage
precise takeoff point to the fence. See also W a horse from running out. Also called a standard.
Placing plank.
WALK A four-time pace, in which all four feet WOLF TEETH Small teeth very close to the
TURNBACK A showjumping term to denote a are moved separately in the following sequence: first molar teeth that are present in some horses
180-degree turn back to a fence, often required inside hind leg, inside foreleg, outside hind leg, and can be very sensitive. As a general rule, they
in a jump-off against the clock. and outside foreleg. should be removed before introducing a bit to
the mouth.
TWISTED JOINTED SNAFFLE See p.384. WARMBLOOD A type of horse derived from a
combination of hotblood and coldblood lines.They
are usually bred as sport horses.

SADDLES Panel Front arch
(pommel)
Whatever type of saddle you use, it should be Stirrup
comfortable for the horse. To make this possible, iron Girth
it should not come in direct contact with the strap
withers or any part of the spine. The weight of the
rider should be spread as evenly as possible over
the area that is in contact, and the saddle should sit
as level as possible. It is often necessary to use
separate pads under the saddle to achieve this, but
these should not extend under the saddle flap so
the width of the horse is not increased.

Waist Seat

Skirt Rear arch
(cantle)
Stirrup
Gusseted panel leather

Flap JUMPING SADDLE
For jumping riders, using a shorter length of
stirrup. A fairly flat saddle seat allows the
rider’s seat to be close to the horse’s back
without interference from the saddle.

GENERAL-PURPOSE SADDLE DRESSAGE SADDLE
For beginner riders, pleasure riders, and all For dressage riders, using a longer length of
riding activities. A general-purpose saddle stirrup. This saddle allows riders to sit deep
gives you good support and comfort while
riding with medium-length stirrups. with the body upright. The straighter cut
flaps reflect the extended leg position.

394 I N D E X

index

A auctions, buying a horse, 374 biomechanics, jumping, 199 lacking, 178
Australian nosebands, 390 bits, 17, 384–85 showjumping, 198
abdominal breathing, 359 azoturia, 384 canter, 386
above the bit, 384 cross-country, 258–59 analysing, 124–25
acceptance, 384 B double bridles, 110, 112 backing young horses, 78, 79
introducing horse to, 71 balance, 28
cross country, 270 back (horse’s): arching, 43, 69 lifting tongue, 86 counter-canter, 151, 193, 387
dressage, 122, 130, 132 lungeing, 69 showjumping, 189 dog-leg turns, 219
lacking, 178 preparing for a rider, 73 tongue over, 88 dressage tests, 158
showjumping, 198 structure, 42–43 training horses, 64–65 flying change, 83, 150–51, 161
accident prevention, cross country, suppling, 137 body language, 45 moving with the horse, 99, 116–17
262–63 body protectors, 258, 262 novice riders, 28–29
action, 384 back (rider’s), flexibility exercises, 343 Boldt, Harry, 366, 383 showjumping, 200
Adelaide, 274 back-up teams, 370–71, 380–81 bone, horse’s leg, 385 training programme, 328–29
adrenaline, 358 backing young horses, 76–79, 384 boots (horse’s): cross country, 259 transitions, 138–39
advanced courses, showjumping, Badminton, 256, 274, 275 showjumping, 189 uphill, 327
238–39 balance, 91–105, 384 training young horses, 63, 65 working canter, 126
advanced test, dressage, 168–69 travel, 331 canter pirouette, 154–55
aerobic exercise, 322–23, 384 becoming more effective, 101, boots (rider’s): cross country, 258 canter plank, 386
aerobic feeding, 331 104–105 dressage, 110 Capellman, Nadine, 121, 367
aerobic fitness, of rider, 350–51 novice riders, 16 Caprilli, 366
against the clock, 220–25, 384 cross country, 264, 270, 273 showjumping, 188 capriole, 109, 386
aggression: body language, 45 dressage, 129, 135 boredom, 53 Carawich, 256
training programmes, 55 form and, 96–97 bounce fences, 385 cardiovascular system, horses, 321–22
Ahlerich, 109, 383 good position, 100, 102–103 cross country, 290–91 carriage driving, 38
aids, 384 mental preparation, 370–71 grid work, 215 catching horses, 84
between the aids, 120, 130–31, moving with the horse, 98–99 bow hocked, 385 cavaletti, 386
novice riders, 28 brain, mental preparation, 355 cavesson nosebands, 62–63, 386
180–81 rider exercise programmes, 335, breastplates, 17, 18, 385 centre of gravity, 92–94
dressage, 118–20 cross country, 259 cross country, 264, 265
on the bit, 120, 130 340–41 introducing horse to, 71 showjumping, 192, 199
riding a circle, 140 riding up- and downhills, 33 rollers, 63 centre line, straight lines, 144–45
see also leg aids; rein aids; voice aids showjumping, 192–93, 204 showjumping, 189 chambon, 386
airs above the ground, 384 understanding, 92–95 breathing, abdominal, 359 change of canter lead, 83, 150–51,
Alexander Technique, 351 balance balls, 341 breeches, 110, 258, 385 386
allowing, rein contact, 384 balance blocks, 340 bridles, 17, 386 change of rein, 386
anaerobic exercise, 320, 322–23, balance boards, 340 dressage, 110, 112 chaps, 16, 386
384 balls, rider exercises, 341, 346, 348 introducing horse to, 70–71 character, horse’s, 54, 55
anaerobic threshold, 384 bandages: cross-country, 259 multibridles, 63 Charisma, 256, 257
anaerobic feeding, 331 dressage, 111 nosebands, 390 chipping in, 386
anatomy, 42–43 tail, 331 bridoon, 385 choosing a horse, 374–78
anger, body language, 45 banks, 384–85 briefing competitors, cross country, circles, 140–41
angled fences, 278–79 cross country, 261, 286–87 306 dressage tests, 158
approach, showjumping, 200 diamond bank and coffin, 298–301 broad horses, rider’s position, 115 improving horse’s jump, 214
Arab, 376, 378 novice riders, 33 broken down, 385 the clam exercise, 338
arenas, 384 training young horses, 80 broken-necked, 385 classes, showjumping, 241
dressage, 112–13, 158–59 Bannister, Roger, 365 brushing, 385 clothes: cross country, 258
riding schools, 18 barrels, showjumps, 190, 191 brushing boots, 63, 65, 385 dressage, 110
showjumping, 189 bars of the mouth, 64, 385 bucking, 28, 89 novice riders, 16
training horses, 65 Baucher hanging snaffle, 65, 384 bullfinch fences, 295, 385 showjumping, 188
arms: dressage position, 115 behaviour: herd instinct, 44–45 Burghley, 274 three-day events, 310
exercises, 342, 346, 348–49 training horses, 50–51 buying a horse, 374–78 co-ordination, rider exercise
arousal level: increasing, 359 behind the bit, 385 programmes, 335, 348–49
reducing, 358–59 belief in yourself, 365 C coaches, 16, 382–83
artificial aids, 119 belly guards, 188 Coakes, Marion, 186
ascending oxers, 191, 384 bend, horse’s back, 385 cadence, 157, 385 cobs, 378, 386
ascent, showjumping, 199, 200–201, bends: circles, 140–41 calmness, 385 coffins, 298–301
209 corners and, 142–43
assertiveness, 370 straight lines with, 145 cross country, 270
Atlanta, 274 between the aids, 120, 130–31, dressage, 122, 130, 132–33
180–81, 385
Biko, 256, 375

I N D E X 395

coldbloods, 378, 386 cross-country riding, 255–317 showjumping, 249 drop nosebands, 387, 390
colic, 330, 386 advanced water combination, 302 dog-leg turns, 218–19, 222, 387 Dutch gag, 385
collection, 126, 156–57, 386 angled fences, 278–79 dogs, horse’s reaction to, 51
at the competition, 304–11 double bridles, 386 E
advanced collection, 157 balanced riding, 96–97
collection plus, 126, 157 banks and drops, 286–87 communication with horse, 118 ears: body language, 49
trot, 127 being effective, 266–69 dressage, 110, 112 hearing, 47
colour vision, 48 bounces and combinations, 290–91 holding the reins, 115
colts, 386 concentration, 359 double fences, 208, 209, 249, 387 effectiveness, improving, 104–105
combination fences, 386 constants and variables, 270, 272 downhill riding, 32–33 eggbutt snaffle, 110, 112, 384
advanced water combination, 302 corner fences, 280–81 cross-country jumps, 271, 292–93 electrolytes, 331, 387
angled fences, 279 developing partnership, 272–73 dressage, 107–83 elementary courses, showjumping,
cross country, 290–91, 304, 312 diamond bank and coffin, 298–301 advanced test, 168–69
distances, 208, 209 ditches, 282–83 aids, 118–20 234–35
horse’s dislike of, 249 equipment, 258–59, 310–11 arenas, 112–13, 158–59 elementary test, dressage, 164–65
coming through the back, 69, 386 exercise overview, 296–97 balanced riding, 92, 93, 96–97 Elliot, Ginny, 256
communication: becoming a fitness requirements, 321, 323 benchmarks, 161 emergency aids, 27
better rider, 101 jumping up- and downhill, 292–93 collection, 156–57 empathy, 55, 101
body language, 45, 55 mental preparation, 358 collective marks, 159 endorphins, 53
dressage, 118–20 narrow fences, 276–77 competitions, 170–73 endurance riding, 37, 387
empathy, 57 problems, 312–17 concentration, 359 engagement, 69, 387
training horses, 57, 66 rider’s position, 264–65 constants, 122–23, 130–33 equipment, 17
concentrates, 330, 331, 386 safety, 262–63 corners and bends, 142–43
concentration, improving, 359 schooling courses, 260–61 developing the horse, 159 cross country, 258–59, 310–11
conditioned responses, 50–51, 386 speed, 294–95, 296, 312 elementary test, 164–65 dressage, 110–12
confidence: body language, 45 stirrup length, 94 equipment, 110–12 introducing young horses
cross country, 315 sunken roads, 284–85 extension, 156–57
lack of, 248 training programmes, 274–75 fitness requirements, 321, 323 to tack, 70–71
conformation, 376–77, 386 training young horses, 83 flying change, 150–51 showjumping, 188–91
Connemara pony, 378 water, 287, 288–89 form and balance, 114–15 training horses, 62–65
constants, 387 half pass, 152–53 equitation classes, 241, 387
cross country, 270–71, 272 cross reins, 387 harmony with the horse, 116–17 evading the bit, 387
dressage, 122–23, 130–33 curb bits, 112, 384, 387 history of, 108–109 eventing see cross-country riding
showjumping, 198–9 curb chains, 112, 387 horse’s eyesight, 46, 47 excitable horses: body language, 45
contact, 387 Custom Made, 256, 379 judges, 162, 173 training programmes, 55
contented horses, 52–55 learning tests, 173 extension, 126, 156–57, 387
control, mental preparation, 358–59 D leg yielding, 146–47 advanced extension, 157
core fitness: horse, 324 medium test, 166–67 eyes, vision, 48–49
rider, 350–51 D box, 387 mental preparation, 358
corner fences, 280–81 Darien Powers, 304 mixing exercises, 158–59 F
corners, dressage training, 142–43 De Nemethy, Bert, 382 to music, 136, 171, 366
counter-canter, 151, 183, 387 dealers, buying a horse, 374 novice tests, 162–63 falls: fear of, 31
counting strides, 196–97, 387 decision-making, mental preparation, paces, 124–27 preparing for, 30, 31
courbette, 109, 387 pirouettes, 154–55
courses, novice riders, 35 368–69 problems, 174–83 Farbenfroh, 121
courses (cross country): schooling deep, 387 renvers, 152–53 Fargis, Joe, 187
courses, 260–61 dentistry, 380–81 rider’s posture, 336 farriers, 380, 381, 387
walking the course, 263, 304, 306 depressed horses: body language, 45 saddles, 96, 393 fast twitch muscles, 322, 387
courses (showjumping), 190, 232–39 shoulder-in, 148–49 fast work, 387
advanced, 238–39 training programmes, 55 and showjumping competitions, fear: cross country, 268–69, 313
elementary, 234–35 descent, showjumping, 199, 202–203
jump-off strategy, 225 diagonals, rising trot, 26–27, 387 187 horse’s body language, 45
medium, 236–37 diamond bank and coffin, 298–301 stirrup length, 94 novice riders, 30–31
novice, 232–33 diet: horse’s, 330–31 straight lines and bends, 144–45 showjumping, 242
related distances and turns, 218–19 three-day events, 307 Fédération Equestre Internationale
walking the course, 208–209, 241, rider’s, 351 training programme, 136–37 (FEI), 160, 387
direct rein, 387 transitions, 138–39, 160 feeding horses, 330–31
309 direction, 387 travers, renvers and half-pass, feel, 387
cramping behind, 387 feet (horse’s): choosing a horse, 376
cramps, 331 dressage, 128, 130, 134, 135 152–53 picking up, 67
crib biting, 53, 387 showjumping, 204 turns and circles, 140–41 feet exercises, rider, 339
crooked jumping, 251 dismounting, 21, 387 variables, 128–31, 134–35 fences: advanced grids, 216–17
crooked sitting, 175 distances: related distances whips, 110, 119, 176, 387 angled fences, 220–21, 278–79
cross breeding, 387 and turns, 218–19 drop fences, 265, 269, 286–87, 312, bounces and combinations, 290–91
showjumping, 208–11 387 bullfinch fences, 295
disunited, 387 corner fences, 280–81
ditches: coffins, 298–301 cross country schooling courses,
cross country, 261, 282–83
260–61
distances, 208–11
fence fillers, 191, 212, 249, 388

396 I N D E X

fifth-leg training, 223, 263 G hands: dressage position, 115 injuries, tendons, 325, 377
hitting, 251–52, 316, 317 faulty rein contact, 119 inside and outside, 18, 389
narrow fences, 221, 276–77 gadgets, 388 finger co-ordination exercise, 348 inspections, cross country, 307, 309
novice grids, 212–13 gag bits, 189, 258–59, 385 instinctive behaviour, 44–45, 50
novice riders, 34–35 gag snaffle, 65 hanging forelegs, 388 intelligence, horse’s, 53, 374–75
refusal, 249, 316 gait see paces hanging snaffle, 65, 384 interval training, 324–26, 389
showjumping, 186–87, 190–91 gallop, 125, 388 hanging to home, 388 Ireland, 256
training young horses, 74–75, 80–83 geldings, 378, 388 Hanoverian, 186 Irish banks, 298–300
walking the course, 208–209, 241, German scales of training, 135 harmony, 116–17, 388 Irish Draught, 256
getting left behind, 388 Hartel, Liz, 109 Irish martingales, 259
263, 304, 309 getting on and off see mounting hats: dressage, 110
fetlock boots, 189 Gilt Edge, 256 J
fetlocks, showjumping, 202–203 girth galls, 388 novice riders, 16–17
field of vision, 48 girths, 17, 24, 388 showjumping, 188 jackets: dressage, 110
fields, catching horses in, 84 skull caps, 258, 262 showjumping, 188
fifth-leg training, 223, 263, 270–71, balanced riding, 96 hay, 330, 331
cross country, 259 head (horse’s): conformation, 377 jaw, structure, 64
387 dressage, 111 eyesight, 48–49 jodhpurs, 389
figure-four stretch, 345 introducing horse to, 71 lungeing problems, 87 jointed cheek snaffle, 385
figures of eight: dressage training, 143 rollers, 63 tilting, 388 jointed eggbutt snaffle, 110, 112, 384
showjumping, 189 head (rider’s): flexibility exercises, jointed gag, 385
improving horse’s jump, 214 gloves, 258 342 judges: cross-country inspections, 307,
fillers, 191, 212, 249, 388 goals: achieving a good position, 103 see also hats
fillies, 388 dressage competitions, 170 headcollars, 62, 388 309
finger co-ordination exercise, 348 improving effectiveness, 104–105 foalslips, 66, 388 dressage tests, 162, 173
first aid kits, 310 mental preparation, 362 headgear see hats jumper classes, showjumping, 241
fitness: horse’s, 320–29 training horses, 58 hearing, horse’s, 47 jumping: balance, 28, 92, 96–97
golden serpentine, 143 heart rate: horse’s recovery period, horse’s eyesight, 48–49
rider’s, 333–51 Goodwood House, 113 326 novice riders, 32–5
fittening, 388 grab strap, 17, 18, 388 rider’s aerobic fitness, 350–51 saddles, 393
flash nosebands, 390 grakle nosebands, 390 herd instinct, 44–45 stirrup length, 94
flexibility, 59, 388 Grand Prix, dressage, 136, 388 Hickstead, 187 training horses, 74–75, 80–83
Grand Prix Special, dressage, 136 hills, riding up and down, 32–33 see also cross-country riding; grid
cross country, 270 grazing, 52, 330 hindquarters, balanced riding, 93
fitness training, 321 Green, Lucinda, 256 hip flexibility exercises, riders, 342 work; showjumping
mental preparation, 366 green horses, 388 hollow back, 41, 180, 389 jumping whips, 389
rider exercise programmes, 335, grid work, 388 homeopathic remedies, 389 jumps see fences
advanced grids, 216–17 horse ball, 38
342–45 combining exercises, 226–29 horse trials see cross-country riding K
flexion, 388 distances, 210, 211 hot horses, 389
flight, showjumping, 202 improving horse’s jump, 214–15 hotbloods, 378 kicking exercises, rider, 349
flying change, 83, 150–51, 161, 388 novice grids, 212–13 Hoy, Andrew, 304 kicking on, cross country, 268
foals, 66–67, 388 take-off points, 196–97 hunters: choosing a horse, 378 Kilbaha, 187
foalslips, 66, 388 grooming, young horses, 67 showjumping classes, 241 Kimblewick pelham, 385
focused training, 361 grooms, 380 King, Mary, 256, 295
focusing eyes, 48–49 ground lines, 388 I Klimke, Dr Reiner, 109, 366, 383
footwear see boots (rider’s) Gunther, Bubby, 366, 383 knee exercises, riders, 339
forage, 388 gymnastic jumping, 388 Icelandic pony, 378 kur (freestyle dressage), 136, 171,
forehand, 388 illness, body language, 45
H illusions, dressage competitions, 366, 389
turn about, 146
foreleg boots, 189 habituation, training horses, 51, 388 172–73 L
forging, 388 hacking, 388 imperial measurements, stride
form, 388 lactic acid, 322
backing young horses, 78–79 lengths, 208 lameness, 389
balanced riding, 96–97 fifth-leg training, 271 imprinting, 66
dressage, 114–15 novice riders, 19, 27 impulsion, 389 tendon injuries, 325, 377
posture, 336 Hahn, Kurt, 356 landing, showjumping, 202–203, 209
showjumping, 194–95 half chaps, 16, 386 cross country, 270, 315 lateral work, 159, 161, 389
forward seat, 388 half-halt, 139, 388 dressage, 122, 129, 134–35
forwardness, 388 half pass, 120, 152–53, 159, 183, 388 lacking, 179, 183 leg yielding, 146–47
cross country, 270 half-stride distance, 388 showjumping, 204 loss of impulsion, 183
dressage, 122, 132–33 half-walls, 191 transitions, 138 shoulder-in, 148–49
lacking, 178 halt, not square in, 182 inaccurate movements, 182 travers, renvers, and half-pass,
showjumping, 198 hamstring stretch, 344 incisors, 64, 389
freestyle dressage, 136, 171, 366 hand, measurement, 388 independence, mental preparation, 368 152–53
French link snaffle, 384 independent seat, 389 Le Trec, 39
fresh horses, 388 indirect rein, 389 lead lessons, 18
Fulmer snaffle, 65, 385 leading horses, 66–67, 84
Funnell, Pippa, 256 leading leg, 389
learned behaviour, 50–51
Ledingham, John, 187

I N D E X 397

leg aids, 24 medium paces, 126 novice riders, 16–39 see also canter; trot; walk
backing young horses, 78 trot, 127, 156 achieving a good position, 102–103 pacing, 391
balanced riding, 94, 96 walk, 126 activities, 36–39 pain, and training problems, 54, 55
dressage, 119, 120 beyond the basics, 26–29 parabola, 391
emergency aids, 27 medium test, dressage, 166–67 clothes, 16–17 passage, 157, 391
shoulder-in, 149 memory problems, showjumping, 242, getting on and off, 20–21 pelham bits, 189, 258, 384–85, 391
training horses, 49, 57 improving effectiveness, 104–105 pelvis (rider’s), alignment, 336
transitions, 138 247 jumping, 32–35 people management, 370–71
mental preparation, rider, 105, lessons, 18–19 Pessoa, Rodrigo, 207
leg-up, 389 nerves, 30–31 physical preparation: horse, 318–31
leg yielding, 146–47, 390 353–71 start, stop and steer, 24–25
legging-up, 324, 390 metric measurements, stride lengths, suitable horses, 17 rider, 104–105, 333–51
legs (horse’s): balanced riding, 93, 95 walking and trotting, 22–23 physiology, horse, 321
208 piaffe, 157, 391
bandages, 111, 259 Mexican grakle nosebands, 188, 189, novice tests, dressage, 162–63 pilates, 351
brushing boots, 63, 65 numnahs, 259, 390 pirouettes, 154–55, 159, 161, 391
conformation, 377 259, 390 nuts, 330–31 placing planks, 391
impulsion, 129 Milton, 187 planks, practising showjumping, 191,
picking up feet, 67 mineral supplements, 331 O
tendon injuries, 325, 377 modelling, mental preparation, 357 196–97, 210–11
legs (rider’s): cross country, 268, 269 molars, 64, 390 oats, 330–31 planning: cross-country training, 274
dressage, 111, 114–15 Morgan Horse, 378 O’Connor, David, 379
exercises, 338–39, 344–45 motivation, 356 O’Connor, Karen, 9, 375 dressage training, 136–37
loose leg contact, 174 mounting, 390 Oliviera, Nuno, 55 showjumping training, 206–207
showjumping, 192–93, 194–95 Olympic Games, 108, 109, 136, 186, Pluvinel, Antoine de la Baume, 55
stirrup length, 94 backing young horses, 76–77 points of the horse, 389
strength exercises, 346–47 novice riders, 20–21 187, 206 pole-vault effect, jumping, 198
lengthening strides, 156–57, 224 mouth: mouth resistance, 180 on the bit, 120, 130 poles, showjumps, 190, 191
lessons, novice riders, 18–19 snaffle action on, 64–65 one-day events, 304, 390 polocrosse, 36, 37
levade, 109, 390 white mouth, 130 one-sided use of the body, 175 ponies, 378
Lexington, 256, 274 movements: dressage benchmarks, 161 open rein, 391 dressage, 109
ligaments, 390 inaccurate, 182 opening up behind, 390 showjumping distances, 210
light bulb serpentine, 143 multibridles, 63, 390 optical illusions, dressage in ports, 391
Lipizzaner horses, 109 Murphy Himself, 256 position, balanced riding, 100, 102–103
long-distance riding, 39 muscles, 42 competitions, 172–73 positive approach, mental preparation,
long reining, 73, 390 anaerobic activity, 322 outline, 43, 180, 391 364–65
loose jumping, 75, 390 fitness training, 321 outside, terminology, 18 posture, rider exercise programmes,
loose schooling, 65, 390 strength, 376 outside track, straight lines, 144 335, 336–67
Lorke, Otto, 366, 383 Museler,Wilhelm, 256 over riding, 391 practice fences, showjumping, 240–41
lumbar stretch, 337 music, freestyle dressage, 136, prayer position, 342
lunge, sideways, 345 171, 366, 389 dressage tests, 177 preparedness, mental preparation,
lunge ropes, 63, 68, 69 showjumping, 246 368–69
lunge whips, 63, 68, 69 N over training, 328 prioritizing, mental preparation,
lungeing, 52, 130, 390 overbent, 391 362–63
backing young horses, 77 napping, 88, 390 overfacing, 391 Prix St George, 136, 391
cavessons, 62–63, 390 nappy horses, 390 overgirth, 391 proprioceptive sense, 49, 391
jumping without a rider, 74–75 narrow fences, 276–77 overreach boots, 189, 259, 391 progressive loading, 391
novice riders, 18, 19, 22 narrow horses, rider’s position, 115 overtracking, 391 puissance, 391
preparing horse for a rider, 72–73 Nations Cups, 206–207 oxers, 191, 391 pulse: horse’s recovery period, 326
problems, 85–87 neck: lungeing problems, 86 cross-pole, 190 rider’s aerobic fitness, 350–51
young horses, 68–69 distances, 209 punishments, training horses, 51
over-bending, 253 improving horse’s jump, 214 purity, 391
M shortening, 130, 181 novice grids, 213 cross country, 270
neck reining, 25, 120, 390 training young horses, 82 dressage, 123, 124–25, 133
McIntosh, Samantha, 186 Neckermann, Joseph, 366, 383 wingstands, 190 lacking, 179
mares, 378, 390 neckstraps, 390 oxygen: aerobic fitness, 322, 350 showjumping, 199
marks, dressage tests, 159 negative thinking, 365 cardiovascular system, 321
martingales, 390 nervous horses, training debt, 322, 391 Q
programmes, 55
Irish, 259 nervous riders: dressage tests, 177 P Quarter Horse, 45
running, 188, 189, 259 novice riders, 30–31 quarters, 391
Maslow, Abraham, 356 showjumping, 247 paces, 391
measuring wheels, cross-country Nicholson, Andrew, 269 analysing, 124–25 R
courses, 306 non-allowing rein, 390 breaking, 182
medical details, rider’s, 258 nosebands, 390 dressage, 158, 161 racehorses, balanced riding, 92, 95, 96
medium courses, showjumping, 236 dressage bridles, 112 purity of, 124–25 see also steeplechase
Mexican grakle, 188, 189, 259, 390 transitions, 138–39, 160
novice courses, showjumping, 232–33 variation of, 126–27 rearing, 89, 391
novice grids, showjumping, 212–13
novice horses see young horses

398 I N D E X

recovery periods, 326 S fences, 190–91 stable routines, 52, 53
Redgrave, Steve, 362 fitness requirements, 321, 323 stable vices, 53, 392
refusal: cross country, 316 saddle cloths, 17 improving horse’s jump, 214–15 stable walkers, 54
saddle pads, 63, 188–89, 259 jump-off, 224–25, 234, 236, 238, stable walking (vice), 53
showjumping, 249 saddle sores, 391 stallions, 378, 392
Rehbein, Herbert, 366, 383 saddles, 17 253 stamina, fitness training, 321
rein aids, 24 jumping against the clock, 220–25, Stark, Ian, 273
achieving a good position, 100, 102 steeplechase, 392
backing young horses, 78 balanced riding, 93 384
dressage, 119, 120 cross country, 259 mental preparation, 358 balanced riding, 95, 96, 264
indirect rein, 120 dressage, 96, 111, 393 novice grids, 212–13 security, 313
neck reining, 25, 120 general purpose, 393 phases of, 199, 200–203 speed, 262, 313
non-allowing rein contact, 174 getting jumped out of, 244 problems, 244–53 three-day events, 306
open rein, 120 introducing horse to, 71 progressive training, 206–207 steering, 24, 25
rein contact exercises, 349 jumping saddles, 188, 189, 393 related distances and turns, 218–19 Steinkraus,William, 186
rein of opposition, 120 mounting and dismounting, 20–21 rider’s position, 192–95, 336 sticks see whips and sticks
rein yielding, 147 slipping, 244 take-off points, 186, 196, 199, stirrup irons, 392
shoulder-in, 149 safety: cross country, 262–63 cross country, 258
training horses, 51, 57 rider exercise programmes, 334 200–201 dressage, 111
rein-back, 120, 125, 149, 391 safety cups, showjumps, 191 three-day events, 309 introducing horse to, 71
reinforcement, 391 safety position, cross country, 265 understanding distances, 208–11 mounting, 20
reins, 17 saliva, with shortening of neck, 130 variables, 129, 204 showjumping problems, 244
double bridles, 112, 115 salt, 331 shows, novice riders, 38 stirrup leathers, 17, 392
dressage, 115 school movements, 392 shying, 50, 181, 392 balanced riding, 93, 94, 96
faulty positions, 119 schoolmaster, 392 side-reins, 62, 64, 72–73, 392 cross country, 264–65
holding, 24 Schultheis,Willi, 366, 383 sight, 48–49 mounting, 20
introducing horse to, 71 scope, choosing a horse, 378 simplifying training, 360–63 showjumping, 188, 192–93
long reining, 73 seat, 392 sitting position, 21 wide horses, 115
lunge reins, 63 balanced riding, 93 sitting trot, 22, 98, 174, 392 stocks, 262
moving forwards, 24 cross country, 264–65 skeleton, 42 stopping, 24
showjumping, 193 dressage, 120 skull, structure, 64 stopwatches, 258, 266–67, 304, 307
side-reins, 62, 64, 72–73 poor feel, 175 skull caps, 258, 262 straight lines, riding in, 144–45
slipping, 265 showjumping, 192–95 sleepy horses, body language, 43 straightness, 392
terminology, 18 sitting crookedly, 175 slipping, cross country, 314 cross country, 270
related distances, 218–19, 391 security: cross country, 264–65, 312 smell, sense of, 47 dressage, 122–23, 132–33
relaxation, 370 steeplechase, 313 snaffle bits, 384–85, 392 lacking, 179
Rembrandt, 108, 109, 155 see a stride, 392 cross country, 258 showjumping, 198
renvers, 152–53, 159, 391 self-belief, 365 dressage, 110, 112 strain, 392
resistance, 391 self-carriage, 392 showjumping, 189 strength: choosing a horse, 376
respiration, recovery period, 326 self-respect, 364 training horses, 64–65 fitness training, 321
rhythm, 391 senses, 46–49 Snowbound, 186 rider exercise programmes, 335,
rider: mental preparation, 353–71 sensitization, training horses, 51 soundness, choosing a horse, 377
physical preparation, 333–51 sequence changes, 150, 151 Spanish Riding School,Vienna, 109 346–47
riding away, showjumping, 203 serpentines, 142–43, 159, 392 Spanish Riding School snaffle, 385 strengths, assessing rider’s, 59
riding clubs, 36 shock absorbers, showjumping, 203 speed, 392 stress, dressage tests, 176
riding schools, novice riders, 16–19 shoes: farriers, 381 cross country, 262, 266–67, stretching exercises, rider, 342–45
ringcraft, dressage competitions, studs, 189, 259 stride, 392
172–73 shortening strides, 156–57, 224 294–95, 296, 312
rising trot, 22–23, 26–27, 98 shoulder fore, 145 dressage, 128, 130, 134, 135 cross country, 266, 267
risk assessment, cross-country riding, shoulder-in, 148–49, 159, 392 fitness training, 321 length of, 126
263 shoulder opener exercise, 337 jumping against the clock, 220–25 lengthening, 156–57, 224
roads, sunken, 284–85 showjumping, 185–253 showjumping, 204, 241 problems, 247, 250
role playing, mental preparation, advanced grids, 216–17 steeplechase, 313 shortening, 156–57, 224
357 analysing the horse’s jump, 198–203 spine (horse’s), 42–43 showjumping, 196–97, 204, 208,
rollers, 63, 71, 391 arenas, 189 see also back
roughage, 391 at the competition, 240–43 spine (rider’s): alignment, 336 211
routines, daily, 52, 53 balanced riding, 96–97 dressage, 114 Stroller, 186
Royal Discovery, 186 combining exercises, 226–29 flexibility exercises, 343 studs, 189, 259, 392
Rugby pelham, 384 concentration, 359 sport horses, 378 submission, 122, 392
running away, 314, 391 constants, 198–99 spring, fitness training, 321
running martingales, 188, 189, 259 courses, 232–39 spurs, 392 body language, 45
running out, showjumping, 190, 391 equipment, 188–91 cross country, 268 succulents, 392
running reins, 391 exercise overview, 230–31 dressage, 110, 119 sunken roads, cross country, 284–85
running steps, dressage tests, 181 feeling a stride, 196–97 showjumping, 188 supplements, 331, 392
square halt, 392 suppleness: fitness training, 137, 321
square oxers, showjumps, 191
rider exercise programmes, 335,
342–45