02/13/2025
The Obvious Thing to Do is NOT Obvious to Most Ridersš¤Æ
Let me explaināI hope it helps you be more understanding of others and more forgiving of yourself!
Background -
A client once approached me for help with her dressage horse. She struggled with flying changesāher mare leaned on the bit, and when she asked for a change in canter, the mare became even heavier and hard to pull up.
She was frustrated and wanted my help.
šThe Task...
I ask people to look at the image and see if they can spot why this rider was having trouble.
Some feel uncomfortable, thinking they donāt know enough. But I encourage them to look and think.
Sometimes, I explain that a flying change is when a horse swaps from one canter lead to the other while in motion.
And every single time, without fail, they identify the problems.
Not only thatāthey can also see the solutions!
ā¬Iām keen to hear what YOU see and what potential solutions you can identify!
The Twist...
I bet most people will say:
ā”ļøGo back and refine the basics.
ā”ļøGo back to groundwork.
ā”ļøGo back to lunge lessons etc.
All things that are indeed necessary!āļø
The solution will likely involve going backwards in trainingāto something more simple.
But hereās the problem:
š Going backwards is NOT intuitive! Especially if groundwork or training basics (foundation) responses is foreign to youā¼ļø
Why This Happens...
Instead of looking at foundation gaps, most riders instinctively search for specific fixes to the flying change problem.
They look for:
ā
Techniques to fix flying changes
ā
Drills targeted to the issue
What they donāt intuitively look for is:
š« Fixing their riding position & seat
š« Their horseās foundation, responses, or asymmetry issues
These things arenāt obviousāthey must be learned through experience, guidance, and mentoring.
The Takeaway...
Next time youāre frustrated with someone, remember that whatās obvious to you may not be obvious to themābecause they can only be influenced by what they know and who they learn from.
And if you are struggling with your horse, maybe the solution isnāt obvious to youāyet!
š¬ Keen to hear what you see in the image and what strategies this rider should use to solve the flying change problem!
