I am sitting ring side with a Cafe Mocha in hand watching Imke coach this afternoon. I am exhausted from a really big ride earlier today. Señorita is playing softly in the background, there is a warm breeze coming through the open doors and the arena is full of the most wonderful horses. Huge ones, compact ones, powerful ones, flexible ones, spooky ones, cocky ones. While each one is truly unique, they are all working towards more. Some need relaxation, while others work towards more power. The goal for each horse is different and changes from moment to moment, but one element stays the same…. us. We cannot change. When something goes great… we need to keep riding. When a mistake is made… we need to keep riding. When all hell breaks loose… we must keep riding. Sit down, keep your hands in their original position, keep your mind calm and present. Our aids need to be consistent. Our corrections need to be given in a consistent way. Our exercises need to be ridden on consistent lines. We need to be there… always… Listening to Imke tell so many different riders on different horses working towards different goals the same instructions helps to drive home how universally correct these principles are. Your situation is not special. Your horse is not struggling with something that would make you exempt from this principle. Whether you are sitting on a young horse for his very first ride or perfecting the quality of your one tempis, you owe your horse consistency. Whether you are working through a tough phase of training or your horse is going better than they ever have before, learning to ride in a consistent way will be much appreciated by your dance partner.
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