02/13/2025
The Obvious Thing to Do is NOT Obvious to Most Ridersđ¤Ż
Let me explainâI 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 changesâher 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.
đThe 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 donât 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 thatâthey can also see the solutions!
âŹIâm keen to hear what YOU see and what potential solutions you can identify!
The Twist...
I bet most people will say:
âĄď¸Go back and refine the basics.
âĄď¸Go back to groundwork.
âĄď¸Go back to lunge lessons etc.
All things that are indeed necessary!âď¸
The solution will likely involve going backwards in trainingâto something more simple.
But hereâs the problem:
đ Going backwards is NOT intuitive! Especially if groundwork or training basics (foundation) responses is foreign to youâźď¸
Why This Happens...
Instead of looking at foundation gaps, most riders instinctively search for specific fixes to the flying change problem.
They look for:
â
Techniques to fix flying changes
â
Drills targeted to the issue
What they donât intuitively look for is:
đŤ Fixing their riding position & seat
đŤ Their horseâs foundation, responses, or asymmetry issues
These things arenât obviousâthey must be learned through experience, guidance, and mentoring.
The Takeaway...
Next time youâre frustrated with someone, remember that whatâs obvious to you may not be obvious to themâbecause 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 isnât obvious to youâyet!
đŹ Keen to hear what you see in the image and what strategies this rider should use to solve the flying change problem!
