Tips To Succeed At Your Offsite Clinic Or Lesson

Traveling to a clinic or lesson?  Simple Equine sponsored rider Ben Franklin has some tips to share.  Ben has many people travelling to take a lesson or participate in a clinic with him.  Ben is also one of the lucky (and talented) folks whose trainer is the one and only Carl Hester!  Therefore, he has ample experience about this topic and can understand it from both the instructor and student point of view.  

Decide the WHO before you commit

    If it’s your regular instructor, this point can be skipped.  However, if it’s not, are you planning to take a lesson or clinic with someone new?  Take the time to do some homework. Talk to other people about the instructor’s style, what kind of things they have learned from them etc.  See if there are any videos of the instructor teaching or riding. You can learn a lot about someone, and then decide whether you believe you will truly benefit from a lesson or clinic with them.  There are many people to learn from, just make sure you make smart choices about who you spend your time (and money) with.  

Plan the journey in advance

Make sure you know the address (or GPS address) of the venue you are heading to.  Take time to look at the route in advance so that you can plan accordingly - certain roads or tracks may not be appropriate depending on the size of your truck or lorry and there could be scheduled maintenance and road repairs which might make sense to avoid.  Also take into account the time of day you are having your lesson - for example, will you need to allow extra time because it’s rush hour? And, don’t forget about the weather - a nasty rain storm, wind or snow can all impact journey time.  

Plan the gear in advance

    Traveling to a clinic or lesson is something special.  It’s a time for you to learn, but it’s also a time to put your best foot forward.  Consider what you will wear, and what your horse will wear as well. Make sure your horse will be suitably kitted out - correct boots for jumping, for example.  Take into account the conditions you will be riding in - whether you will be riding indoors or outdoors, and what the weather will be. Instructors appreciate a nicely turned out horse and rider.  Generally speaking, it’s also helpful if the rider is in reasonably fitted clothing, so that the instructor can properly see the rider’s position. Take pride and have your tack and boots sparkling, and everything freshly laundered.  Make a checklist so as not to forget anything you may need - less is not more in this case, as you want to be prepared for every eventuality!  

Make your horse sparkle

    Grey horses aside (who always seem to roll in something vile right before you need them to be clean), plan to tidy up and clean your horse the day before you go.  Prepping them ahead of time can save you a lot of time and stress on the day itself. Then hopefully, the day of, you’ll just need to give them a final hearty groom, a spot clean, and maybe a spritz of shine spray or a little tail detangler.  

On the day, allow extra time

    As we all know too well, horses are so unpredictable.  It’s always a good idea to allow more time than you think you’ll need.  Plan to arrive at the venue early. Give your horse time to settle, allowing them some hay and a drink.  A quick final brush or toweling off, a fresh coat of hoof polish and they should be good to go. Get yourself completely ready before you tack up your own horse, especially if you are on your own; the last thing you want to be doing is fussing with yourself when you’ve got a horse that is raring to get going.  

Be courteous and if possible, try to know the protocol

If you’ve gotten there in plenty of time, it can always be helpful to watch the rider before you - did they go into the arena ahead of their scheduled time?  Did they do any warm up other than in the walk? Did they walk on the inside track or outside track, or stay down at one end of the arena? Did they have a long discussion with the instructor before they got to work?  These observations can help clue you in on what to do so that things go smoothly.  

If given permission, do take your horse into the training area and walk them round for 10 minutes.  Let them get familiar with the surroundings and settle in. Evaluate how your horse is feeling on that day, and be prepared to discuss that with the trainer.  

Have the appropriate length of whip and spurs (if necessary) available by the side of the arena so that they are within easy reach for your trainer should you need them.  And, a bottle of water, because one always wants to stay hydrated.  

Tell the trainer key points

A lesson or clinic goes by quickly.  Be prepared (even consider writing down) a couple of goals, and also perhaps a couple of things you’ve been working on or are having recent problems or issues with.  The trainer is there to help you improve, and perhaps they will be able to advise you on some potential resolutions, or give you suggestions about how to achieve your goals.  

    If you are commencing test riding, make sure you have the test on hand to share with the trainer.  Discuss what you have been working on in the test and what you need to improve on.  

Work hard

Traveling to a lesson or clinic is almost like going to a horse show - it’s as if you are taking four at home lessons all at once, you’ll get so much out of it!  Do your absolute best, but don’t forget to smile and enjoy the training session. Utilise each minute of training and learning after the session and write down “reminder” bullet notes with a pen and paper so that you can recap and look back on what you’ve learned.  

Thank your horse

Your horse has just traveled in a horsebox or trailer, worked as hard, or maybe even harder than you, and they deserve to be treated with kindness and consideration.  A nice groom, a bath or liniment rinse and maybe wrapping their legs overnight are in order. And don’t forget a good pat, some praise, and a carrot, apple, polo or other appropriate reward.  

By Ben Franklin and Tara Korde

 

Ben Franklin is a dressage rider and trainer based in Buckinghamshire, UK. Ben travels globally to give clinics and teach his clients.

Finding a Stable and Riding Instructor for your Child

Finding a Stable and Riding Instructor for your Child

By Sally Batton

You've determined that your child is serious in her wish to learn to ride but you don't know what steps to take.  How do you find a safe, reliable riding instructor and stable for her to learn? You want her to progress in her skills and have a good time, but more importantly you want to find the safest, most professional program in your area.

The best way to find the right riding program is through word-of-mouth.  Talk to your friends at work or the parents of your child's friends and see where they ride in the area.  Then ask if they are pleased with the program, ask if safety rules are followed, and are their children progressing in their skills. 

HELMETS:  When discussing safety procedures, either with parents or riding students or even the barn itself, you need to ask the following questions.  First and foremost, ask the policy regarding riding helmets. The barn should require all riders to wear ASTM-SEI certified riding helmets at all times when mounted.  Many barns also require their younger riders to wear helmets at all times, even when just walking around the barn! If there is only one barn in your area, and that one barn doesn't require helmets, make sure you purchase one for your child. 

NUMBER OF RIDERS/LESSON:  Your next question should be the rider to instructor ratio.  For beginner riders, five to six riders per instructor is good.  Some barns only offer group lessons in eight, ten or even twelve riders but if your child is a beginner, she'd be best off in a smaller group.  If your local barn only has the large groups, you might want to ask about private or semi-private lessons. They cost more, but she will be safer and progress faster in the long run. 

INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS: You next need to ask about the qualifications of the riding instructors employed by the stable. Do the instructors have some sort of certification? Many different certification programs exist and some states, such as Massachusetts, require their riding instructors to be registered with that state.   One certification to look for is the ARICP certification. This is the American Riding Instructors Certification Program and instructors from all over the country obtain certification in a variety of disciplines.  If your instructor is ARICP certified, you know that they uphold the highest standards of safety and excellence. Often any advertising for the stable will list the certification of the various instructors. Another certification program is the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), which certifies instructors, accredits equine facilities, produces educational conferences and publishes educational resources such as horsemanship manuals, DVDs, safety video shorts, webinars, and much more. 

SCHOOL HORSE STRING: In your search for a riding center, it is a good idea to ask about the school horse string used in the riding lessons.  Although no one can guarantee that you'll never fall off, your chances are better with a calm, well-trained, older horse than a young Thoroughbred straight off the racetrack!  Ask the barn how many school horses they have and if they offer different horses for the beginner and advanced programs. At most barns, the beginner string can "pinch-hit" in the intermediate lessons, but usually the advanced horse string doesn't fill in for the beginner string.

VISIT AND OBSERVE:  Call ahead to the riding center you are interested in and ask when there is a beginner riding lesson with young children.  Are the horses moving around the arena in an organized fashion? Or does it look like a three-ring circus? Even the most novice observer should be able to tell if that lesson program is right for them.

Sally Batton is a cross-discipline riding instructor and trainer. She has been the Director and Coach of the prestigious Dartmouth Equestrian Team for over 25 years. Her riders have many regional and national accolades. Sally has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and was named Instructor of the Year by the American Riding Instructor's Association. Sally is the founder of the Athletic Equestrian League, which emphasizes the development of correct fundamental horsemanship skills, thus allowing for progressive improvement in technique and performance.  Sally is also a clinician and teaches jumping, horsemanship, western and polocrosse worldwide.  Contact Sally: athleticequestrian@gmail.com, www.athleticequestrian@gmail.com, www.athleticequestrian.com. 

Horse and Rider Goals For The Upcoming Year

Horse and Rider Goals For The Upcoming Year

By Tara Korde and Ben Franklin

The older one gets the more the years fly by.  As time seems to be going so quickly, it is important to set goals and aspirations, and be reflective in the process.  Life is not only about reaching Grand Prix or coming first in a Hunter Derby or a 1* Event.

Work hard and be dedicated

Nothing feels better than putting in your best effort.  If you do your best, and forget the rest, there is really nothing to regret.  When you think about improving your riding or your horses training, don’t just think about more lessons, training rides or just getting into the saddle more often.  Think outside the box - are you crooked in the saddle? Maybe Pilates or yoga can help you. Do you get out of breath easily? Maybe do some extra cardio. Similarly, think about how you can cross-train your horse.  Maybe a hack or trail ride more often would help them, or maybe some hill work. Or perhaps polework would help your horse's core. The more you and your horse do (of course, unless there is an injury or some other constraint to consider) the better you’ll feel, and the quicker your progress is bound to be.  

Play hard

Is your usual routine to ride around an arena on nice footing time after time again?  Consider varying yours and your horses routine more. Spend more time hacking and trail riding.  Consider doing something you’ve never done - perhaps a fox hunt if your horse is suitable, or a hunter pace.  Ride out on a Christmas caroling ride. Jump the occasional jump with your dressage horse, or try a dressage lesson with your hunter horse.  Ride your horse bareback. Take your horse to a friends barn for a lesson with their trainer, or try out a clinic with someone new and different.  Learn how to do some basic massage with your horse, it’ll not only help them feel better but also help your relationship. Try out some natural horsemanship or liberty training.  There are really so many possibilities!

Be ambitious but realistic

It’s always a great idea to have a BHAG (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal).  There is NOTHING wrong with dreaming BIG. Hopefully you will reach that BHAG one day.  However, it’s not worth stressing over something that may seem far away. Think about smaller steps that will help you get to the next level.  What are yours and your horses weaknesses? How might you improve that weakness? Last year you showed at a certain level. What will you have to do to step up to the next level successfully?  Use the help of friends and trainers and get their honest opinions and help to give you that edge to help you keep on moving up and improving.

Educate yourself

There is an endless amount of information in the form of books, blogs, medical journals, videos, etc. out there and available.  Pick a topic you are interested in, and try to become an expert at it. There is so much out there than can enhance your knowledge.  Learn about breeding. Learn about highly contagious horse illnesses. Learn about plants that are poisonous to horses. Pick a weakness your horse has, and try to read anything and everything that might have a suggestion on how to help them overcome that weakness.  The only caveat here is to try and make sure that whatever material or medium you are using to learn is from a reputable source. If you are ever unsure, consult trusted sources, like your trainer or a vet.

Love your horse a little more

Consider what you can do to show your love for your horse more in this upcoming year.  Bring your horse extra carrots to be added to their feed. Groom them extra well if they enjoy it.  Get them a massage by a professional. Spend more time grazing them if they don’t get a lot of grass.  Do an extra saddle fitting if they seem to be changing shape quickly and might need an adjustment. Be in tune with your horses needs, and go that extra step for them.  

Above all, be EXTRA kind

The world is a crazy place.  Being at the barn or stables with our horses is often our refuge and even our therapy from the outside.  That being said, you never know what someone is facing, horse, human (trainer, groom, friend or even arch rival) or otherwise.  Go out of your way to be kind. Never forget the Golden Rule. You will make others’ lives a little brighter, and you’ll be a better person for it.  

Tips For Working With Young Horses

We welcome guest blogger, Brittany Early, to share her knowledge of working with young horses.  Brittany has a long history with horses.  She started riding at the age of 8, competing in the hunters and later in the jumper ring.  Around the age of 20, she fell in love with dressage.  She has had her horse Ravi since he was born, and has completed all of his training to date.  She has found working with Ravi to be a most rewarding experience.  

Much of Brittany's young horse experience has come from working on her family’s sport horse breeding farm as a young lady, and being a veterinary technician at the prestigious Tufts Large Animal Hospital.  At her family’s farm, she worked with foals through adolescent horses.  At Tufts, she had to interact with all kinds of equines.  In an environment that could be quite stressful, the hospital situation taught Brittany a lot about how to handle horses in a calm and correct manner.

Brittany is currently chasing her dreams of becoming a professional dressage rider and trainer.  She is currently working for USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medalist Nancy Later Lavoie in Ashby, Massachusetts, where she is expanding her skills and knowledge in all areas of horsemanship.  Brittany is thoroughly enjoying all that Nancy is teaching her.

We at The Simple Equine have had the privilege of witnessing and observing Brittany work with both young and difficult horses.  We have rarely seen someone who can be so calm and at the same time command the attention and respect that she does when working with a horse.  It is these observations which led us to ask Brittany to share her tips on working with young horses.  Let’s hand it over to Brittany -

   “Working with young horses is something I have always enjoyed. They have a lot to say, and really depend on a confident leader to be successful at their job. It’s extremely important to be clear, positive, and patient. I have learned many important lessons over the years from handling and training young horses. I also love learning from the many talented trainers and experts out there, and observing different points of view, whether it be from the rider, trainer or horse’s perspective.  Here are some tips I would like to share that have made a difference for me in my training and ability as a rider that might help you and your horse to both be successful.”  

#1) BE THE LEADER

It is vital to be your horse’s leader.  Be sure you are completely confident in your actions when asking for a correct response from them. Do not ask something and then accept an incorrect response.  Keep asking until they give you the right answer, then reward with lots of praise.  It is very important to always follow through.  

#2) KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

Know the difference between when a young horse is playing and when they are uncomfortable. For example: you lunge your horse and they are consistently showing bad behavior such as bucking or bolting.  First determine if this behavior a.) due to pain b.) the horse is acting playfully and/or c.) the horse is conducting themselves in a disrespectful manner.  Search to find the root cause by asking questions.  Is the horse always like this?  Is the behavior getting worse?  Do they look uncomfortable somewhere in their body?  Were they sensitive in some spots when you were grooming them?  Young horses are great for testing your confidence and patience.  It’s important to know your horse and know the difference between behaviors.

#3) THE ROPE HALTER

   I highly recommend handling a young horse in a “rope halter”.  If used correctly, handling a horse in a rope halter for a period of time before graduating to a leather or breakaway halter is a great way to establish solid ground manners. It is helpful to both of you to avoid using unhealthy pressure from a chain lead rope. With a concrete foundation, you can easily accomplish many objectives while working with a horse in hand.

#4) YOU ARE IMPORTANT

   The horse needs to focus on you, as in, you need to be the most important thing in their mind when training, especially if the horse is in an uncomfortable situation. These situations can be unexpected, so it is critical to maintain their concentration. You can practice with some planned minor distractions before going to a show or big event. It can be a dangerous situation for both of you if your horse is allowed to ignore you and go off of their basic instincts. Never forget they are fight or flight animals.  Constantly keep them thinking by change exercises, routines, and expose them to new and different situations.  Be a constant force of encouragement and keep the focus on you and not on the distraction.

#5) HAVE PATIENCE

   The young horse journey is a very long one, and with young horses everything comes as it comes. It is never an easy or fast process bringing one along, but if done correctly it can be extremely rewarding. Always praise the correct response, no matter how small the intent. Appreciate the progress as it comes.  And be patient.  But not overly patient.  

#6) BE CONSISTENT

   Have realistic expectations and try not to change them. Clear communication, given the same way each time, is key.  Have the right mindset when working your horse.  Do not start a training session if you are flushed with emotions.  Try to stay calm and relaxed so you do not overreact. Over reacting can cause confusion. Have a clear mind when working with your horse and try to tune into their body behavior, and take notice each session. This will help your progress and gain more of a connection in your partnership.

#7) HORSES ARE SMART

   Sometimes we don’t give credit where credit is due.  Horses are intelligent.  Though young horses may take time to come into their own and respond correctly to a training exercise, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t constantly absorbing additional information.  Always keep it in mind that they are like a sponge when they are young.  Every moment is a learning and teaching opportunity for them.

8.) KEEP TRAINING SESSIONS BRIEF

   Work on a few very specific exercises for a brief period, and then move on.  Praise the correct behavior, and always try to end on a good note, but don’t fry their brain.  A young horse is learning so many new things, so don’t be repetitive. If you ask for something and they answer the first or second time with the correct response, move on to something different. It’s important to not keep asking the same question until they answer incorrectly.  Remember results are important and get better with time and practice.