Mastering Riding Aids and Position for Effective Performance

1. Aims and Objectives Aims To know what the natural and artificial aids are when riding. Recognise a correct riding position on the flat and know the importance of a correct position. Objectives T.S.S.B.A.T explain what the natural and artificial aids are. T.S.S.B.A.T discuss what the aids are when riding different movements. T.S.S.B.A.T recognise the correct riding position adopted on the flat. T.S.S.B.A.T see the value of the importance of the riders position when riding.

2. “A good horseman hears his horse talking to him. A great horseman can hear his horse whisper. But a bad horseman cannot even hear his horse screaming” “Mae marchog da yn clywed ei geffyl yn siarad ag ef. Gall marchog gwch glywed ei geffyl yn sibrwd. Ond ni all marchog gwael glywed y ceffyl yn sgrechian hyd yn oed” E. Griffths 2009

3. Riding Aids Natural Riding Aids These are ways that riders communicate with horses when in the saddle. They are described as natural as it is our mental and physical communication that informs the horse what we want them to do. Seat -Sitting centrally and equal in the saddle (seat bones) will give the rider and horse the balance they require to perform effectively. It is also where the weight of the rider is felt by the horse and can either help balance or unbalance the horse. Legs - these are used as the driving aid and ask the horse to move forward. Can be used to gently squeeze or kick, depending on how responsive the horse is to the aids. Hand - direct communication with the horses mouth. There should always be a constant positive feel in the hands as the horse seeks to take it forward. This is a very subtle aid and should be used to direct and control. Voice - tone of voice is used to encourage, calm, reward, command and if needed reprimand. Builds a rapport between horse and rider. Thought - thinking positive and confident is sensed by the horse, same as thinking negatively and unsure.

4. Riding Aids Artificial Aids These are external appliances which are used by riders to improve a horses way of going. They should only be used if the horse does not respect or respond to the natural aids. If overused the horse may become dull to the natural aids and even panic or distress itself. Extreme use of the artificial aids can constitute as abuse, some equestrian organizations have strict rules regarding their use and style. Whip Bit Spur Devices that are attached to the bridle and/or saddle

5. Where our aids become effective The seat and legs create energy from the horses quarters, this channels through the horse and is contained with the riders hand to help control the rhythm and speed of the movement.

6. Correct Riding Position The other straight line runs from the elbow, through the hand to the horses mouth. This maintains a consistent even contact. It also prevents the riders reins from becoming to long or short, and can aid control of the horse. Side View When looking at the position from a side view, the rider should have an imaginary straight line that drops through the ear, shoulder, hip and heel. This line keeps the body in balance with the horse and the lower leg in the correct position for maximum effectiveness.

7. Correct Riding Position From Behind As important as the side view straight lines, there is another imaginary line that runs from the crown of the head, through the centre of the riders back and down through the centre of the horse. This keeps your hips and torso laterally balanced. It is easy to make this mistake when riding as everyone has one side stronger than the other, resulting in collapsing of the upper body and a swing of the pelvis. This can be rectified by a person watching you from behind and informing you when you are sat straight.

8. Ear, shoulder, hip, heel line. Balancing Blocks The blocks must be carefully placed above one another in order to achieve balance. If the blocks are not balanced, they will fall down. The same theory applies to other straight lines and views in the position, everything must be in line and balanced.

9. Summary What have we covered - Our riding aids, what they are and how we use them – Explain what the natural and artificial aids are when riding Our riding position, what it should and should not look like and why it is important to the rider and horse Evaluate why is it important to have a correct riding position Any Questions ?