5 Resolutions for Riders
Some of my students have asked me what some of their New Years resolutions should be in regards to riding. As a rider myself, I have pondered this thought as well and have come up with a few ideas!
Keep in mind that riding resolutions are better if they are specific. So I’ll list things like “ride more,” but it’s hard to quantify and see your results (an important part of goal setting) if your goal is too vague. If “ride more” is your resolution-great! Just make it more specific, such as “ride 3 times a week” or “ride 6 months out of the year” and make sure you follow up with yourself. I like to have quarterly evaluations for myself, each of my horses, and each of my students. I try to take time every 3 months to review how the progress is going on each goal. This keeps me motivated and/or helps me change goals if needed.
Some ideas for resolutions riding students should make:
Ride without stirrups more. “No Stirrup November” is great, but not nearly enough. Make a goal to take 10 minutes each time you ride and take your stirrups off. Or ride once a month, or once a week, the entire ride without stirrups. Here’s a great article that’ll walk you through how and why to ride without stirrups: https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/ask-experts-why-and-how-should-we-ride-without-stirrups
Spend more time grooming. Whether this means getting to the barn earlier before your lesson or staying later, spending some quality time deep grooming your horse will not only help their coat circulation and health, but it will help you bond with your horse and develop a better connection with them. Here’s an article on grooming tips you can incorporate to your routine: https://equusmagazine.com/horse-care/7-habits-for-highly-effective-horse-grooming-8412
Do groundwork. While on the subject of developing a better connection with your horse, we have to cover the immense benefits of groundwork. Whether that means free longeing, playing “games,” regular longeing, or just hand walking, spending time with your horse on the ground is essential for their training and your bond with them. Each time you handle your horse you are training them-whether on their back or not. Establishing respect on the ground will translate to your work under saddle and provide you with a happier horse and happier self! Here are some very simple groundwork exercises to start with: https://ihearthorses.com/5-great-groundwork-exercises-to-do-with-your-horse/
Take better care of your tack. We all know the principle that if you take care of something, it will last. But do we really apply this principle in regards to our tack and equipment, or do we throw our saddles back on the rack without another thought, or hastily wipe our bit without paying any attention to our bridles? Think about setting a goal to regularly clean and condition your tack and the rewards will speak for themselves. Here are some links to my favorite tack cleaning materials:
Castile Soap, my favorite for cleaning: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Kirk-s-Original-Coco-Castile-Natural-Bar-Soap-4-oz-3-count/22257750
Stubben Hamanol, my favorite for conditioning: https://www.ridingwarehouse.com/Stubben_Hamanol_Leather_Saddle__Tack_Dressing/descpage-SHLD.html
Tack sponges: https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/tack-sponges-344
Horseman’s OneStep, my favorite for everyday care: https://absorbine.com/products/leather-care/horsemans-one-step-cream/
Take better care of your body. I wish every rider would see themselves as the athletes that they are. We take immaculate care of our horses and worry and stress about their exercise regimens, nutrition and health. But do we consider how the food we eat and the additional exercise (or lack thereof) we do from riding is affecting OUR bodies? Please take some time to evaluate your nutrition and exercise habits and how they align or don’t align with your riding goals. You absolutely cannot give your horse your best if you aren’t healthy and fit. Doesn’t your horse deserve your best? Here is an article for off-horse exercises to improve your riding. But also please consider adding cardiovascular exercise to your daily or weekly routine to improve your stamina for riding. Running, swimming, cycling, etc. are great! https://www.usea2.net/12-general/general/124-exercises-for-the-equestrian