All of us have periods during our horseback training when we seem to get stuck in what I call 'rider's block.' We don't know why it happened, but we know when we're in one! We can't learn that new movement - be it as simple as going into trot or moving from inside flexion to shoulder- in.
This is when a horse riding video becomes a valuable tool for helping you get beyond that sticking point.
There are three ways to use a horse riding video to your advantage.
1. Your Own Horse Riding Video
Have someone make a video of your riding your horse and attempting to make the move that you are having problems with. Make sure your video has the entire riding session not just the few moments when you are working on the movement.
This will enable you to see whether any bad habits have crept into your general style. Are you balanced in the Saddle? Do either of your heels come up, making your legs go back and causing you to lean forwards? Or do you lean too far back with your legs pushed forwards?
If you find you are not aware of your problems when you are actually riding, then take time to watch your horse riding video at home to see what's happening.
2. Professional Horse Riding Videos
Many riding professionals have sets of training videos that you can invest in.
If you're a beginner, consider the ebook Horse Riding Lessons: Teaching Yourself to Ride. It comes with an easy-to-follow horse riding video which demonstrates the basics of riding in a relaxed manner.
For those of you who are ready to advance to higher levels of dressage, you'll find training videos online. A good horse riding video to watch is On the Levels produced by the United States Dressage Federation (https://usdf.org) with a judge's commentary giving you excellent insight into what's expected when you advance through the levels.
Watch the rider's overall style in your chosen video. See how supple the horse is and how easy he finds the movements as a result. Observe the quietness of the rider's aids and how effective they are. These are things to aim for when you ride.
Spend time watching the rider ask the horse for the movement that is hanging you up. Rewatch that section again and again to understand how the rider applies the aids to communicate to the horse what he wants to do.
3. Compare the Two
After watching the professional's video a few times, play the video of yourself. Take note of how the way you ride differs from the more advanced rider's application of the aids.
This is how you can improve your horse riding skills, by seeing what you are doing wrong, or not doing at all that would make the move work for you. Make notes of these differences and then revisit the professional video to affix the proper way to make the move into your head.
When you ride again apply the changes and see how the move works when you approach it differently. Many issues you will face as a horseback rider can be worked through using horse riding videos. Your riding will improve and you will move right past your "riders block".
Visit Jim's beginner horseback riding website for a complete horseback riding instructions with horse riding videos.
