From the Hoof

 This winter I took up Karate. Why? Well for two reasons, to help my two sons who wanted to take up karate and get fit. My eldest son already had some karate experience from previous years. We had stopped through lack of progression and boredom. The school we have joined is highly motivated. The instructor (Master Rexer) has a very positive attitude, is highly motivated, and is extremely passionate about Karate which you can feel at his classes. He is an exceptional instructor. In his lessons we, the students learn and progress and are motivated and dedicated. He makes sure every student gets taught by him at some point in his lesson and uses the help of other experienced students in his classes enabling students to be constantly taught and corrected. This gives the experienced students confidence and enables the students to get to know other members of the Academy. There is no slacking or free ride at his classes. You are put through your paces mentally and physically which builds up your stamina, self esteem, positive attitude and fitness as well as learning to defend yourself. There is also a wonderful atmosphere at the Academy. If you want to sit around or take it easy then you need to go and sit at Barnes and Noble and not be at his karate lesson. 

 I feel the same way when people ride. Riding is a passion for me and an art.  It's not a free ride, you need to be motivated and dedicated to get the best out of yourself and your horse.  Riding is to feel in harmony with your horse and to be as one with the horse.  This takes a lot of effort on your part as you need to be able to ride with an independent seat, be able to carry your hands lightly, have a good position (a straight back, a straight line from ear to your shoulder to your elbow to your thigh to your heel) and yes to begin with your muscles will ache. If you have a good position and are riding correctly then your horse will go correctly. It helps, therefore, to be fit!  The more horses I ride in a day the fitter I become and the more Karate lessons I do the more fitter I become which helps my posture and fitness when riding! As I have no trainer to nag me. 

 Just like Karate Schools and Dance Schools there are riding schools and riding schools. Some teach actual riding and how to control your horse whilst others give you a ride, like a passenger in a car.  Depending on your level of motivation, dedication and commitment you can decide how well you want to ride. If you are happy with the way you are riding and your riding school then great keep going but if you feel you should be learning more then change. 

 How do you know if you are learning correctly, can you trot, can you canter, can you jump? If you just stay in walk then you are not progressing. You need to gain confidence and to be in control of your horse, not just following one horse in front of the other. You need to decide what you want to get out of your riding and to what level you want to achieve. 

 I do get the feeling here in America that everyone is sue happy and afraid of falling off a horse. I can't tell you how many times I have fallen off riding and in competition, some hurt some didn't but I always got back on the horse and carried on, maybe it's the tough Brit in me!

 Riding different horses gives you more experience and you need to feel the way the horse is going which comes with time and practice. My three horses ride differently and have different conformation. I have to adjust my riding to get the best from them but my position in the saddle will be the same. I admit I had become stale in my riding, my work and at home. After my Karate lesson I feel good. Exercise always makes us feel good but with karate it refreshes my mind and gives me a positive attitude.  With riding I like the fresh air and being able to get myself and my horse to be as one. The difference with karate or dance etc. is that we not only have to get ourselves as riders fit and in the right position but we have to get our horses fit and working well. If our horse we are riding is not fit or schooled right it will make riding him difficult. Riding is a tough to learn but when you've "got it" it's fantastic!

 Remember if your mind and body aren't in good shape then you will struggle to improve your riding technique. Keep a positive mental outlook and a good, confident attitude and enjoy yourself and have a good trainer.