Memories of my early days at the local riding school include eager young equestrians dropping like flies. “It takes seven falls to make a rider!” the teacher would assert as she brushed us off and legged us back up. Looking back, we were advancing faster than our understanding, “overdriving our headlights.”
Progressing sensibly: the science of “shaping” in horse training and equitation
It’s my goal in each schooling session to slightly stretch the rider or horse with a new skill or “shape” a variation of the skill (faster, slower, more steps, more consistency etc.) – but only as they master the step before.
For example, we wouldn’t move up to the canter until the aids and rider technique was mastered at the trot. I’d never use a new bit until I’d tested it from the ground – making sure the horse understands the language of that bit. I wouldn’t take a horse on a field-trip to a competition or clinic until the cues are working in my home arena – every time.
Anxiety rises and riders fall when they try to skip steps. Horses don’t learn when they’re stressed or confused. And riders, when anxious, don’t really enjoy the process.
Admittedly, it’s not a process appealing to thrill seekers. Riders like to lope! And we like to jump. Nevertheless, in following this system, I find I rarely have totravel back down the staircase.
It’s true – horse training at a slower pace is ultimately faster.
In upcoming posts: After a fall, or equally scary incident – what now? I have a special interest in helping riders rebuild their confidence because I know what it’s like to lose it. Knowledge inspires confidence. By explaining the HOWS (technical skills) and the WHYs (horse behavior and the science of learning) I love to share with riders I teach, the tools and understanding to stretch to the next level at their own pace.
They enjoy the process as much as the results!