Equestrian Clinics

During my lesson the other day, my trainer was having me do various exercises to help develop my eye for a distance. He asked me why it was important to get a good distance to the fence. My response was "so we look pretty and get good ribbons." (he's used to me being a smart a--) He said, "seriously, it is your responsibility to find a good distance for your horse so that he can do his job of jumping well. Horses are not intelligent creatures. You have to look after your horse and help him do his job." 

My responsibility...that really gave me pause. When I am riding, I am responsible for this horse's well being. I need to ride him "right" for his overall welfare and not just for pleasure and performance. How I ride affects his balance, his fitness and yes, his safety. 

I recently was told a story that still haunts me. (those of you who are squeamish should skip this paragraph) A young rider was taking a lesson in an arena. Her trainer told her not to ride up against the rail. She wanted her not to use the rail to keep her horse straight and also stressed that it is dangerous for both rider and horse if they hit the rail. The rider listened to her trainer for a bit but then got lazy. As the horse went around he caught his shoulder on the gate. He ripped a massive chunk out of his shoulder requiring 400 stitches. The rider's leg was injured also albeit minor.

Now I tell that story not to gross you out but to remind us all that we have an enormous responsibility to these beautiful creatures. We have to be smart when we ride. THINK. Think about our safety and their safety. There are many times that they risk their own injury to save us. My horse has bailed me out of numerous situations that I got us into due to a bad distance or just not thinking. Good horsemanship is more than nutrition, shoeing and vet checks. Remember that the next time you ride.