What Are You Noticing When You Ride?

Every ride offers us an opportunity to learn.

After riding, it is normal to continue thinking about what happened and wonder, why did that happen?

Ideas, feelings or questions might continue to occupy our thoughts. It is natural to want to unpack everything straightaway and make sense of our experiences, but learning and experience can feel unpredictable.

A conversation, lesson or test sheet can take on new meaning, and with time, experience and a fresh perspective, we notice details that once passed us by and appreciate progress we may not have recognised at the time.

Building a partnership with a horse asks us to be patient, present and aware of how our horse is feeling. Minds and bodies need time to learn, communication develops through experience and understanding grows as trust deepens.

Horses notice, investigate and take an interest in the world around them.

When you ride, be curious. Notice what is happening. How is your horse responding? Are they interested? Are they curious and engaged with what you are sharing?

Before your next ride, take some time to think about what you and your horse are working on. There are guided reflections Inside Achieve Dressage.