We have all heard the famous Dr. Seuss quote: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
In the equestrian world, we might be inclined to take this literally; we want to “go places” – whether that is a successful first hack alone, a clear round at a local show, or moving up the levels in dressage. But many riders make the mistake of thinking that the only way to get there is by spending hours in the saddle.
While saddle time is essential, there is a ceiling to what you can achieve through physical practice alone. To truly level up, you have to develop your Equestrian IQ.
Here is how you can continue your progress when you’re out of the saddle, and why your horse will thank you for it.
1. Understanding the “Why” through Science and Welfare
In the past, riding was often taught as a set of “rules” to be followed. Today, we have the benefit of incredible research into equine biomechanics and psychology.
When you spend time reading resources from organisations like World Horse Welfare or the British Horse Society, you aren’t just learning facts; you are developing insight and empathy. When you understand how a horse’s musculoskeletal system actually functions, you realise that a “stubborn” transition might actually be a balance issue.
- The off-horse task: Dedicate one evening a week to “The Science of the Horse.” Look up the 24 behaviours of the ridden horse (the Pain Ethogram) or study a diagram of the horse’s “topline.” Understanding the anatomy helps you “feel” what’s happening underneath you with much more clarity.
2. The Power of “Visual Diet”
We are a visual species. If you only ever watch riders at your own level, your brain begins to accept that as the “standard.” To improve, you need to feed your brain a high-quality visual diet.
With platforms like YouTube, Horse & Country TV, and even social media, we have front-row seats to the best riders in the world.
- The off-horse task: Watch a video of a world-class rider, but don’t just watch the horse’s flashy movement. Watch the rider’s belt buckle – notice how still it is. Watch their hands – notice the tiny, almost invisible vibrations. By observing “perfection,” you create a mental blueprint that your body will naturally try to emulate during your next lesson.
3. Turning “Dead Time” into Development
Equestrians are notoriously busy. Between work, family, and the yard, find me a rider with “spare time” and I’ll show you a unicorn! This is where podcasts and audiobooks become your secret weapon.
Whether you are mucking out, driving to the yard, or cleaning tack, you can be immersed in a masterclass. From sports psychology for the nervous rider to interviews with top trainers, the information is endless.
- The off-horse task: Swap the radio for an equestrian podcast once a week. It keeps your head in the game and often provides a “lightbulb moment” that you can bring to our next coaching session.
4. Curiosity is the Greatest Aid
The biggest difference I see between riders who plateau and those who soar is curiosity. The curious rider asks: “Why did he spook at that corner today?” or “What muscle am I failing to engage here?” This is where my own blogs and social media come in. I aim to take the complex “textbook” information and break it down into the “real world” application you need for your daily ride.
The Goal: The “Thinking Rider”
As your coach, my favourite sessions aren’t the ones where I give the most instructions; they are the ones where the rider arrives and says, “I was reading about X this week, and I think that’s why my horse feels heavy on the left rein. Can we work on that?”
When you invest in your knowledge, our lessons move away from “basic corrections” and toward “advanced refinements.” You stop being a passenger and start being a partner.
So, what is on your bedside table or in your ears this week? Remember, the more you learn, the further you and your horse will go.
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