Better Riders, Better Horses
Are You Struggling To Apply What Your Instructor Tells You?
Many riders find themselves stuck in a frustrating cycle: they take lessons, they hear the same corrections over and over, and yet, they struggle to truly improve. They may be told to "sit deeper," "use more leg," or "soften their hands," but they aren’t given the tools to physically achieve those outcomes. The result? Riders either fail to implement the skill, or they implement it incorrectly, reinforcing poor movement patterns and creating more confusion.
This is where my work begins.
My approach to rider development isn’t about simply telling riders what to do—I focus on how to do it. I identify the missing links in their training, whether that’s a biomechanical limitation, a lack of understanding, or an ineffective movement pattern, and I systematically address those gaps. The goal is to develop a complete rider—one who moves with balance, clarity, and control, rather than guesswork and struggle.
Most riding instruction focuses on outcomes. Instructors tell students what they should be achieving—"get the horse round," "sit up straight," "keep your leg still"—but they often don’t break down the process in a way that accounts for the rider’s body mechanics.
A rider may be physically unable to sit deeper if their hip mobility is restricted. A stiff upper body can prevent someone from "softening their hands." Without awareness of their own movement patterns, a rider may struggle to stabilize their leg, not because they aren’t trying hard enough, but because their body hasn’t been taught how to support itself properly in motion.
Telling a rider to correct something without addressing the root cause is like trying to fix a house’s foundation by repainting the house. The problem remains—it just becomes harder to see.
I take a different approach.
Rather than layering instruction on top of dysfunction, I go straight to the source of the issue. I start by assessing the rider’s movement patterns, identifying compensations, asymmetries, and inefficiencies. From there, I provide targeted exercises—both on and off the horse—to restore functional movement, improve body awareness, and create the right neuromuscular connections.
This method includes:
- Biomechanics-Based Corrections – Rather than just telling a rider to change their position, I help them feel what correct alignment is and understand what their body needs to do to achieve it.
- Myoskeletal Alignment & Bodywork – If a rider’s movement is restricted, I address the underlying muscular or fascial tension that’s contributing to their limitation.
- Targeted Strength & Mobility Work – A rider’s ability to apply the aids correctly starts with a well-functioning body. I incorporate off-horse exercises to build the strength, flexibility, and control necessary for effective riding.
- Application in the Saddle – Once we address the body’s foundational mechanics, we transfer those changes to the horse, reinforcing correct movement and allowing the rider to communicate more clearly and effectively.
Why Start With The Rider?
Why not focus on the horse first? Because the rider is the biggest influence on the horse’s movement, balance, and responsiveness. A horse mirrors the rider—if the rider is unbalanced, stiff, or misaligned, the horse has to compensate. This can lead to resistance, tension, asymmetries, and even physical discomfort for the horse.
When a rider moves with balance, clarity, and control, the horse benefits in profound ways:
- Less Physical Strain – The horse no longer has to compensate for the rider’s imbalances, reducing stress on joints and muscles.
- Clearer Communication – Precise aids mean the horse can respond without confusion or frustration.
- Improved Movement – A well-balanced rider allows the horse to move more freely, enhancing rhythm, suppleness, and engagement.
- Stronger Partnership – When the rider’s body works in harmony with the horse, trust deepens, and the partnership flourishes.
A complete rider isn’t just someone who knows what to do; it’s someone who has the body awareness, balance, and coordination to apply their knowledge effectively. That’s the transformation I aim to create—one where riders no longer have to guess, compensate, or struggle. Instead, they ride with precision, ease, and confidence, allowing both horse and rider to reach their full potential together.
This is the missing piece in so many riders’ training, and it’s what I specialize in: closing the gaps, making the connections, and building better riders from the inside out—for the benefit of both rider and horse.