Instructors want to develop physically skillful riders, thinking riders, and aware riders; riding should be taught with a holistic approach taking into account the 3 domains of learning: psychomotor, cognitive, and affective. As with any sport, riders need pre-requisite skills that form the foundation for more complex skills. Riders can be systematically developed and it is our job as teachers of riding to continually search for ways to teach more effectively and help students attain their goals as riders working in partnership with their horses, no matter what level they desire to attain or sport in which they choose to participate.
Horse and rider, Universo and Chloe, trotted to a halt in front of me, both breathing hard, Universo bumped me with his nose for a peppermint treat and a smile burst out on Chloe’s face as the words tumbled out . . . “I felt magnetized to my horse. When I lifted my hips, it felt like his hips lifted with mine. I am used to me bouncing along with him, but this time I felt his back under me, so there wasn’t a bounce!”
Rider Development. What are the stages that you go through as a rider? Physical acquisition of skills. Cognitive understanding of theory. Emotional stages as you overcome fear, learn discipline, and find joy riding horses. Share with me your development as a rider. Come with me on my journey as a dressage rider.
