The journey of dressage is often visualized through the horse’s training pyramid, a methodical progression from rhythm and suppleness to collection. This established framework emphasizes that mastery of the basics is paramount, ensuring a solid foundation for all advanced movements and a harmonious partnership with the horse. However, as educators and riders delve deeper into the nuances of horsemanship, a parallel question arises: what about the training of the rider themselves? While the horse’s progress is meticulously detailed, the development of the human element in the saddle often receives less structured attention. This oversight can lead to managing rider expectations and keeping riders grounded in foundational skills as they aspire to higher levels of competition and proficiency. Recognizing this, a new perspective proposes a “Rider Training Pyramid,” offering a complementary structure to guide the development of the equestrian athlete.
The concept of a rider-focused training scale emerged from Lendon Gray’s Training4Teaching program, an initiative dedicated to enhancing the skills of dressage instructors. This program highlighted the need to discuss rider development with the same rigor applied to horse training. The traditional horse training pyramid, starting with rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection, serves as a constant reminder that fundamentals are everything. It anchors us, preventing us from becoming overly focused on specific movements or levels, as the “tricks” become more accessible when the quality of the horse’s basic gait and balance are well-established. This foundational principle naturally leads to the question of how we can apply a similar systematic approach to the rider’s development.
The Rider Training Pyramid: A Foundation for Equestrian Excellence
To address this, a proposed Rider Training Pyramid offers a framework for developing the rider’s abilities, mirroring the sequential nature of the horse’s training scale. This pyramid begins with the rider’s capacity to be soft and unobtrusive, gradually building towards consistency and the ability to influence the horse with tact and clarity.
5. Softness: The Art of Following
The base of the rider’s pyramid is Softness, defined as the rider’s ability to follow and not interrupt the horse’s natural movement. Before a rider can effectively influence a horse’s way of going, they must first learn to be out of the way. This involves developing a supple body that moves in sync with the horse, absorbing rather than resisting the motion. This fundamental skill allows for clear communication and prevents the rider from inadvertently hindering the horse’s balance and freedom of movement. Mastering softness is crucial for establishing a non-interfering connection, allowing the horse to perform at its best.
4. Self-carriage: Independent Balance
Building upon softness, the next rung is Self-carriage. This refers to the rider’s ability to maintain their own balance and position without relying on the horse for support. Once a rider can follow the horse’s motion, they need to develop the capacity to balance themselves independently. This means not leaning on the reins or using the stirrups as a crutch. Achieving self-carriage allows the rider to influence the horse from their core and seat, rather than through external means, which is essential for precise and effective aids. This independence is a key step towards truly riding the horse rather than simply staying on.
3. Independent Aids: Precision in Communication
With self-carriage established, the focus shifts to Independent Aids. This level emphasizes the rider’s ability to use one part of their body to communicate with the horse without unintentionally activating another. For instance, a rider should be able to execute a half-halt using their seat and core without simultaneously gripping with their reins. Similarly, the use of the leg aid should be distinct and controlled, not accompanied by tension in the opposite leg or other extraneous body movements. This precise control over individual aids is a prerequisite for influencing the horse with tact and clarity, ensuring that the horse understands the rider’s intentions without confusion.
2. Mindfulness: Responsive Interaction
The fourth level, Mindfulness, involves the rider’s capacity to perceive the horse’s responses to their aids and to react appropriately. This means actively feeling what answers the horse has given to the rider’s questions and then responding effectively. If the horse provides the correct response, the rider should cease asking. If the response is incorrect, the rider must be able to offer a clear and effective correction. A mindful rider uses an aid, such as the leg to signal “go,” and then instantly evaluates the horse’s reaction, adjusting their aids as needed. This creates a dialogue between horse and rider, fostering a deeper understanding and partnership.
1. Consistency: Adaptability Across Partners
The pinnacle of the Rider Training Pyramid is Consistency. This refers to the rider’s ability to consistently apply good riding and training skills across a variety of horses with different types and energy levels. Can the rider effectively work with both highly educated, experienced horses and greener, less-trained horses with equal tact? Can they help an unbalanced horse find its balance as well as maintain the organization of a well-balanced horse? True consistency means being able to adapt one’s skills to different equine partners, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of riding principles that transcends individual horse characteristics. This mastery ensures that the rider is a capable and adaptable partner, able to bring out the best in any horse they ride.
This proposed Rider Training Pyramid offers a valuable perspective for equestrians and instructors alike, emphasizing that the journey to becoming a proficient rider is as systematic and foundational as the training of the horse. By focusing on these interconnected skills, riders can build a stronger, more effective partnership with their horses, ultimately leading to greater success and harmony in the sport of dressage.
Lauren Sprieser is a USDF gold, silver, and bronze medalist with distinction, dedicated to developing horses and riders to FEI levels from her farm in Marshall, Virginia. She is currently working with The Elvis Syndicate’s C. Cadeau and Clearwater Farm Partners’ Tjornelys Solution, as well as her own string of young horses, with aspirations of representing the United States in team competition. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
