Advanced Riding Tips For Riders

Are you looking to take your riding to the next level? Here are our advanced riding tips for riders looking to progress their training tips, including expert guidance from our professional sponsored riders.

A Flying Start

If you’re considering introducing flying changes into your training, your horse must be able to perform direct transitions with ease (walk- canter-walk), and they must be off your aids. Your horse must also be established in counter canter and be able to collect and extend in counter canter with ease. Begin to introduce flying changes by riding simple changes (canter-walk) on a 10-metre figure of eight and as you change, rein on the centre line, and ride your simple change. Your horse should start to anticipate, so give them the aid for the flying change, and if they change canter lead, reward them and repeat. Flying changes can sometimes be challenging to train. However, physical weaknesses and rider/horse straightness issues can also create problems, so work on the basics and be prepared to be patient and take your time.

Practice Makes Perfect

Aloeride Sponsored Rider, Ex-race horse trainer, Level 2 British Eventing Accredited Coach and 3* event rider, Victoria Bax, has this advice for other advanced riders;

“Practise a skinny and/or an angled jump every time you have a jump training session, and always finish any arena session with a square halt (in front of mirrors if you have them) and then dismount. That way, your horse will eventually only know how to halt square.”

Focus On Relaxation

As you start to advance in your training, it’s easy for tension to begin to creep in, so it’s essential to focus on encouraging your horse to relax during his schoolwork. Make sure you encourage your horse to relax in between training new movements by encouraging your horse to stretch and relax. Installing the concept of relaxation at home should help your horse relax more readily at competitions. Training your horse to learn to stretch correctly and relax takes time and should never be forced by the rider.

Event Planning For Advanced Riders

Eliza Stoddart is a 5* Eventer and an Aloeride Sponsored Rider and has this valuable advice for planning your season;

“When you are event planning, pick your spring or autumn aim for your horse. Work backwards from that event so that you have a structure to your Eventing season. Then you won’t run your horse unnecessarily. Inevitably you always need a plan B and C weather depending too. Don’t be afraid to try new ideas and new trainers. They might have different ideas which suit your methods of training better.”

Be Individual

Aloeride Sponsored 4* Event Rider Anthony Clark has this tip for riders producing and riding more than one horse and to keep your horse healthy;

“My greatest advice to any rider at any level is to treat every horse as an individual, from riding and training to stable management and feeding. Advanced riders take their time to get to know and cater to their individual horse’s needs and accommodate them. Remembering that not all horses are superstars in all areas and focusing on the horses’ strong points is vital for future success.”

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