Horseback training is an ongoing process that many times can see to put us in a rut. There is no rhyme or reason why “riders block” occurs, but it does happen. Sometimes it is just impossible to learn a new movement, such as transitioning from inside to shoulder in flexion.

This is the time when watching a horse riding video can make a big difference, and is a great tool for pushing you past where you’ve become stuck.

There are three ways to use a horse riding video to your advantage.

1. Use As A Home Video

Ask your instructor, or a friend, to videotape you as you’re riding, especially getting footage of when you’re attempting to perform whatever that elusive movement is. Make sure they know to record the entire session, not just the part that’s not working for you.

What this will do is enable to watch yourself for bad habits that may have developed with your style of riding. Do you see yourself being balanced when you’re in the saddle? Are either of your heels coming up, and in turn making your legs go back which makes you lean forward? Or do you have your legs too far forward and are making yourself lean back too much.

If you don’t see any major basic riding errors continue to watch the video to see if there is anything you could do differently to help make that move.

2. Watch the Professionals Ride

Many riding professionals have sets of training videos that you can invest in.

If you’re a beginner, consider the ebook Horse Riding Lessons: Teaching Yourself to Ride. It comes with an easy-to-follow horse riding video which demonstrates the basics of riding in a relaxed manner.

For horseback riders who are ready for more advanced dressage you can find many helpful and informative horse riding videos online. The United States Dressage Federation has releases a horse riding video titled: On the Levels, that has a judge’s commentary to show you what is expected as you advance through the dressage levels.

Whatever horse rider video you choose watch the rider’s style. Note the suppleness of the horse and the ease of the movements between the horse and rider. Keep an eye on the rider’s aids, see how quiet and effective they are. This is true communication between the horse and rider. These things you are watching are goals for you to try to achieve with your own horse.

Spend time watching the rider ask the horse for the movement that is hanging you up. Rewatch that section again and again to understand how the rider applies the aids to communicate to the horse what he wants to do.

3. Compare the Two

Watch the professional horse riding video until you understand the area you are having trouble with, then play your video. Note how your style and skill differs from the professional rider.

This is how you can improve your horse riding skills, by seeing what you are doing wrong, or not doing at all that would make the move work for you. Make notes of these differences and then revisit the professional video to affix the proper way to make the move into your head.

When you get back on your horse, apply what you’ve learned. You’ll discover that the visual aid of horse riding videos help you work through your main issues. Not only will you have put your ‘rider’s block’ behind you, but you’ll find that your overall riding has improved.

Visit Jim’s beginner horseback riding site for a comprehensive horseback riding instructions along with horse riding videos.

Tags: Horses