Trainers have an important role when it comes to horses. From teaching horses new skills to working with riders to help them improve, trainers are responsible for a lot when it comes to horses. One of the questions that often comes up is: Do trainers ride horses?
The answer to this question is yes, trainers do ride horses. While some trainers may focus on different aspects of horse training, like ground work, many do ride horses as part of their job. Riding a horse can help trainers gain an understanding of the horse they are working with, as well as give them the opportunity to help riders work on their skills.
What Do Trainers Do When They Ride Horses?
When trainers ride horses, they typically do so with the purpose of helping the horse and rider. This can include things like:
- Teaching the horse a new skill – Trainers may ride horses to help them learn a new skill such as a new gait or a specific type of jump.
- Helping the rider improve – Trainers may ride horses to help riders improve their skills, by providing guidance and feedback.
- Assessing the horse – Riding a horse can help a trainer understand the horse better, and help identify any issues that need to be addressed.
What Skills Do Trainers Need To Ride Horses?
Riding horses is not a skill that all trainers have, and it is not something that all trainers need to do. However, for those who do ride horses, there are certain skills that are essential.
Riding Skills
Trainers who ride horses need to have good riding skills. This includes things like balance, control, and being able to communicate with the horse effectively.
Knowledge of Horses
Trainers who ride horses also need to have a good understanding of horses. This includes an understanding of their behavior, how they move, and what type of environment they are best suited to.
Teaching Skills
Trainers who ride horses also need to be good teachers. This includes being able to effectively communicate with the horse and rider, as well as being able to provide guidance and feedback in a way that is helpful and encouraging.
What Are The Benefits Of Trainers Riding Horses?
There are many benefits to trainers riding horses, both for the trainer and the horse and rider.
Better Understanding of the Horse
Riding a horse can help the trainer gain a better understanding of the horse, and can help the trainer identify any issues that need to be addressed.
Better Communication with the Horse and Rider
Riding a horse can also help the trainer communicate better with the horse and rider. Being on the horse can help the trainer better understand the horse’s movements, as well as help the trainer better understand the rider’s needs.
More Effective Training
Riding a horse can also help the trainer provide more effective training. The trainer can provide guidance and feedback while on the horse, and can help the rider work on their skills in a more effective way.
What Are The Challenges of Trainers Riding Horses?
While there are many benefits to trainers riding horses, there are also some challenges that come with it.
Safety
One of the biggest challenges is safety. Riding horses can be dangerous, and trainers need to be aware of the risks involved. They need to make sure that they are wearing the proper safety equipment, and that they are following the proper safety protocols.
Time
Another challenge is time. Riding horses can be time consuming, and trainers need to make sure they have enough time to dedicate to riding.
Knowledge and Experience
Finally, trainers need to have the right knowledge and experience to be able to ride horses safely and effectively. This includes having a good understanding of horse behavior, and being able to effectively communicate with the horse and rider.
Conclusion
Trainers do ride horses, and it can be an important part of their job. Riding horses can help trainers gain a better understanding of the horse and rider, as well as help the trainer provide more effective training. However, riding horses can also be dangerous, and trainers need to make sure they have the right knowledge and experience to be able to ride safely and effectively.
References
- Horse Rider Magazine. (2020, January 16). What Do Horse Trainers Do? Retrieved from https://horseridermagazine.com/horse-training/what-do-horse-trainers-do
- Kauffman, M. (2020, February 20). 5 Reasons Why Trainers Should Ride. Retrieved from https://www.horsejournals.com/5-reasons-why-trainers-should-ride
- The Horse. (2020, April 7). How to Become a Professional Horse Trainer. Retrieved from https://www.thehorse.com/134750/how-to-become-a-professional-horse-trainer