Are you Pro Active ?  Or Re Active ?

This is an interesting topic, because most of us probably don't think too much about it.  

The fact is its really important, and if you do spend the time to think about it, and you decide that you are currently Re-Active and you take the steps to change your habits and become Pro - Active and it will probably change your riding forever.

Let me try to explain.  When I'm riding - particularly if I'm out on the trail, but when I'm in the arena too, I'm always looking to anticipate 2 or 3 steps ahead.  Im still very present with the horse, but I am looking out for things that may arise, and that I may have to act upon - for example in the arena it may be as simple as an upcoming corner that I have to balance the horse and prepare for.  Out on the trail it may be picking the right path for my horse - my trails have lots of rocks, crevices, creek crossings, tree branches - so If I'm cantering along I need to prepare to put my horse in the right place to keep him, and me, safe.

To take it a step further - what about the unexpected ?  What about surprises that can come up that are not in our control ?  Well, I do my best to prepare and be ready for them - this isn't the same as riding along being nervous that my horse may do something!  

Take a race car driver (or even us driving to the shops) - we are (or should be) driving defensively.  This isn't to say we are looking for crashes - but it is to say we understand we aren't in control of the drivers around us, and we need to be prepared to take evasive action.  The race care driver is even anticipating what move his fellow driver is going to do, so he can counteract it.

So how do I prepare for surprises when it comes to being out on the trail ?  Or in the arena ?

1.  Be Present.  Don't be riding along talking to friends, or in a daydream - pay attention to where you are going, where you are putting your horses feet.  Im not saying don't enjoy the ride, but I am saying, its not the rollercoaster at seaward - you can't just sit there and know what bends and turns are going to happen.

2.  Assess potential problems and take Pro Action.  For example - on our trail there is a bridge.  9 times out of 10 ducks fly out from under the bridge just as I approach.  I make sure that I am in a good seat, feet in stirrups, paying attention and on a soft feel rein - this way, if my horse does react, I am ready to take action.  The actions aren't the same as - gather up my reins, tense up, slow my horse down and start looking for ducks - this will get your horse tense and looking for boogie men!

3.  Practice my 1 rein stop (or my evasive action) when I don't need it - so when I do need it - I know what to do, and the horse knows what to do.  You should be able to do your 1 rein stop at the walk, trot and canter.

4.  Use my senses!  When I'm out on the trail, I can hear a motor bike from a mile away - and if I need to I can get off.  If I see a flock of birds take off nearby, I think to myself - something scared them - maybe it will scare my horse too - could be a wild dog or something.  Be mindful of your surroundings.

5.  Read my horse.  If his head goes up, ears prick, he stops, he turns, he tenses, he starts breathing heavy - all of these are indicators that something is upsetting him - so if he does 1 or a combination of a few, I know I need to start helping him, its going to get messy.

6.  Keep busy.  Don't disconnect from your horse by ignoring him for long stretches at a time - touch base with him and keep communication lines open - practice laterals, verticals and core skills.

A Pro Active Rider has a much better chance of keeping themselves, and their horse, safe.

Happy Riding.

Tanja