Balancing the Horse and Rider RDA North Cotswolds 2017 Jo Winfield FBHS MSc Coaching Science, BSc Equine Science (Hons), PGCE Understanding balance, the influence of tack and equipment (how do we coach this skill to achieving a good position and becoming more effective).

What is a Rider? Someone who rides for therapy – welfare improvements Someone who rides for fun - leisure activities Someone who rides for a living – professional Someone who competes in a sport - athlete Riding for fun and therapy is just as important as a competitive rider in setting up the skill set of the rider. To do this the rider must be assessed by the coach to identify their strengths and weakness. These can then be addressed to improve rider confidence and skill. Where are you natural skills and balances? Exercises: Cross arms, which is comfortable? Cross legs and where is the preference? Hold arm up within audience and count the duration – Practice and muscle memory. Skill training but also and understanding of physical capability. A good coach will identify cause and effect and work on the cause. This may be supported through a multidisciplinary approach with a therapist, parent, sadlder trainer etc.

Core riding skills Balance Core Stability Pelvic stability Brain: Focus Concentration Confidence Memory Co-ordination Imbalances Reactions Cardiovascular (CV) Weight Strength Suppleness

“Whilst it is 90% about the horse, the rider is an influential effect on the horse and should understand that optimum preparation can be the difference between being in control or not” This is supported through tack and equipment. Clear coaching support and setting realistic aims and objectives: goals

RDA riding Limitation are often in the rider belief and not in the skill. Everyone has had to learn a new activity for the first time.

Good posture will lead to good balance – horses do not always behave! Clayton Frederick – Benalongtime – won! Hong Kong Olyympics

Practice work to improve coordination

Dealing with injury I know this is about jumping, but I will use it as a demonstration that riders often like to ride and will do so even when injured. Note, this rider has a knee brace on her right knee so is undertaking a competition with a weakness.

Lifestyle management Family Work Horse Equipment Time Energy Friends Budget

Getting good is by … more practice! This demonstrates the levels of riders and how as a coach we need to consider expectations for people at different levels and capabilities.

Thank you for listening Any Questions please?