Definitions of Riding Ability

[icestationzebra]

Following on from the discussions in Twigggy's advert post regarding 'not a novice ride' or 'confident rider needed' I wondered how people defined riding ability.

To be honest I probably would not go and see a horse described as 'not a novice ride' even though I would describe myself as experienced - simply because it could be a maniac. As a teenager I probably would have loved that sort of horse, but now I cannot be bothered with all that hassle - all of the time!

I started riding at 4 and as a teenager working for rides at the local riding school, only ever got to ride the naughty horses that customers never booked - god some of them were horrendous and I was little more than a crash test dummy! After A levels I went on to do 'Equine Business Management' at Agricultural College. I worked each holiday teaching stable management at a driving centre and running a private event yard whilst the owners were away competing. After leaving college I went to work as a yard manager on a large livery/showing yard where we had over 50 horses. After 3 years I decided on a career change but always rode and this summer finally managed to realise my dream and take my slightly mad and hyper sensitive little horse BE eventing after 4 years of work. All of this said, there are much better and more experienced people out there than me - and I am not even talking about professionals. My horse could probably be going novice by now with someone else, but for me it was always about doing it myself.

Anyway, enough about me. How would you describe your ability in relation to your experience?

 

[Dougaldobbin]

I think it is not a question of experience. I have had lots of experiences, some scary! Which means I would never concider a horse that is a fruit loop.

I think it is a question of ability and also how expendable you are.

If you are relied upon to care for your kids or you rely on your income from work you can not afford to spend time in hospital or risk long term damage.

 

[JoBo]

I rode ponies of varying sizes and naughtiness from a young age but never had lessons. I was always a nervous rider as a child so didn’t do a lot except potter about.
I got my first horse (14’3 Light Cob) when I was 22. She was very green and I was not that experienced (I had lessons for two years before hand). So had someone very experienced to bring her on at the beginning, but after a year we were doing loads (local level), I kept her for three years. I only sold her because I kept getting told I was to long for her. At this point Ella had given me so much confidence that I thought I could ride anything. (yeah right!).
I then brought Otto back in August. He was described as needing an experienced rider, but he was cheap. Certain people thought I was mad, but I knew he was a good one. He is now coming a long very nicely, if not enjoying life a bit much at the mo. Not naughty at all though.

I would definitely NOT describe myself as an experienced rider even though I brought a young, green horse. But I do have the support around me in order to be able to deal with him. I’m probably putting myself down though. Who knows?

This doesn't really answer the question does it?
JoElla

 

[LEC]

I find this really interesting as I have taught a bit in USA and always asked the kids how experienced they were and half the time they were hyper confident and turned out to be useless. I have ridden since 2, always bought on my own ponies/horses, got my PC B test, competed in different disciplines and hunted like a demon and will ride anything but would say I was only intemediate standard as I have not competed at advanced level in anything and have not spent hours teaching or working in a professional capacity with horses. Its a really hard one to judge as I know I have more experience than a lot of people but still know there is loads I could improve on.

 

[FMM]

The more I ride the more aware I become of how each horse is completely different. There are some types of horse that I just can't ride. Others I can get a tune from better than most. If I go on holiday and go riding, I generally say I have done a bit and don't go into detail. I am convinced that if I did, they would give me the maniacs to ride and I really ride for a hobby and not to improve someone elses nag!

So - to answer the question, I have been riding for nearly 40 years, won national amateur championships, ridden at RIHS and HOYS and represented clubs in all disciplines. But I would not say that I was anywhere near as good as that should make me! So experienced, (yes), effective (sometimes), brave (rarely since having Toby).

 

[Dougaldobbin]

So saying how brave (or stupid) you need to be to climb aboard might be more helpful.

The scale for categorising riders could range from "mildly delusional" to "suicidal"

 

[FMM]

Something along the lines of "total wimp" would be a good starting point!
Trouble is, there is total wimp who is actually quite a good rider on a nice horse, and total wimp who is a cr*p rider! Categorising is never easy!

 

[Patches]

I would only look at horses that are considered "suitable for the most nervous/novice rider" as I am a total wimp really when it comes to riding, much to people I know's frustration. I get stuck in my comfort zone and am scared to try new things outside of it.

I have been riding for only 2 years next month but have done more riding since I had Patches in July. I don't yet consider myself a rider. I try, but I can't ride yet.

I have confidence on Patches hacking, little spooks or jumps or backing up don't scare me but I would not handle a rearer. I can gallop her up a field and stay on and enjoy it (well I didn't enjoy it so much the first time when she took off while eating grass so I was at the end of the reins and lost a stirrup with the shock of her moving!) but jumping is not so pretty!

All in all then, I consider myself an eejit rider!

I could be better if only I lost the fears...."who will look after the kids...get them to school...homework...feed them..blah blah blah"...about falling and hurting myself

 

[Dougaldobbin]

I think that sort of self preservation is simply natural selection!

 

[Patches]

Correct!

I also know at the back of my mind that I can't rely on my hubby to help out as being a dairy farmer he can't take ANY day off work to help if I am indisposed, so to speak.

I chose a cob as they are considered safer. I wouldn't entertain a Tb or an Arab (even though I love the look of the latter) as I just can't risk buying one with stereoptypical traits of their breed.

I need to know that I am as safe as possible on my chosen mount.

I have gained in confidence since I had Patches and hope that I will continue to do so but I can't ever imagine me entering a jumping class ANYWHERE.

It's just not me. I ride for fun, no pressure needed as I will always fold when it comes to pressure!

 

[GTs]

When I was hunting last year in England, the way the children rode in England was far superior to anything I have seen out here. It is unfortunate, but the only reason the children are able to do anything on their horse out here, is the horses are so good.

I think it is tough as different things require different skills - I would say I am overall an experienced rider, I can get on any polo pony and play polo without having to think about the horse. After a 10 year break from jumping, I went over hunting, jumped everything with no problem (mind you it was a good horse). I have ridden young horses, mainly giving them flat work, and have no problem with that, Stella will be my first young horse polo experience, however she has played a bit, and with the knowledge I have I should be fine by just taking it slowly!

I also think to class yourself as an experienced rider you need good horsemanship - just be on the same page as the horse - that is also lacking out here.

 

[_Thomas1]

I own an equestrian centre and teach both riding and driving and one thing I have learnt over the years is never to ask are you experienced. Our hacks out are only for experienced riders and by that I mean can walk, trot canter, gallop at pace and in direction required and asked for by the rider.

Rather I ask what they have done and ask specific questions using words such as transitions and changing rein and aids – if there is a blank look then its obvious what the answer is. I then in any event just pop an unknown person on board and ask them to walk and do a rising trot round doing serpentines round cones and can see immediately how confident and competent someone is and whether or not they have an independent seat.

Prior to becoming more cynical and adopting this approach I had a range of hilarious after dinner-party stories – including the 17 years experienced lady rider who came with her novice rider husband – turned out the lady 17 years ago sat on a ‘follow my leader’ trekking pony in Wales and did similar on 3 occassions in 17 years! The endurance arab rider who weighed in at 19 stone and couldn’t manage either a sitting or rising trot! The lady who came in brand new chaps with them threaded on the waist belt so wrong that the zips were on the inside of her legs and I could go on and on and on….

If I go somewhere I say I can ride but leave it up to the horse owner to judge how well and what horse might suit me.

 

[Dougaldobbin]

Its odd when people get upset at any suposed slight to their "ability". I would not let my friend ride my new and very green horse and she got verry cross. I knew she had only ridden dependable riding school ponies. I didn't want it on my conscience if anything went wrong. Some people seem to think that all horses are the same as the riding school plods they learn on, the only difference being that advanced horses are more obedient, forward going and jump higher!

On the other hand there are girls I have seen who can ride a half pass, piaffe etc but they would be incapable of riding an unschooled or green horse out hacking.

 

[FMM]

The more experienced the rider, the more aware they are of the difference between a schooled horse and a green horse. I would generally ask several questions before climbing on board a totally unknown horse whereas someone who is top of their riding school class is happy to have a go on anything, irrelevant of the damage they could do to either themselves or the horse!

 

[Clodagh]

I wouldn't look at a 'not novice ride' because I too am a wimp!! I recently bought Ginge (LW cob) having completely lost my nerve being hospitalsied by a complete lunatic. He has given it back and some! But he has now, in a moth, completely spoilt me! He is so easy, but not a plod, just perfect! I also ride my liverys young brainless loopy warmblood mare, and now hate it!! Definately when you become a parent you have to change yout priorities. Out hunting I am always up the front, taking on anything, but hacking I want a horse that doesn't nap/rear/bolt/buck. Don't mind shying!

 

[GTs]

Confident riding school students are quite funny - I had one, who spoke an enormous game about how she worked young ones, and she offered to put the flat work on Stella for me. I put her on a polo pony, she went around the arean twice and got off, it was too hot for her!!

 

[sarahh]

What a good question!! I think the more experienced i become, the more cr*p i realise i am!! I think the points made about those with limited experience on riding school ponies is so true of life - a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing.

 

[Onyxia]

[/ QUOTE ]. I ride for fun, no pressure needed as I will always fold when it comes to pressure!

[/ QUOTE ]

yep me too!
im safe in all paces on most horses but not good enough to school a horse in dressage or s so wouldnt try to.

loved endurance and think when i have a bit more confidence( dented at mo due to break to have a baby) i will have a go again!

i think a lot of people are un realalistic(sp) when ascessing themselves and end up thinking they are better than they are.

 

[ruscara]

I am considered to be a good rider by everyone but me! I have ridden since I was about 9, had riding holidays, weekly lessons; have ridden in the States for 2 years and in France for 4 (when living in both countries) and was pretty fearless and quite competent. However, I had a very bad accident about five years ago (got hit by a car) and it's been a bit downhill from there. So really I would say that my ability is not matched by my confidence, which is a shame. My horse is 'not a novice ride', I won't sell him; and unless I can get my confidence back I don't feel I am doing him justice.

 

[Bertie_Boo]

I've only been riding for 4 years after a 20 year break and my boy is the quintessential plod so I don't actually consider myself to be a rider at all. As far as my horse is concerned, I'm a confident passenger who can sit and steer and enjoy the countryside as it passes by. On the rare occasion now when he reverts to his nappy old self then some sort of riding ability does seem to kick in but maybe that's just self preservation. But put me on anything more lively than him and I'd be a goner!

 

[moodymare1987]

im a bit of a nutter really ill get on anything and do anything. for instance was taking a friends ned in a working hunter class.her friend showed up wanting someone to ride hers in same class.so she volunteered me.had about 5 mins to work the ned in.no idea what he would be like as never done class like that before.went in and won it.i wasnt even bothered.

it had a huge jump and judge commented on how i looked like id been riding it for years.as i said ive never rode this horse before.so think i got a few marks bumped up.

but i have brought my pony on from being riding school pony (non mover) to moving from my voice.very responsive now.
i wouldnt say i was a brilliant rider.id say i can ride and i am brave.

 

[Bess]

I really enjoyed reading this thread cos I've been thinking about this a lot recently. I've been riding since I was about 9 and with a layoff to have 3 kids about 28 years in total. I excercised a hunt horse for a few years and since then have owned 3 horses. Had lots of riding holidays including xc in Ireland and classical dressage in Portugal. But recently I have started having confidence problems mainly cos my friends want me to go hunting and I think my horse (a TBX) would go nuts and I would have no brakes. So although I have experience I would now put myself down as a total wimp. I feel better now I've admitted it!

 

[_Thomas1]

Not an uncommon difficulty at all Bess.

Its called being a grown up and realising you have responsibility and a mortgage!

 

[patchandloopy]

I have been riding since the age of 4, starting in a riding school for 2 yearsi then moved onto a 24yr old pony and have grown through and ridden many ponies. id say im more confident on ponies then horses as i have ridden so many different ponies and not so many horses. i have schooled ponies for a local riding school after they decide that they can take advantage of the kiddies. i have had many different pnies-each one needing work put into rthem-ive never owned a ponie/horse where everything has been done for me so i just sit there and enjoy the ride. i have been in pony club most my life except a 2 year gap which i feel made me miss out on alot- BUT im back in it now. i have trained lots of different ponies and horses-teaching them to jump helping someone with a bucker. the last horse i had (patches) was my first real project though. i brought her as a 3yr old whod been broken in and turned away. i couldnt do anything with her to being with and jumping courses at first proved difficult-shed jump one and refuse to go over the second and then go over the third and refuse the foruth-from totally not knowing how to do a course BUT we got there and after 4yrs of tears, persistance and general determination by the age of 6yrs she was condifently jumping 2'6-2'9ft XC and SJ courses and competeing neary every other weekend. she now is passing on her knowledge to clare and they are both doing wonderfully-i couldnt be prouder. i know want to enjoy competing on a 'know it all' horse (nigel!!) after never having one!

all in all id say- any problem horses up to 15.2hh bring them to me! and id be happy to helkp but im afraid 15.3 + do scare me if they are flighty or have big problems-iand do find rearers' quite intimidating -as anyone would-unless i totally know the horse through and through. so id say im a half an half wimp!

 

[Bess]

Thanks Tom I really appreciate your comment, my friends horses are a lot less 'flighty' and have hunted before so they know what coming, I think mine would love it but not with me on board.

 

[icestationzebra]

...it seems that ability goes hand in hand with confidence and that one without other doesn't work.

I am sure there is some scientific way of working out the percentage of ability to confidence in order to equal optimum performance but I'm bu**ered if I can do that!!!

 

[Enfys]

I class myself as a competent Happy Hacker. In that I can look after myself and don't endanger other people. I wouldn't insult a horse by pretending that I could even begin to do any schooling unless I was being taught.
I ride for fun, will do anything (apart from jumping because he's dangerous, until this weekend when he was super and I fell off anyway-on the flat!) with my horse happily because I trust him, but I really have no desire to ride anything else, I get panic attacks.
I feel safe on my little, narrow arab who dances and prances and looks crazy but I think my nerve left when my daughter arrived. I look back on my days starting TB yearlings with total amazement that I never broke my neck.

 

[bunnereeny]

[ QUOTE ]
So really I would say that my ability is not matched by my confidence, which is a shame.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have the same problem!

 

[Scarlett]

Very, very interesting topic. I started riding at 11at a local trekking centre, had no real fear and would happily gallop on anything - however I didnt do much jumping, if any - I progressed to a good local riding school where I always got the more difficult ponies as I could ride the sticky ones forward and hang on to the fast ones, I still didnt do much jumping though as I went with my school and it was a very mixed class, me being the most advanced (or just the bravest at the time!!) I didnt ride for 2 years as a teenager due to me buggering up my leg and when I went back to it I was most definately more nervy... a few falls in canter destroyed my confidence and it took a good few weeks of Alexander Technique to sort out my seat. I started from scratch and eventually joined the stage 1 training class, passed my stage one and started learning to jump - by now I was working at the riding school and had bought a very fizzy Welsh D who had obvioulsy had a bad experience jumping, so all the learning to jump I did was on either my own nutter or difficult riding school horses... I gained a reputation with my boss for hating jumping so only done enough to go do my Stage 2 and I left it at that and concentrated on dressage. As I didnt enjoy jumping I got a real slagging for it, I was always getting told how crap I was and that I couldnt ride so I pretty much gave up, moved my horse (who i had schooled to medium level myself) and quit my job... Years of being laughed at for how I rode had really got to me but leaving the school helped - I made a point of riding different horses and after moving to Surrey I ended up with 4 horses, 2 of which were youngsters - in the past year I have learned how to jump again on my Idx and LOVE it, have taken two of them to their first cross country and have just been given another exracer to reback and bring on... I still have confidence crisis occasionally when my brain starts with the 'what ifs', however if something happens when I am onboard I can deal with it - I just need to keep remembering that.... I have recently been getting to ride out racehorses which has helped no end.

My aim is to take one of my exracers to PreNovice... I am utterly bricking it at the thought but I will do it...

So yeah, i have the experience and a bit of ability, however my confidence doesnt match it and thats what gets in the way....

 

[Chex]

Like most, I used to get on anything. Nowadays I'm a wimp. As a hacker I can manage, but I don't know more than the most basic schooling moves - but then I have no intention to learn them! I've brought on a few horses and jumped horses for other people. But the last straw was Hooch, who I was riding for my YO when she found she was pregnant after just buying him. He pushed my nerves to the very end, and confirmed that I don't want to ride probem horses, even though he did come on a lot. Then falling off and breaking my leg was a huge wake up call, we're really not invincable. If I get another horse it will be suitable, I enjoy my bones intact!

So I would say I'm experienced for working with problem horses (but I wouldn't anymore) but for dressage I'm a complete novice.