Standards by Tim Malin, 2007 13th Ranked US Grand Prix Rider

Judges know what standard of riding they will judge to. Trainers know what standard they will train to. Ultimately, the rider determines what standard of riding occurs in any given ride (providing the horse is capable). I will share the steps that will help achieve your own standard.

1. See the Standard

Many riders mount and take an approach of "let's see what happens". The rider who sees clearly in their mind the desired performance before mounting will have greater success in meeting a desired standard. There are many ways to establish a standard in your mind. Reading training books, viewing training videos, observing professionals or other amateurs working the same material in training, warm-ups or in classes are all ways that may assist you in cementing a standard in your mind. Auditing clinics and symposiums are also great resources.

2. Executing Your Standard

Reaching a desired standard to riding takes an honest assessment. Know the capabilities of your horse and what is fair to ask of them. Age, experience and conformation will affect what your horse can do. Be fair to your partner. Within the abilities of your horse determine a standard that progresses your training and builds a confident partnership. You must also be willing to look at yourself and know whether you possess enough skill to develop the desired outcome or whether you require professional assistance. In assessing yourself and your horse it may be valuable to engage a professional whom you respect in providing honest feedback.

We spend the majority of our riding in one of two ways. We are either schooling material or confirming material. Set standards that reflect the current capabilities of your horse. In the schooling mode there will be an idealized standard in mind. In this stage accept there will be honest mistakes made by rider and horse. Do not get frustrated with yourself or your horse. Continue to work toward your standard and reward your horse when progress is made. Tremendous repetition is required to teach a rider or horse a skill. When the horse has shown reliability in executing a particular movement one enters the confirming mode.

In this mode there are two components to be evaluated during a ride. Has the rider set up the horse correctly to execute the desired movement? One must develop a sufficient skill set to ensure the proper aids are given to set the horse up for success. If the standard is still not met then a determination needs to be made of the obedience of the horse.

Everyone wants a light and harmonious ride. But, disobedience and harmony will never be friends. Obedience often is a difficult concept for riders to implement. At some point the rider needs to address that the horse may be tuning them out or saying no.

Standards are deliberately achieved. A rider needs to be willing to increase the strength of physical aids and being willing to put a little mental pressure on a horse to get the appropriate response. Once the horse gives the appropriate response, see if you can get the same response with a lighter aid. A good rider rides assertively and sensitively for their standard and for their horse's success, happiness and well being.

3. Evaluating Your Standard

Taking regular lessons and or clinics with the same trainer will allow a consistent voice in determining your progress. Having a friend record your rides over and over will give you the ability to see whether day in or day out if you are meeting your desired standard. Ultimately your horse's progression in their abilities and the willingness in which they execute the work will let you know if you are meeting your standard.

Riders need a higher degree of focus and clarity in developing standards. Accepting personal accountability is important to the rider accomplishing their standard. Once your standards are met you will be setting new ones to continue your development. Congratulate yourself and your horse on a job well done!