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Monday, January 30 2023 / Published in Weekly Feature

Making Mistakes Is Part of Riding

By Rob Jacobs

I remind my students that human error occurs, and mistakes are guaranteed to happen whether a rider is learning how to demonstrate a proper “jumping position” or if that rider is preparing for the Olympics. I have had more success giving my students a true understanding of mistakes that are within their level of riding and also helping them understand the differences in minor and major mistakes. 

Over a decade of judging horse shows has given me a realistic approach to teaching by using this system. My intention for writing this month’s column is to remind young equestrian readers that mistakes are a healthy part of growth and do not define who a rider is. I like to remind myself and others that we all are aiming to do the best we can in that particular moment. 

I often remind my students of the range of mistakes each level is allowed and even encouraged to make during their lessons. I equally remind my students of the mistakes they should not make. I give the example of the rider actively competing in the Short Stirrup that misses their trot diagonal on a regular basis. This is a mistake, in my opinion, that riders at that skill level should not make on a regular basis. An example of a mistake for a rider at that level might be not asking for the flying lead change with enough outside leg pressure and the horse cross-cantering for three strides before completing the lead change. I have taught riders all over the United States and the most common mistake at that level is the late lead change due to improper signals and inaccurate pressure. It happens to us all from time to time. Although my teaching style is direct, I am able to maintain a calm, positive and empathic approach by using a system that acknowledges every rider will make mistakes.

I can remember being a young equestrian and believing the mistakes I made in lessons and at competitions defined me as a person and a rider. This amount of pressure I placed on myself was unrealistic and not healthy in learning how to navigate competition anxiety. It wasn’t until many years later that I became comfortable with the idea of “mistakes within reason.” This is a healthier and more productive lens to view our industry from. Even as a professional, I try to use the same lens. Sometimes I have a young horse I am working with that may be showing in the Baby Green division for the first time. My expectations will be very different than if I was on a more experienced horse and significantly less green. The types of mistakes that will occur will be different, and there will likely be a higher number of them.

Putting things into perspective is essential when managing expectations and perceptions. This is difficult for adults to practice and incorporate in their daily lives, so it’s especially difficult for young equestrians. In my opinion, this is where trainers can positively influence their young equestrians and become a role model demonstrating behaviors that encourage an understanding of the trajectory within the sport. It is important to learn at a young age that growth does not happen as a complete incline.

I occasionally joke with my younger students that if their riding was mistake-free, I would not have a job and there wouldn’t be a need for my instruction. Although they know I am joking, there is certainly truth to this statement. I have taught many different types of riders, and the ones that ride to the best of their individual ability more consistently are my students that are most relaxed and not afraid of making a mistake in front of me. Having observed other trainers teach by instilling fear into their students, I am confident that approach is unhealthy and not sustainable. There should be little or even no time spent in the saddle worrying about how angry a trainer may become due to a mistake. I believe good riders “ride in the moment” and spend their time effectively communicating with their horses in accurate timing. I hope my column serves as a reminder to the young equestrians to enjoy the moments with their horses, even the moments when things don’t go as planned.

Caption: 

Remember, we’re humans and they’re horses.

Photo by Katie Browne

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Lisa Goldman-Smolen and Ivaro N strike gold in Gre Lisa Goldman-Smolen and Ivaro N strike gold in Great American $300,000 Grand Prix at HITS Ocala!! 🏆🥇

Crowds filled the stands at the HITS Ocala Grand Prix Ring on Sunday afternoon to watch the world’s top athletes compete in the Great American $300,000 Grand Prix. The day concluded with a thrilling five-horse jump-off featuring athletes 
representing four countries. In the end, it was Lisa Goldman-Smolen (USA) and Ivaro N who produced the only double clear effort of the day, claiming one of the biggest wins of her career. Scott Keach (AUS) and Noble De La Chapelle earned the second-place prize with the fastest 4-fault jump-off, while Aaron Vale (USA) and Obi Wan placed third as the day’s pathfinders.

“I'm still on cloud nine, I still can't believe it – I’ve used up all my luck for the year,” smiled Goldman-Smolen after her win. “I've been knocking on the door a long time in these bigger classes. I am so proud of my horse – he gave every ounce of effort.”

Sunday’s Great American $300,000 Grand Prix marked the conclusion of the 2023 HITS Ocala circuit. HITS CCO Joe Norick concluded, “We are so excited about the new HITS, with 2023 as the launch. New footing, many new arenas here, and a lot of our facilities across America are getting a lot of love and new footing. Our partnerships with Worldly Martin and others across America including our footing leader Bart Poles overseeing our operations – it really makes a big difference for us. Today is about Ocala and these three riders sitting next to me who supported us this entire winter. We want to be a proud destination for our exhibitors and our friends. We know we have to provide them a beautiful showplace to work from that's horseman friendly, and that's our go goal. 

Congratulations to all of the riders, horses, owners, and groom who participated in this prestigious class!!! 🎉
📸 @esi_photography 
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It's #STUDSunday and today's featured stallion is. It's #STUDSunday and today's featured stallion is...

 ✨PF'S DIAMO BLUE✨
Diarado-Diamant de Semilly- Chacco Blue
17.0hh, Oldenburg International Hunter Derby/ Jumper Stallion
An outstanding Pedigree- Chacco Blue and Diamant de Semilly
WBFSH/ Rolex top ranking Jumping Sires 2017 thru 2022
Standing at Ryan Pedigo Sport Horses, in California

For more information, you can contact 
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You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

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Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses—in a way, she was born into her career. She grew up in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where her parents ran a farm. Her mother taught, and her father had a jump business and then created one of the first horse show software programs: Ryegate Show Services, Inc.

Riding all her life, Annette spent many years as a groom and loved it, but knew it wasn’t what she wanted to do as a career. After she finished college, Annette’s father recruited her to help process entries at Ryegate. Since her father, Lloyd Longenecker, founded it in 1981, Ryegate has provided show management and office staff for some of the largest shows in the country. Now, Annette has taken over from her father and directed the company as it focuses on managing memberships and rankings for organizations such as the North American League, WIHS Championships and Equitation, Rolex/USEF Computer Ranking and National Medal Series (THIS NCM and Ariat NAM). Ryegate also provides scoring software for use with video walls, and production teams for hunter and jumper shows.

“Besides running Ryegate Show Services and its various organizations, I can be found in the show office, running a scoreboard or judging jumpers at most shows,” Annette said. “I love getting to wear a few different hats at the show.”

When she’s not busy at a show, Annette lives in Annville, Pennsylvania, with her “fur-baby,” Maggie Mae, and enjoys spending time with her many godchildren. Though she doesn’t currently own any horses, Annette rides when she can at Rolling Acres Farm with Patty Foster, Ashley Foster-Worthington and Mary Lisa Leffler.

Read this month unbridled with Annette Longenecker by clicking the link in our bio. Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine! 🦄
📸Photo by Sheryl Sutherby

#horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #horselover #instahorse #love #cheval #showjumping #horselife #photography #nature #pferde #horseofinstagram #caballo #riding #horsebackriding #pferdeliebe #caballos #horsepower #horsephotography #instagram #Sidelinesmagazine
A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself The spor A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself 
The sport of eventing is a demanding and mentally challenging discipline that requires a combination of physical and mental fortitude from both the rider and horse. While having a coach can be incredibly beneficial, self-coaching can also play a crucial role in a rider’s success.

I think that given the opportunity, most riders would like to be coached every day. The reality of life in the horse world, however, is that the majority of us need to absorb as much from the lessons we have on a limited basis and then practice those skills at home to improve.

When I am riding, I try to have a plan for the horses each day and focus on what I’m looking to achieve. It’s important to be aware of the steady improvements rather than trying to solve everything all at once. This is especially important when teaching horses new movements or exercises that they might struggle with, and we need to give them time to learn and understand what we are asking for.

I have a couple of quotes that I use regularly when I’m teaching, and these are mottos that I hold myself to in my daily work as well.

The first is, “If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten.” This is a quote that was said to me many years ago when I was still motor racing and I keep it in the back of my mind each day. It’s easy to get stuck doing the same thing every day with your horse and bad habits are hard to break, from both riders and horses!

This leads me to my next quote, which is, “If what you are doing isn’t working, try something else.” It really is as simple as that! Many riders I see keep asking a horse to do something the same way over and over with an ongoing negative response and they wonder why things don’t get better. In these circumstances, I recommend that the rider change something, even if it’s wrong.

Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio! Don’t forget to keep your eye out for our April subscription!
📸Photo by Alex Banks Photography
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