Coaching
Coaching certainly is an artform—knowing what to say so the person understands the intent and can apply it.
Having many years of experience helps, as does being coached by many great teachers to draw upon multiple systems and techniques that have worked.
For complicated new concepts, analogies work well as does riding the horse while demonstrating what is desired.
Coaching should be a positive experience where the student progresses upon a solid foundation of proven horsemanship and equitation principles.
Positive Habits
Learning to train horses is not easy. They have a mind of their own, however there are many similarities in behavior among most horses.
These similarities allow for systems to be taught that result in positive outcomes.
By emphasizing systems of warmup, equitation, training, and preparation for shows and riding courses, then focusing on perfecting those habits, a rider will be prepared to work with any horse.
This provides a foundation upon which consistency converts into habit, freeing the rider and horse to then think about the intricacies of the particular course they face together.
Goals
It is Craig’s belief that riding and competing should raise your outlook on life, bring richness and confidence.
For competition or pleasure, it is important to map out short and long-term goals for riders and their horses.
Designating time for a quarterly check-in is important for course correction and celebrating the wins along the way.
Partnership
With solid training most days of the week, all horses improve, however, sometimes a style or personality of horse is not a great match for the rider.
We then need to adjust our riding style or management of the horse, be it the way it is trained or its overall weekly routines.
Learning to read these signs, then guide people on making those adjustments is an exciting part of coaching, so you can discover the best in your horse.
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