Improve Your Horse Riding Skills with Video

You’ve probably read about learning the proper position in the saddle, and your riding instructor is more than likely making lots of suggestions on how to improve your leg, seat and rein aids. You know that you’re supposed to maintain a straight line from your ear, down through your shoulder, hip and heel to maintain a secure riding seat. And you are learning how to use your legs, hands and body to control your horse.

Besides your riding instructor, an action cam/smartphone video can be a good friend in improving your riding.

By mounting your smartphone (and using the PlotMyTrot app) on your chest or helmet you will notice on playback how your horse is reacting to your aids. Is your horse resisting in any way, with behaviors like tossing its head, hollowing its back or switching its tail in agitation?

Yes, you are probably aware of what is going on with your riding and your horse as you ride. But there is something about watching it back that really helps you picture what is going on. Don’t be too hard on yourself though. Do notice what you are doing right. Are your hands nice and steady? Does your horse look happy and relaxed at the canter or lope? Can you see something that has improved over time? Build on what is working, and video yourself riding again after a time so you can see your progress.

Saddle up and try all of PlotMyTrot's incredible features from only £5.99 per month.