How to Better Your Riding Reflexes
A rider often has to rely on quick reflexes, not only to continue riding but to correct a mistake, or prevent an accident. What is a reflex and how can one develop it better?
A reflex is an action that is done automatically. It is involuntary and unplanned, but done in response to some kind of stimulus. So if a horse is tensing up, getting ready to buck, a rider may be apt to tighten their legs to hold onto the horse better. However, this reflex is not a good one. More is discussed in the rider levels. However, it is important to take note that these reflexes can be bad or good. So as riders, we can develop the good ones. How do you better a reflex?
First, because these reflexes are unconditional, a rider has to practice. By riding correctly, a rider will work on what actions to use, what actions not to use, and when to use them or not use them. This programming will help with the automatic response. For example, you need the rein to control the horse, but the horse bends his head down low to cough, or in a stumble, or whatever, regardless, you lose the rein. Your first instinct is to grab the rein. That has been taught to you. This is basically 'Brain Training'.
Second, the action of riding and all its intricacies requires reaction to whatever is happening. You can work on your reaction times. For example, if you and your horse are prone to losing that rein (never mind trying to fix this problem right now), you can work on how to gather the rein quickly. Do it as fast as you can, as best as you can, without looking and do it repeatedly until it is easy. Become aware of everything about the situation that requires the reaction. By focusing on this particular issue, you can increase your reaction time to help speed up the process and better your riding.
Third, there are factors that will work against you, so try to limit them. For example, fatigue will make your reflexes slower, so get enough rest. Work on your physical fitness, because a fit rider is better able to ride and has faster reflexes. Stay away from alcohol and narcotics to help clear your mind and speed your timing up correctly. Try to stay healthy, which of course involves eating right and staying hydrated. Riding is a sport, and you are an athlete.
Last of all, age works against us all. There is nothing we can do about aging, but rather just stay focused and keep working on our reflexes. There may be other things that can help like playing video games, working on peripheral vision, hypnosis, and even trying new sports like martial arts or kick boxing. Whatever you decide to do, just keep working on those reflexes to improve and maintain for better riding.
A reflex is an action that is done automatically. It is involuntary and unplanned, but done in response to some kind of stimulus. So if a horse is tensing up, getting ready to buck, a rider may be apt to tighten their legs to hold onto the horse better. However, this reflex is not a good one. More is discussed in the rider levels. However, it is important to take note that these reflexes can be bad or good. So as riders, we can develop the good ones. How do you better a reflex?
First, because these reflexes are unconditional, a rider has to practice. By riding correctly, a rider will work on what actions to use, what actions not to use, and when to use them or not use them. This programming will help with the automatic response. For example, you need the rein to control the horse, but the horse bends his head down low to cough, or in a stumble, or whatever, regardless, you lose the rein. Your first instinct is to grab the rein. That has been taught to you. This is basically 'Brain Training'.
Second, the action of riding and all its intricacies requires reaction to whatever is happening. You can work on your reaction times. For example, if you and your horse are prone to losing that rein (never mind trying to fix this problem right now), you can work on how to gather the rein quickly. Do it as fast as you can, as best as you can, without looking and do it repeatedly until it is easy. Become aware of everything about the situation that requires the reaction. By focusing on this particular issue, you can increase your reaction time to help speed up the process and better your riding.
Third, there are factors that will work against you, so try to limit them. For example, fatigue will make your reflexes slower, so get enough rest. Work on your physical fitness, because a fit rider is better able to ride and has faster reflexes. Stay away from alcohol and narcotics to help clear your mind and speed your timing up correctly. Try to stay healthy, which of course involves eating right and staying hydrated. Riding is a sport, and you are an athlete.
Last of all, age works against us all. There is nothing we can do about aging, but rather just stay focused and keep working on our reflexes. There may be other things that can help like playing video games, working on peripheral vision, hypnosis, and even trying new sports like martial arts or kick boxing. Whatever you decide to do, just keep working on those reflexes to improve and maintain for better riding.