The Rider
The handling of the horse as well as the riding itself requires not only feeling and knowledge about the horse but also certain characteristics of the rider, which must be further developed in training. Therefore, riding can be very valuable for the development of personality, especially for children and young people.
- Besides love of animals and empathy, patience, self-control, fairness and discipline, these are required and developed further.
- The rider bears the responsibility towards his partner horse. He must be prepared to learn constantly and to look for mistakes first with himself and not with the horse.
- A medium statue and a slender figure are regarded as ideal dimensions in equestrian sport; however, they are not indispensable prerequisites for success.
- A rider must have a good general basic condition/"fitness".
- Riding does not require exceptional muscular strength, but a well-functioning interaction of the body's movements. A feeling for movement and rhythm are therefore advantageous.
- In order to meet higher demands in the saddle, skill, a pronounced body control and the ability to concentrate must be developed.
- A certain degree of endurance and strength as well as suppleness and above all agility are advantageous.
- Riding is regarded as a coordinative and particularly demanding sport. The rider should succeed in finding his own balance on the moving horse. In addition, he should be able to elastically follow the horse's movements. All this is complemented by active support through differentiated assistance from his sports partner horse.
Theoretical knowledge supports the progress in learning to ride. Knowledge of the characteristics and behaviour of horses, handling and keeping them, as well as riding theory and training principles are a matter of course for an interested and responsible rider.
The equestrian sport can be practiced with great benefit for health, joy of life and well-being if certain principles are observed. It can be practiced from early childhood to old age.
Conditions for a safe and successful equestrian sport:
- Besides the right clothing and equipment, head protection is particularly important for the rider's safety. The horse must be equipped with an intact saddle and bridle equipment, which must be checked more frequently to avoid accidents.
- Non-observance of established rules during training, in training and in competitions (as well as excessive risk-taking or underestimation of dangers) is reckless and can cause accident-prone situations.
