Rethinking Equestrian Training: From "What" to "Why" in the Age of AI Technology

By Stuart Jacob, Ride Every Stride and Jacob Entertainment

?At Ride Every Stride, we've had the unique opportunity to collaborate with trainers, clinicians, equestrians, horse enthusiasts, and tech innovators to integrate AI-driven auto-follow video systems, and other AI-based technologies, with natural horsemanship training and teaching methodologies. This evolution in equestrian sports training can further help drive a shift from focusing solely on the "what" of riding—the biomechanics, maneuvers, techniques, and outcomes—to a deeper understanding of the "why" behind these actions. This article explores the limitations of traditional equestrian teaching, and how the principles of natural horsemanship, and the new innovative approaches provided by technology and advocated by Ride Every Stride, are striving to reshape the way we approach horse training and riding, fostering a more intuitive and empathetic connection between horse and rider.

The Limitation of “What”-Centered Teaching in Equestrian Training

Traditional equestrian training often emphasizes the mechanical aspects of riding, focusing on instructing riders on "what" to do without exploring the underlying reasons. This approach can create a disconnect between rider and horse, as riders may execute techniques mechanically, lacking an understanding of their impact on the horse. Such a superficial relationship misses the depth of understanding and empathy necessary for a strong partnership. It overlooks the essential fact that riding is a two-way communication channel, requiring a nuanced appreciation of how humans and horses learn differently.

Humans typically learn through a cognitive process of mind-to-body transference of knowledge, where understanding the theory or rationale behind an action precedes its physical execution. For instance, a rider might study the theory of proper riding posture or the mechanics of a jump before attempting these actions. This cognitive approach enables humans to plan and anticipate actions based on abstract concepts before physically engaging in them.

Conversely, horses acquire knowledge through direct physical experience, body-to-mind transfer of knowledge, with understanding developing from these experiences. Unlike humans, horses do not conceptualize actions before performing them; they learn by doing and feeling. The sensations they experience, such as the pressure from a rider's leg or maintaining balance during a turn, inform their understanding and future reactions. Thus, a horse's learning process is intuitive and experiential, rooted in the immediate and sensory rather than in the abstract.

Recognizing these distinct learning processes is vital for effective equestrian training. It necessitates that trainers and riders tailor their methods to communicate intentions in a manner that horses can intuitively understand, while also interpreting the horse's physical feedback to inform ongoing training. This adaptive approach encourages a more intuitive and responsive interaction between horse and rider, transforming training into a dialogue of physical experiences rather than a unilateral issuance of commands. It underscores the importance of empathy, patience, and adaptability in training, acknowledging that successful equestrian partnerships are forged on mutual understanding and respect for each other's unique ways of learning.

Integrating Natural Horsemanship Principles: Turning “What” Into “Why”

Natural horsemanship offers a powerful methodology that overcomes the shortcomings of traditional "what"-centered teaching by emphasizing the "why" in the rider-horse relationship. This approach is grounded in understanding the horse’s natural instincts, behaviors, and communication methods. It advocates for training methods that align with the horse’s natural responses, promoting a partnership based on mutual respect and understanding rather than dominance. By incorporating natural horsemanship principles, riders learn not just what to do but why certain actions are effective. They learn their horse’s body language and respond in ways that are meaningful to the horse, facilitating a deeper bond and a more effective communication channel. This understanding of the “why” helps riders to adapt their techniques to the individual horse, leading to a more intuitive and responsive riding style that respects the horse’s needs and comfort.

The Role of AI Riding Enhancement Technologies

AI-based technologies in equestrian training, such as wearable devices and AI-assisted video systems, that monitor and provide feedback on a rider’s position and biomechanics, are incredibly sophisticated. They offer detailed insights into how a rider’s body moves and interacts with the horse. While the information is valuable, there’s a risk it could further entrench the “what” teaching problem—focusing solely on the rider’s actions without proper consideration of the horse’s reactions. This approach can lead to a superficial understanding of riding, where the emphasis is on correcting physical form without grasping the impact of these corrections on the horse.

Embracing a "Why" Mindset with AI in Equestrian Training

Adopting a "why" mindset with AI-based technologies in equestrian training emphasizes a deeper engagement with the horse's experience and response, moving beyond mere self-correction. This approach offers a comprehensive framework for enhancing both rider technique and horse welfare.

Practical Applications of a “Why” Mindset

• Observing Horse Response: Utilize AI-based video technology not just for technical refinement but to closely monitor your horse's reactions. Adjustments in posture or cues should be directly correlated with observations of changes in the horse's stride, demeanor, and responsiveness, ensuring a holistic approach to training.
• Experimenting with Techniques: AI insights empower riders to experiment with various riding techniques, paying special attention to their impact on the horse's impulsion, straightness, and softness. This experimental mindset encourages a deeper understanding of the nuanced ways rider biomechanics influence horse behavior and performance.
• Developing the Rider's Eye: Beyond data analysis, cultivating an intuitive sense of how actions affect the horse is crucial. This involves an enhanced ability to read and respond to the horse's body language and reactions in real-time, a skill complemented but not replaced by AI feedback.
• Translating Observation into Action: Feedback on riding techniques serves as a foundation for strategic improvements. For example, identifying and adjusting to how a balance shift at the canter affects the horse's rhythm fosters a dynamic and responsive riding approach, aiming for a harmonious rider-horse relationship.
• Learning the Basic Triangle of Riding: Understanding and applying the principles of impulsion, straightness, and softness, guided by technology, helps identify when these elements are in balance. This forms the core of the "why" mindset, focusing on creating a responsive and well-coordinated partnership with the horse.

Additional Enhanced Training Opportunities with AI

• Immediate Feedback and Objective Analysis: AI-driven video systems provide instant visual feedback, allowing for real-time adjustments based on the horse's reaction. This objective analysis deepens the understanding of the effectiveness of different techniques, enriching the training process.
• Collaborative Learning and Tailored Training: The technology fosters a collaborative environment where insights and feedback are shared among trainers, riders, and remote clinicians. This not only enhances the learning experience but also enables tailored training sessions focused on specific areas for improvement, leveraging AI for targeted experimentation with new techniques.

Integrating a "why" mindset with AI technology in equestrian training promotes a more informed, responsive, and empathetic approach to riding, ultimately enhancing the synergy between rider and horse for improved performance and well-being.

The integration of AI-driven auto-follow video systems by Ride Every Stride into equestrian training methodologies marks a significant evolution in the field. By focusing on the "why" behind riding techniques and leveraging cutting-edge technology, we promote a deeper, more intuitive connection between horse and rider. This approach transcends traditional methods, advocating for a relationship based on mutual respect, understanding, and empathy. As we continue to embrace these principles and technologies, we pave the way for a future where the bond between horse and human is not just about achieving technical proficiency but about nurturing a harmonious and respectful relationship. This more comprehensive approach, enriched by the insights provided by our technology, opens new pathways to understanding and communication, profoundly enriching the riding experience.

So, the next time you are PIVO-ing your lesson, look closely at “what” you are doing and look for your horse’s response to give you more complete feedback. You just might see what worked and what did not and “why!”

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