The novice rider receives an unfair amount of flack from their more experienced counterparts. There is, however, a great deal of insight to be gained from working with beginners. As an instructor I have learned the most from students which are complete novices vs. riders who have many years in the saddle.
To be able to look anew, with fresh eyes, on the horse and the way we are working with him is to think and behave like a novice rider. What are some qualities that are inherent to the novice rider? Can you remember how you approached something new, as a beginner? How I respond as a “novice rider” in general includes :
- Stop talking, my voiced opinion may or may not matter and is irrelevant as a “novice rider.”
- Start listening, intently. Anything I fail to hear could mean the difference between success and utter failure – or prolonged confusion/struggle/learning curve as a “novice rider.”
- Go slowly where I am uncomfortable, unfamiliar, unaware. Nuances and ‘second nature' are not immediate skills as a “novice rider.”
- Have no assumptions of what is ‘right' and what is ‘wrong' which gives more freedom to experiment and discover as a “novice rider.”
- Assume that discomfort and questioning of my abilities is the norm and therefore not a feeling to be avoided but simply to embrace and continue working through as a “novice rider.”
- Jump at the chance to practice, practice, practice as a “novice rider.”
I place “novice rider” in quotations above because in my observations, this is how I behave whether I am a novice in riding or a novice in roller skating. It doesn't really matter, these are my defaults when learning something new.
What are your habits when faced with a task you are unfamiliar with? Do you behave differently when you have to solve the problem yourself vs. receiving instruction from someone and having support?
Unable to go back and become a completely novice rider once again, I do jump at the opportunity to work with novice riders every chance I get because they are inspirational. No, they do not have the experience/wisdom which can be gained from many years of riding but writing them off as having no educational contribution is a huge mistake. Think like a novice rider and you will begin to see new ways of problem solving, of communicating with the horse, of achieving the relationship you want.
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The Buddhist tradition has a rich body of work dealing the with power of the “Begginer’s Mind.” It really is a powerful concept. It seems to me that most of the really brilliant people I have know not only had sizable breadth and/or depth of knowledge, but the ability to step back and consider new situations without being blinded by that knowledge.
Yes, it is that ablility to step back with new situations and view things fresh without the fog of past knowledge getting in the way. Every day is new with horses, every ride is a new lesson the horse will teach you. I am a fan of PonyPros. You are have a great program and I hope to visit oneday.
Pat Walters
Path International Therapeutic Riding
Centered Riding
I also like to encourage people of every level (including novices) to share their ideas and insights, rather than feeling like they “don’t know anything.” A little humility is healthy in all of us, but as you say, everyone, regardless of experience, has a lot of value to share.
Well worded in both regards Les. I like to think of horsemanship as an opportunity for meditation – so much of it is about emptying your mind and just being in the moment. You are not alone, but meditation can be achieved whether you are alone in the alps or standing in a crowded subway station. 🙂
Cheers!
Very interesting. As has already been commented, it reminds me of the Zen attitude, i.e. Zen mind, beginner’s mind (I think there’s a book with this title, by Shunryu Suzuki).
I think that every time we step on horseback we learn something new, and it doesn’t matter if we are a Pro, a week-end rider (that’s me :-P), or a beginner. On horseback we are all beginners 🙂
love it.. i work with primary school kids doing arts and craft..and so often I walk away feeling refreshed and inspired by their enthusiasm and joy .. the ‘but why not?’ question is relevant in so many ways! After getting back into riding after many years out, I feel like a novice – and so have a huge learning curve once more.. I have driven people crazy with ‘but why?’ and i have learned far more letting go and listening than i ever would have – if i assumed I knew it already.
Sandie – the “but why” question is fantastic! I think this is also a great way to interview potential instructors and trainers – do they explain the why, or do they get frustrated and try to dismiss your but why questions? The horse is full of them as well as beginner riders and it is an effective way to test your principles and theories. “Because” isn’t a fair answer. 🙂
Cheers