In the last issue of Horse Sport International, the article Certifiable Knowledge looked at the plethora of information provided in the USHJA Trainer Certification Manual & Study Guide. This 500+ page, spiral-bound book contains chapters on Stable and Equine Management, Horse Care, Equine Conformation and Development, Tack and Equipment, Lunging, Position, Aids, Flatwork, Jumping, Course Design, Lesson Plans, Establishing a Business and an equally long list of supporting articles by authors such as Melanie Smith Taylor, Chrystine Tauber, Frank Madden, Joe Fargis and more.
The Trainer Certification Program (TCP) is a long overdue certification (aka licensing) for trainers. Decades of training experience and years of development from a dedicated group of knowledgeable horsemen came together to create this program for the benefit of today’s and tomorrow’s trainers.
Over the next couple of months Horse Sport International will be highlighting excerpts from this comprehensive educational program to promote and enlighten.
Educated Riding
Chapter I: History of the American Hunter/Jumper Forward Riding System
Accepted methodology in this country for educated riding falls into one of two categories – Classical Dressage or the forward riding system. Neither is superior to the other.
With its beginnings in the 16th century, the objective of Classical Dressage is to perform quality collected gaits in a flat arena. The relatively new, forward riding system, began in 1920 and was specifically developed for the unique aspects of riding horses over fences. Although both teach balance and connection, the stirrup length and position vary based on the goals of the rider. What is currently known as hunter seat is a result of the development of the forward seat. Names such as Bert De Nemethy, George Morris, Bill Steinkraus and Gordon Wright fine-tuned the forward system into the American Hunter / Jumper System we know today. The TCP provides a ‘comprehensive educational program’ that preserves the American Hunter/Jumper Forward Riding System.
Training Horses with the American Forward Riding System
Chapter III: Equine Conformation & Development
When training a horse, the rider needs to have enough experience to understand and exhibit aids correctly. The trainer should assess what steps are best taught to the horse by a professional and what the student is able to do.
Well-known course designer, author and clinician, as well as the name behind many young horse efforts including the North American Young Horse Championships, Linda Allen considers young jumpers to be analogous with school children. “In both, no matter the innate talent, until the body and mind are ready, too much pressure too soon will not speed up the process and might well destroy either the ability or the desire.”
Education by Year:
4-year-olds: Kindergarten – emphasis on socialization, introduction of rules and structure, developing an eagerness to learn.
5-year-olds: Grammar school – basic skills introduced, building on each as one is mastered. Since there’s a lot to learn at this stage/age, logical progression is essential and it’s important to customize according to the horse’s ability and personality.
6-year-olds: High school – when their true talent begins to shine. The groundwork is laid, and the true challenges of digging deep to learn begin. The horse may act as if they know it all, just like a teenager, but there is still plenty to learn. Purchasing a horse at this age means solidifying what they have already learned and that they have the proper education before pushing on.
7-8 year-olds: University – although a percentage will have found their niche and are working in that ‘field’, a larger group will continue their education. True career pressure is applied at this stage to see what is the best fit for the individual. Trying special techniques, facing more challenges, learning from mistakes are all a part of this level.
Although stated in general terms, most horses will fit this ‘schooling’ scenario. Keep this in mind as you bring along a horse at any age, but especially a young one. 2
All training should consider the horse’s short-term and long-term ability. Don’t over train, as with any athlete, this could cause injury. The traditional schooling program of the American Hunter/Jumper Forward Riding System includes a variety of exercises designed to create a well-rounded, responsive horse. Progressive schooling follows a sequential training plan that includes seven schooling periods as listed below. Having a system means knowing the goal but being flexible with your horse’s progress. If starting with a young horse, it is key to be mindful of these important milestones. If re-training or getting to know a horse, the time frames may vary, and aspects overlap, however each of these areas should be a part of the plan.
Stages of Education
Utilizing the age guide, customize the proper program for each horse (and rider).
I: Establishing Cooperation & Starting Stabilization with Extended Head & Neck
Emphasis on listening to aids and voice signals at the walk and trot while lunging and mounted; also working in company of other horses.
II: Developing Balance (especially for the young horse) with Extended Head & Neck
The goal is stabilization for the horse – learning to balance properly while carrying the weight of the rider. Practice transitions, circles, turns at all gaits. Introduce ground poles and low crossrails.
III: Achieving Stabilization & Introducing Passive Contact (Passive Contact to Light Contact)
Emphasis on rein and leg aids; the goal is accepting passive contact. Early understanding of flexions, lower leg encourages engagement and stretching to reach for the bit. Rein and leg aids work together. Introduce longitudinal and lateral exercises for agility. Practice crossrail work. Work with other horses in the arena.
IV: Lateral & Longitudinal Exercises, Jumping & Fieldwork (Passive Contact to Light Contact)
Beginning advanced flatwork. Emphasis on working at the canter from departures, to half turns, to pace. Practice three speeds at trot and canter. Ride over uneven terrain, practice balance. Backing, turn on forehand, counter-canter, leg yielding.
V: Progressive Combinations, Sloping Terrain, Flat Work (Educated Contact with Reserve Energy)
This is an advanced stage both on the flat and over jumps, horse must be ready to take on the challenges. Using all the aspects developed from above, the horse is getting stronger and more supple. This work is done without sacrificing established softness.
The horse learns to stabilize on various types of terrain, whether alone or in a group, and over increasingly difficult obstacles. School change of lead, serpentines at all gaits, half-turns on haunches. Practice combinations and gymnastics, angled jumps.
VI: Developing Quality Movement, Experiences Jumping & Flatwork Exercises (Educated Contact with Reserve Energy)
Horse is developing both mentally and physically. This is assuming months to years of work, depending on age. Preparing for show ring challenges. Be certain to assess horse’s progress, what needs work and when to move on.
Focus on advanced flatwork to improve the quality of the horse’s performance, building up strength and stamina. Keep working both longitudinally and laterally. Practice turns at the gallop. Continue fieldwork. Add height and width to combinations. Add variety of fences that may be seen in the show ring.
VII: Advanced Schooling on the Flat and Over Fences (Educated Contact with Reserve Energy)
This is the stage where emphasis is on the horse’s long-term career. Flatwork exercises geared towards quality of movement and correctness. Leg yielding, shoulder-fore, shoulder-in, haunches-in, two-tracking, plus counter-canter work.
Focus on balance, agility and ability to work on varied terrains. Integrate jumps into flatwork. Jump exercises to work on details.
Peak Potential
It is crucial to look at the long term when planning a horse’s career, so that his peaks will coincide with important competitions. The mental stress of showing can wear a horse down, as does shipping, so before each show season, rider and trainer should define their goals and choose the venues that will help meet those goals, spacing them out for optimum performance. “To peak at the right time, pick the shows that are important to you and do your homework in between.” 3
As we continue this series, we will look at preparing both horse and rider for peak performance, as covered in the USHJA Trainer Certification Manual. If your goals are to be at the top of the sport mentally and physically, stay tuned. Or better yet, get certified.
The TCP Manual can be purchased. Contact Carrie Vaught at cvaught@ushja.org for details. All diagrams © Copyright 2013 by United States Hunter Jumper Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
1 from Chapter III: “Correct Model Horse Conformation”, by Kenny Wheeler, p. 424
2 from Appendix V: “From Kindergarten to College”, by Linda Allen, p. 429
3 from Appendix V: “Peak At the Right Time”, by Melanie Smith Taylor with Nancy Jaffer, p.373
Schooling Movements – Chapter III, Equine Conformation and Development. Work young horses progressively through these and other schooling movements: Wide turns at the walk and trot, Half-turn, Half-turn in reverse, Serpentine, Back-to-back half circles and Zig-zags or broken lines using shallow bends, with the horse’s haunch tracking the shoulder (young horses at the walk).
Equine Conformation
TCP Manual Chap III: Equine Conformation & Development
Success in both the saddle and the show ring is directly related to the rider – junior, amateur or professional – being well-mounted. The making of a champion begins with choosing the right horse.
While excellent conformation (physical inherited structure) does not guarantee excellence in performance, poor conformation invariably contributes to structural weakness, unsoundness, or impaired performance. Rarely is a horse perfect, but a horse with good structure can learn and perform tasks more readily and stay sound in the process.
Ideally, the horse should be square – as long from shoulder to buttocks as it is tall; even – withers should be even with, or slightly higher than, the croup; balanced – the shoulders, barrel, and hindquarters should each make up about one third of the horse; and symmetrical -when viewed from front or rear, each side should look the same.
Athletic ability is a function of the horse’s balance, agility and movement. The topline is the place to start when defining athleticism of a horse. Long neck, good sloping shoulder, short back, well-defined hind end are all athletic attributes. The movement must consist of a long, even stride with range and depth through the shoulder. 1
Rarely is a horse perfect, but a horse with good structure can learn and perform tasks more readily and stay sound in the process.
