15 Tips in Taking Ownership of your Equestrian Education

A true equestrian has a passion not just for riding, but for the horse. This passion should ignite a fire toward the pursuit of gaining as much knowledge as possible about horses. We owe it to our horses to be the best we can be, and to do that, we must be vigilant in our growth and learning. Whether you are taking riding lessons, working with a trainer, auditing clinics, showing, or attending an equestrian college or university, there are many ways to take ownership in becoming the most knowledgeable and best version of yourself in the interest of the horse.

1) Choose a qualified instructor

Taking riding lessons with a reputable and qualified instructor will help you advance both your riding skills and knowledge more quickly than trying to learn on your own. Search for instructors that have equestrian degrees, riding instructor certifications, or years of show experience. If finances are a concern, even periodic lessons are better than none. Additionally, if finding an instructor in your area is difficult, consider virtual lessons where you record your ride and submit it to a trainer for critique.

2) Get the most out of your riding lessons

Keep an open mind and be ready to learn. If you are resistant to new methods or hesitant to ride different types of horses, your lessons will not be as beneficial. Be attentive to everything being taught. If you are in a group lesson, even if the instructor isn’t speaking directly to you, pay attention to the information provided to your peers—it may become relevant to you.

3) Learn from as many people as you can

Never be afraid to ask for help—your peers often offer valuable advice. If there’s a local trainer you can intern with, do it. Watch when the vet is at your farm, observe the farrier, watch others in their lessons, and watch your trainer and peers ride. Nobody knows everything, and there’s always something to learn from someone else. The saying is true: people who know little often boast about their skills, while experienced individuals remain humble and speak less about themselves because they know there’s always more to learn.

Be humble—nobody expects you to know everything.

4) Read, Watch, and Listen. This cannot be stressed enough!

When you can’t be at the barn, pick up a book, magazine, or browse the internet. Many world-renowned trainers and clinicians offer excellent advice through articles. Learn about everything—from nutrition and farrier science to tack, training, horse health care, and stable management. There’s always something to learn. Read journals, breed association publications, rulebooks, and training articles. Just read!

I sometimes fear that the "hobby" of reading is slowly dying. But reading is one of your best tools in becoming a truly educated equestrian. As a child, I would spend hours studying everything, even from tack catalogs. Ask me what page and price an item was on, and 8-year-old me could rattle it off. Be obsessed with learning, without shame.

If reading isn’t your thing though, then watch. Find a good training series on YouTube, subscribe to horse training channels, even TikTok can have some very educational clips. This is a free and excellent way to gain knowledge from talented trainers, vets, and specialists worldwide.

Additionally, listen to podcasts. There are many podcasts out there that specialize in horse care, equine nutrition, training, and riding. Time spent getting ready each morning, commuting to work, and even mucking stalls is an excellent time to catch up on these Podcasts and continue to learn.

5) Videotape your rides

Self-assessment is a critical skill. Being able to honestly analyze your own riding will bring you closer to becoming independent in your training. Videotaping is also an excellent tool for visual learners, as it allows you to track your progress and see what is or isn’t working.

6) Write

Journaling is another great tool for self-assessment. Not only does it help you analyze your rides, but it also provides documentation of your milestones and helps you affirm your goals.

7) Audit shows

One of my favorite ways to learn is by watching horse shows. Most shows are open to the public and free to attend. If there’s a nearby show facility, go to every show you can. Even if it’s not within your main breed or discipline, there’s something to learn. No plans for Saturday? Visit the local show grounds. At shows, I’m often glued to the warm-up pens, observing trainers’ techniques, horses’ styles, tack choices, show attire trends, and more. I want to know it all.

8) Ride in shows and read the judges scorecards

This is one of the best ways to learn about where you stand in your riding and training. Having a professional analyze, score, and place you is a valuable asset. Always look at your scorecards to learn what the judges thought of each maneuver in your pattern. Work on beating your high score, not necessarily beating the other competitors to improve. Today, there are even online, virtual horse shows where you can compete. Any type of show can help you to not only see where you stand, and where your loopholes are, but it also builds fortitude and mental strength.

9) Audit or ride in a clinic

Clinics are a great way to get professional help, as clinicians often travel to locations near you. As mentioned earlier, there’s always something to learn from everyone, and clinics bring together like-minded individuals who want to improve their skills and knowledge.

10) Learn from other disciplines- step outside your comfort zone

There’s great value in learning outside your primary area of focus. A well-rounded equestrian can ride various breeds and disciplines, seeing value in the diversity of the equestrian world. If there’s a breed I haven’t ridden, I want to try it. If there’s an event I haven’t competed in, I want in. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Other disciplines or breeds can teach you new ways to approach training and can help both you and your horse. I love learning about everyone’s different methods—whether it’s grooming techniques or training techniques. It’s all worth learning.

11) Set aside time for both your education and your horse

We often create schedules for our horses—when they will be fed, turned out, schooled, or ridden. But what about you? Set aside time each day to focus on your own education. If you can’t take lessons multiple times a week, set a goal to ride each day or several times a week. Also, carve out time for reading and searching for local events, shows, and clinics to attend. If you want to become a professional in the industry, prioritize your education every single day.

12) Eat healthy and stay fit

We owe it to our horses to be the best version of ourselves. Staying healthy isn’t just an asset to you—it’s a necessary kindness to your horse. A professional in the industry knows their career depends on their physical ability to work with horses. Without strength and health, you won’t reach your full potential. Even with the hectic schedule that comes with being an equestrian, taking care of yourself must be a priority if you want to continue advancing in the industry.

13) Join clubs and associations

Get involved in the industry in any way you can. Encourage youth to join 4-H, Pony Club, FFA, breed association youth clubs, and horse judging teams. The wealth of knowledge and opportunities gained from these clubs and associations is invaluable. Join local saddle clubs and become a member of breed associations. Serve as an active member, a board director, or as an officer for various clubs and associations.

14) Go to college

Many outstanding equestrian colleges and universities exist worldwide. These programs offer various options, such as certificates, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and even graduate-level studies. Attending an equine college provides a wealth of knowledge, and many schools offer opportunities for daily riding, joining judging teams, and competing at both intercollegiate and recognized breed show levels.

15) Don’t skip opportunities.

If there is an opportunity, take it! If an opportunity arises, take it! Work for that trainer, take the internship, read the book, attend that show, ride in that clinic, watch your farrier, join the association, and learn from others. Take accountability for your time and learning. You are worth it, and your horse deserves it.