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nelson mandela bay's family lifestyle
author:
ruth jorritsma
anyone can ride
photography:
jo, jorritsma photography
issue:
8, summer 2008
Ruth Jorritsma collected extensive knowledge of horses, their breeding, training and riding, through many years of experience in England, Ireland and South Africa. Applying alternative training-principles learnt abroad, she has become a very popular riding instructor in the Nelson Mandela Bay-region, with her riders not only making immense progress, but all of them enjoying every single minute of the experience. She is convinced: you are never too young or too old to enjoy this wonderful world, which so often seems out of reach. I am always surprised to hear adults say, with some regret and lots of longing in their voices: “if only I had the chance to ride as a child.” It seems the dominant perception in South Africa, amongst many adults, is that if you did not start riding as a child, you'll never be able to enjoy this sport. I have good news: horse riding can be enjoyed by the whole family – and it doesn't matter that you've only admired horses from a distance. Yes, the journey to becoming a skilled horse person is challenging, it will take time and effort and dedication, but as challenging as it may be, to go for that first gallop on an open beach is extremely rewarding. The adrenalin! The expectation! The rush of excitement with the wind blowing through your hair, rewards all of your effort. As an instructor it is a privilege to see the expression on my riders' faces as they master what seemed to be an impossible and daunting challenge. It is the same with all of them, whether they are ten years old or sixty five years old – there is nothing that could describe the 'moment' where you discover that you and your horse have blended into single poetic motion. There are many people who want this, but for some reason, the “rumor” has been spread that if you pass a certain age, it becomes too late and you will have to settle for the nostalgic second best of watching others enjoy what you have missed. Forget the “rumor” – anyone can ride! Some of the most common fears faced by a lot of people, who consider taking up horse riding, is the inevitability of 'buying some ground' or falling off, the thought of attempting to acquire a new skill, while surrounded by experienced riders and the fear of not succeeding. Not succeeding should not worry you – I've not encountered many students who did not succeed and most have immense fun while doing so. You also don't have to learn surrounded by experienced riders – and even if you did have to, should there be ridicule, it is they who have the problem, not you – and well falling off, we teach you to stay on! Concern about the unknown probably adds to people's fears. “What should I wear? How will the horse behave? How high is the horse from the ground? How fast will he go? Will my medical aid cover this, should there be injuries?” These are all questions that might mill around your head, but isn't that the nature of learning and experiencing new and wonderful skills – that you move from the unknown, into the very well known. Overcoming these fears is the start of the tough but very pleasing journey that is learning to ride. You should attempt to find an instructor you can relate to. Someone that understands your fears, takes the time to get to know you and suitably matches you to your horse. Children starting out, find it easier to fit in by joining a riding school where friends or family ride. For adults individual or private instruction usually is best, but parents and their children could easily be accommodated together, creating a magnificent family experience. It is very important that you find an educated instructor with whom you get along easily - an instructor who takes the time to hear your questions and has the knowledge to answer them, leaving you with a feeling of “I can do this”. Finding the right horse is equally as important. On first introduction to your intended ride for that lesson, you will instantly like or dislike him, but be aware that horses also take a liking or dislike to the rider! Spend some time stroking his face, talking to him and see his response to you. Put yourself in his shoes and act accordingly. Mounting up and setting out on that first ride could be intimidating; take the time to walk around on your horse. Allow him to get to know you, get comfortable and develop the first foundations of a relationship - then you are ready to start your lesson. Horses are trained in a universal form by professionals. Your legs are used to ask him to move, the reins are used to guide him and ask him to slow down or halt. Developing the skills of a good rider is closely linked to being a knowledgeable horse person. A horse person is someone that knows and understands the nature of the horse and acts in a way that brings out the best in the horse. As you begin to understand the nature of the horse the understanding of how to ride him follows. Your instructor should teach you more than just what to do what the rein – your instruction should include information on how horses respond and why they respond in that way. Horses love to feel accepted, understood and rewarded. A good school horse learns over years how to read his rider’s actions. He takes care not to go too fast and is devastated if his rider does part company and 'buy some ground'. These horses are known as schoolmasters. When these honest, reliable ones become less of a challenge for you, then you know you are improving rapidly and ready to move onto a more enthusiastic mount that is perhaps not as willing to translate the mixed signals dished out. Each rider needs to progress at his or her own pace – no single rider is the same and confidence is acquired through consistency and experience. The more enthusiastic mount requires a more accurate rider who has refined his riding skills. Refining these skills is like climbing a ladder, each step is a mile stone. It takes years to perfect the art and become a master at it, but you don't have to be a master from the outset – this is an ongoing challenge, with many highs and lows. Most students, whether young or old, look back after a few months of riding and they exclaim: “I'm so glad I started this. It opened up a whole new world to me. I feel physically stronger and emotionally more content.” Riding definitely strengthens you physically. It improves balance, coordination, discipline and most people's overall feeling of happiness. Riding is not just another sport. It includes developing a relationship with a powerful animal who responds and attempts to please. This is about much more than “doing something physically challenging”. Riding boosts confidence as the rider overcomes fear by solving problems and experiencing the rewards. Learning to ride takes dedication and determination. It is a journey that never ends and one that is definitely within anyone's reach.
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