Riding Horses with Eyes Up and Ahead

 whole scene will not only keep you out of trouble, but will project an air of professionalism as well.

2) Narrow your focus: A rider must decide exactly which path she wants her horse to travel. After big eyes take a glance at the next jump around the corner, the rider should then narrow her focus to her immediate destination – the straight line which extends past the last jump on the line. On the flat, a distance that works for me is about 10 metres or 30 feet in front of my horse. I pick a dot and expect my horse’s feet to travel through that dot. On a circle, this will typically be a quarter of a circle ahead. In this way I can ride circular circles and straight lines. The faster your rate of travel, the further ahead you’ll want to look. I also find it a real help in rating my pace. Where you look is where you’ll go. Your body, and your horse’s body, will automatically follow your eyes.

3) Zero In: In my opinion it is okay to look down at your horse’s body from time to time. Yes, much of good riding involves feeling your horse’s rhythm, straightness, and frame, but your eyes can help you identify a bulging shoulder or an elevated head before you might feel it. Obviously, leads and diagonals must be identified by feel, but your eyes can pick up a signal or expression from your horse before it develops into a spook. Many spooks can be avoided by glancing at your horse’s ears regularly. Pricked ears indicate your horse’s radar is picking up something. Connecting his attention back to you in response is one key to a smooth equitation performance.