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What Does it Take to Become a Skilled Reined Cow Horse Rider?
Article: Dr. Irene Harris, Copyright ©2004, 2005.
There is nothing more exciting than watching a horse and rider team complete a beautiful rein work followed by an exhilarating fence work. The performance may only last approximately five minutes, but it is the result of hours of practice. Both athletes, the horse and the rider, must know their job, and have respect and trust in each other. Most athletic performances, including riding reined cow horses, can be broken down into four major components. These components are listed below. A weakness in any of the below outlined areas may jeopardize the performance of the horse and rider team.
1) Technical Expertise – The technique involved in riding reined cow horses involves knowing how and when to use leg, rein, and seat pressure.
How do I improve my technique?
If you are just learning to ride reined cow horses, a knowledgeable instructor will be able to teach you the technique you will need. Technical instruction may include: how to sit the stop, how to turn your horse, how to use your legs and hands effectively, etc. Many qualified instructors are listed on this web site (see Trainers). Even if you are an experienced rider, you may find it helpful to have someone critique your riding, for further improvement.
2) Strategical Expertise – Once you have a good grasp of the techniques involved, you will need to learn how to apply those techniques. For instance, how to approach a cow with its tail up verses how to approach a cow that doesn’t want to move or how long to box a cow prior to starting down the fence.
How do I learn the proper strategies?
Experience can be a great teacher; however gaining advice from others can provide a short cut to understanding strategical moves. Just as a qualified instructor can help your technique, so can one help you understand the strategies involved in putting your run together. You may also learn from watching others perform. One of the first things to know is that it's a physically active sport; balance and coordination are required to stay with your horse through quick turns and exciting stops. A foundation of good horsemanship will enable you to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
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3) Physiological Condition– Riders come in all shapes and sizes. However, those who are in good physical condition have an advantage in riding reined cow horses. Most competitive athletes do more than just practice their particular sport. They spend additional time using strength and conditioning exercises in order to enhance their ability to perform their sport. A fence run may only last a few minutes, but riders who are out of breath during their run may not be able to execute as effectively as they would if they were in better physical condition. Often during events the daily schedule may be challenging, riders may work long hours and get very little sleep. Those in good physical condition will be better able to endure the challenges while maintaining a positive attitude.
How do I start to get in shape for riding reined cow horses?
If you are not currently on a regular exercise program, you might consider starting one. Most health clubs have certified physical trainers who can assist you in starting a strength and conditioning program.
4) Psychological Skills – Athletes who posses strong mental skills are able to perform at the upper range of their ability consistently under pressure. Riders who perform consistently lower in the show pen than their ability, may have difficulty with concentration, controlling their emotions or dealing with anxiety prior to and during competition. If this sounds like you, you may benefit from developing mental toughness.
One way to define mental toughness is to describe the qualities or characteristics of mentally tough competitors. These competitors may not necessarily be the most skilled riders or the riders with the best horses, but they are the competitors who consistently show they are capable of handling any adversity during competition. They are able to stay focused in spite of major distractions. They stay calm and in control of each situation. They have confidence in their own abilities, confidence in their horse’s ability, and as a result, they are able to showcase their horse during competition. They stay positive with their outlook throughout the most difficult circumstances. Mental toughness does not necessarily allow you to perform beyond your capabilities, but it allows you to showcase what you are capable of even in the most difficult situations. Mentally tough competitors control their emotions and as a result their physiology allows them to execute the task at hand.
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Many riders develop increased mental toughness as they gain more experience. Others may have excellent skills and good technique, but may struggle during intense competition and as a result, never learn how to tap into their full potential. Today, because of developments in the field of sport psychology, we understand the benefits of psychological skills training; so all athletes can learn to become better competitors. Relaxation, visualization, and thought control, are just a few of the techniques that are used to help athletes achieve success. Emotional control and arousal regulation are also critical components to the puzzle. The ability to control your physiological and emotional states during competition, the ability to be a mentally tough performer, is a realistic goal for every rider.
Where can I learn the psychological skills necessary to improve my performance?
A qualified sport psychology consultant may help you learn the techniques to improve your performance. Like any of the other components, it takes time, but with practice you can learn to be a mentally tough competitor.
Development in the above four outlined areas (Technical Expertise, Strategical Expertise, Physiological Condition and Psychological Skills) does not happen overnight and is best accomplished in small steps. However, the journey to becoming skilled in the reined cow horse discipline can be enjoyable each step of the way. Identify the areas where you need assistance, seek out those who are most qualified to help you and start the journey on the best ride of your life!
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About Dr. Irene Harris, Ed.D.
A sport psychology consultant, Dr. Irene Harris works with athletes of all ages with a variety of backgrounds and ability levels. Her educational background includes graduate work in exercise science and sport psychology. She received her doctorate from the University of Northern Colorado in 2001.
Irene has worked with elite collegiate athletes as the head coach of an NCAA Division I tennis team, where she received honors as Regional Coach of the Year, and was honored twice as Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. During her coaching career she served as the Chair of the Northwest Regional Ranking Committee and was also a member of the NCAA Ranking Committee
While serving as the head coach of women's tennis, she also played an instrumental role in adding equestrian as an NCAA sport at California State University, Fresno. She served as the Equestrian sport supervisor during the first three years after the program was officially added as a varsity sport and campaigned to get equestrian approved as an emerging sport within the NCAA.
Irene has been in education and/or coaching her entire life. Currently, her consulting practice provides a flexible schedule, allowing time for pursuing her childhood dream of riding reined cow horses. She currently shows as a non pro in NRCHA limited age events and horse shows. She and her husband, Larry, breed and raise registered Quarter Horses at their home, Laguna Island Ranch, in Lemoore, California. You can visit them on the web at www.LagunaIslandRanch.com and learn about Irene's many coaching services.
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