​Dutch Training Secrets: Never Work Your Horse “Fast”

In an interview for the Dutch magazine NLCoack, a well-known specialist in the field of equestrian sports Tineke Bartels talked about what tasks she sets for herself as a coach. Bartels is a head coach at the Netherlands Equestrian Federation (KNHS) and has previously been a top-level athlete herself: “Horses are always positive and eager to work. Of course, the riders themselves must be well prepared, mentally and physically, but we must not forget that our horses are also athletes.”

“The most interesting part of my work is the training of the riders themselves. Riders need to learn how to communicate with the horse, they must be able to interact with horses in the same way that horses interact with each other. This is what makes the process so exciting.

If you want to show good results in competitions, your pair must work as efficiently as possible. And, of course, in no case should you take out your discontent and stress on a horse. I advise everyone not to ride their horse “fast”. Everything should take place in a relaxed and measured atmosphere.