Riding Theory

Description:
Theory classes provide for an understanding of the underlying principles of Dressage, Jumping and Western through a variety of techniques and opportunities for discussion. Emphasis is given to the application of principles of each student's riding, as well as to the discipline as a whole. All students enrolled in Riding Classes participate in theory classes in the same discipline. Basic principles are covered in the first quarter with intermediate and advanced level content being presented as students progress in their cognitive understanding and psychomotor development.

Theory I   |   Dressage Theory II-VI   |   Jumping Theory II-VI   |   Western Theory II-VI

Course Name: Theory I 

Prerequisites: None

Weekly Topics:

Week 1: Development of the seat: the importance and the process of development: “Monkey position”, seat, contact game, stretching exercises.
Week 2: The importance and use of the aids: what are the aids? How is each used effectively? Including, leg aide, weight aids, rein aids, and the coordination of aids.
Week 3-5: The Training Tree: Meaning & Examples of each in horses:

• Rhythm
• Relaxation
• Freedom of gaits
• Contact
• Straightness
• Balance
• Impulsion
• Suppleness
• “on the aids”
• Collection

Week 6: Meaning and examples of the following:

• Acceptance of the bit
• Being “above the bit”
• Being “behind the bit"
• Being “behind the vertical”
• Being “on the bit”
• Half halts

Week 7: Developing a greater understanding of the basic gaits including: walk, trot, and canter. Strategies for developing gaits in horses.
Week 8-10: The Riding Tree: Meaning & Examples of each in riders:

• Relaxation
• Balance
• Following the Motion
• Application of aids
• Coordination of aids
• Influencing the horse

Week 11: Flying Changes: footfall; correct aids, coordination and timing of aids
Week 12: Review and Exams

Performance Objectives:
Following successful completion of the Theory I course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate a basic use of vocabulary appropriate to the building of knowledge and skills of related to the development of the rider and the horse
• Describe the processes through which riders develop mental knowledge, appropriate dispositions, and physical skills of horsemanship
• Describe the processes through which horses develop mentally & physically leading to their ability to perform in the various disciplines
• Describe the importance of integrating theory with practice for successful results in the development of riders and of horses
• Give examples of the integration of theory with practice in the development of riders and of horses
• Explain the progressive steps used for successful training of riders
• Explain the progressive steps used for successful training of horses
• Analyze the performance of horse and describe their position with regard to the bit: acceptance, above, behind, etc.
• Analyze the quality and characteristics of the basis gaits in horses: walk, trot, and canter
• Describe the process through which a horse executes a flying lead change

Methods:
In order for students to acquire the knowledge and skills of Theory I, the instructor will use a variety of teaching methods including: expository learning, discussion, demonstration, & guided practice. Students will observe many aspects of Theory I being demonstrated throughout the school program: in classes offered to students of all riding levels; through training classes; through instructor riding classes; through instructor training of horses. Videotapes of Olympic level and high level performances will be used to demonstrate concepts and principles of theory. All aspects of safety will be practiced throughout the course.

Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated on their knowledge & skills through the following:

• Quality of notebook
• Mid-term exam
• Final exam
• Class participation; attitude; effort; & attendance

Course Name: Dressage Theory II-VI 

Prerequisites: Theory I

Weekly Topics:The following topics will be addressed in Dressage Theory II-VI:

A. Individual items of the Training Tree

• Rhythm
• Relaxation
• Freedom of Gait
• Contact
• Straightness
• Balance
• Suppleness
• Impulsion
• On the Aids
• Collection

B. Stretching/long and/low work
C. Movement

• Conformation of the Dressage horse
• Characteristics of large moving horses
• Breeds of horses suitable for Dressage

D. Self-improvement

• Overcoming fear
• Commitment
• Fundamentals

E. Canter work and flying changes
F. Lateral work
G. Trampoline work
H. Videotaping the rider and viewing the tape
I. Developing an understanding and an “eye” for Dressage work
J. Developing an understanding of an “eye” for training the Dressage horse

Performance Objectives:
The level of achievement of the following objectives will be partially dependent on the number of quarters the student has been involved in the Dressage Program. Following successful completion of Dressage Theory II-VI Courses, the student will be able to:

• Define and explain the significance and importance of each of the following for successful performance in Dressage:
• elements of the training tree
• conformation of the horse
• the training tree
• an independent seat
• lateral movements
• canter work and flying changes
• piaffe, passage, and pirouettes
• Identify quality Dressage movement in a horse
• Analyze the conformation of a Dressage horse
• Evaluate the quality of Dressage movements with different horses and riders
• Describe, analyze, and evaluate a correct and independent seat
• Analyze the quality of Dressage movements and make appropriate suggestions for improvement

Methods:
A variety of instructional methods and strategies will be used, including expository learning, discussion, and demonstration. Videotapes of high level performances are used to demonstrate concepts and principles. Students will observe principles of Dressage Theory as they are demonstrated by advanced students and staff.

Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated on their knowledge & skills through the following:

• Quality of notebook
• Mid-term exam
• Final exam
• Class participation; attitude; effort; & attendance

Course Name: Jumping Theory II-VI 

Prerequisites: Theory I

Weekly Topics:The following topics will be addressed in Jumping Theory II-VI:

A. Individual items of the Riding Tree and the Training Tree including:

• Rhythm
• Relaxation
• Freedom of Gait
• Contact
• Straightness
• Balance
• Suppleness
• Impulsion
• On the Aids
• Collection

B. Horse Biomechanics and the Development of Jumping
C. Lunging, stretching, and strengthening
D. Importance of physical fitness
E. Developing the rider’s “eye” for Jumping
F. Training over Cavaletti
G. Types of fences; finding distances
H. Gymnastics and courses
I. Principles of Dressage for the Jumping horse and rider

Performance Objectives:
The level of achievement of the following objectives will be partially dependent on the number of quarters the student has been involved in the Jumping Program. Following successful completion of Jumping Theory II-VI Courses, the student will be able to:

• Define and explain the significance and importance of each of the following for successful performance in Jumping:
• elements of the riding tree and training tree
• rider development for Jumping; physical fitness
• horse biomechanics & development of jumping
• an independent seat
• work over cavaletti
• strides
• determining distances
• Analyze the conformation of a Jumping horse
• Analyze and evaluate the quality of Jumping movements with different horses and riders
• Describe, analyze, and evaluate correct Jumping techniques & suitability of courses for Jumping
• Analyze the quality of Jumping techniques and make appropriate suggestions for improvement

Methods:
A variety of instructional methods and strategies will be used, including expository learning, discussion, and demonstration. Videotapes of high level performances are used to demonstrate concepts and principles. Students will observe principles of Jumping Theory as they are demonstrated by advanced students and staff.

Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated on their knowledge & skills through the following:

• Mid-term exam
• Final exam
• Class participation; attitude; effort; & attendance

Course Name: Western Theory II-VI 

Prerequisites: Theory I

Weekly Topics:The following topics will be addressed in Western Theory II-VI:

A. Seat

• Monkey position
• Balanced seat

B. Training Tree

• Rhythm
• Relaxation
• Freedom of Gait
• Contact
• Straightness
• Balance
• Suppleness
• Impulsion
• On the Aids
• Collection

C. Western Moves and Definitions:

• Rollbacks
• Spins
• Circles
• Stops
• Backing
• Lead Changes

D. Western Shapes
E. Cutting and Reining

• Study of Moves
• Developing an “eye”

F. Transition from Basics to Advanced Moves
G. Bits and uses of bits

Performance Objectives:
The level of achievement of the following objectives will be partially dependent on the number of quarters the student has been involved in the Western Program. Following successful completion of Western Theory II-VI Courses, the student will be able to:

• Define and explain the significance and importance of each of the following for successful performance in Western:
• elements of the training tree
• conformation of the horse
• the training tree
• an independent seat
• lead changes
• rollbacks, spins, circles, and sliding stops
• Identify Western movement in a horse
• Analyze the conformation of a Western horse
• Determine suitability of the horse for reining and cutting
• Evaluate the quality of Western movements with different horses and riders
• Analyze the quality of Western movements and make appropriate suggestions for improvement

Methods:
A variety of instructional methods and strategies will be used, including expository learning, discussion, and demonstration. Videotapes of high level performances are used to demonstrate concepts and principles. Students will observe principles of Western Theory as they are demonstrated by advanced students and staff.

Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated on their knowledge & skills through the following:

• Mid-term exam
• Final exam
• Class participation; attitude; effort; & attendance