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