Decoding the Course: When Riding Feels Like Solving a Puzzle

 If you’ve ever taken a riding lesson, you’ve probably had that moment where your trainer rattles off a course or exercise, and you nod along like you understand every word. But inside, your brain is spinning like a carousel. “Single diagonal? Rollback to a triple bar? Serpentine? And don’t forget to halt?!” Suddenly, it feels like you’re deciphering a secret code rather than riding a horse.

Let’s break it down. A single diagonal is when you change direction across the arena, usually at a trot or canter, switching your diagonal to match the new lead. Simple enough, right? But then comes the rollback—a sharp turn after a jump or marker, requiring balance and precision. And the triple bar? That’s a wide, ascending jump that tests your horse’s scope and your ability to keep everything together.

Now, add a serpentine—a winding pattern down the middle of the arena—and you’ve got a recipe for both elegance and chaos. It’s all about smooth transitions and keeping your horse balanced through the curves. And just when you think you’re done, your trainer reminds you to halt. Not just any halt, but a square, immobile halt that says, “Yes, I meant to do that.”

As riders, we’ve all been there. You smile and nod, pretending to absorb every detail, but inside, you’re wondering how you’re going to remember it all. The truth is, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Riding is a constant learning process, and even the most experienced riders have moments where they second-guess themselves. The key is to take it one step at a time. Break the course into smaller pieces, focus on each element, and trust your training—and your horse.

And let’s not forget the humor in it all. That moment when your trainer says, “Got it?” and you respond with a confident smile, even though your brain is still processing the first instruction? That’s part of the joy of riding. It’s challenging, it’s rewarding, and it’s always a little unpredictable. So, the next time your trainer throws a complex course at you, take a deep breath, smile, and remember: you’ve got this. Even if it takes a few tries to “get it.”