Which Type Of Professional Horse Rider Would You Be?

Becoming a professional horse rider is no easy task. It takes years of hard work and dedication to the sport. But for those who are willing to put in the time and effort, the rewards can be great.

There are many different types of professional riders. Some specialize in dressage, others in show jumping, and still others in eventing. Each discipline requires its own unique set of skills and knowledge.

To become a successful professional rider, you need to be able to ride well under pressure and make quick decisions while on horseback. You must also have a strong understanding of equine anatomy and physiology, as well as training methods and techniques.

Many young riders dream of the prestige and rewards of being a showjumper, dressage, or event rider, but the path to Olympic and other glories is long and arduous.

Dressage

Dressage is a specific type of equestrian showmanship where a controlled horse will respond quickly and smoothly to commands given subtly. At the basic level, the horse must show a particularly relaxed carriage, response to the bit and obedience at a walk and trot. At the highest levels, dressage becomes what is often called “horse ballet.” It not only is a method of riding and instruction, but is characterized by the use of warmblood horses, where riders dress in a prescribed, formal manner, use a specific saddle (similar to English), and hold themselves in a certain seat.

Equestrians with a background in English riding may have an advantage at the beginning levels because of similarities in style. However, anyone with an understanding of horses, and some natural ability in riding should be able to adapt and learn dressage. Most professional dressage riders begin working as grooms. In the UK, there is an apprenticeship scheme to provide structured training for hopeful dressage riders. Riders are accepted as positions become available.

To become a professional full-time rider is a challenge. At the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, one new pupil is taken each year, and the fastest rise from beginner to Chief Rider was 20 years. It is more likely that a dressage rider may find part-time employment at a large stable where additional skills such as horse training, instruction of riders, and showing of horses for sale will be incorporated into the responsibilities. Positions may include room and board, flex time, and benefits. Experience in other styles of riding such as hunting and jumping is a great advantage.

To obtain employment as a dressage rider, even in a part-time capacity, usually a minimum Third Level experience is required. To reach this level, a rider can begin at local competition levels, or take advantage of training clinics. A beginner might offer to work at a horse barn in exchange for dressage lessons.

Any activities which give a person more dressage experience can help him or her advance. These will certainly include showing and might include coaching, or judging. Dedication and persistence will be required to become a professional dressage rider.

Eventing

Eventing is a horse sport that was made extremely popular by the British. The sport has even become so popular that it’s become an Olympic event. Eventing was originally derived from the training of horses in the cavalry. Much of the sport consists of training horses to perform certain tasks like dressage, showjumping and cross-country. There are two kinds of eventing. There is one-day eventing and three-day eventing. Three-day eventing is primarily the type used at the Olympics.

There is a considerable amount of training that someone needs to get involved with to compete in eventing. The first thing you need to do is get in touch with a local horse farm or pony club. If you have never ridden a horse before then you are going to need to get some lessons under your belt beforehand.

Most riders get started at a very early age. Some riders are even competing in their teens. Once you begin the process, you will be given a ranking level. These levels go from D, D1, D2, D3, C, C1, C2, C3, and so forth to A. An A-level ranking is the best. Most people start around the C level and work their way up to the B levels. Once you reach the high Cs or the lower Bs, you will start your competition training.

Most people will not be able to afford to buy a horse so it’s recommended that you use a horse from a pony club or a riding club. After you get some lessons under your belt and you are sure that you are going to be riding for a long time, you should look into buying your horse.

Taking up eventing is a great way for a child or an adult to learn about horse care and riding, but it’s not for everybody. When you talk about competition, there can be a lot of politics and overwhelming expectations from coaches and clubs. Only invest in this sport if you are sure it’s something that you will be doing for a long time, as it can be extremely expensive.

Showjumping

Do you want to become a professional show jumper? You might wonder how to get the job. What skills would you need? What kind of a career would you have?

You would have to start small. You would have to enter local competitions. You would enter numerous jumping competitions. You would enter the A competitions, which are more complicated, more advanced, and more expensive.

You would enter state shows. You would be entering competitions that are more advanced, more complicated, and more expensive than previously. You will then find that international competitions are more expensive, advanced, and complicated. There are also USA competitions. You will have a chance to be a teacher.

To become a show jumper you will need to be a skilled rider. You will have to jump over hurdles and obstacles. You will need to be prepared for your horse to need two to three years to learn to step over different obstacles going at different paces. As time passes, the height of the obstacles will be increased. More elements will be added. Your horse will need to learn to jump over water and two jumps that are only one to two feet apart.

To become a show jumper, you should look for a riding barn that is associated with a recognized horse show. You then need to join the events open to you. You will also need a professional coach. The horses you use will have to be able to participate in such rigorous activity. It will be many years before you can become a professional horse jumper.

The horse you use will have to have good bone structure, be fit, have an even temperament, and be intelligent. Coaches and trainers have to travel the world to find suitable horses, and they can be expensive. Such horses usually are two-years-old and 18 to 20 hands high.

Many in the industry say it is possible to do something, including making a living as a horse jumper if you work hard enough, but it is easier to spend money on your horse than making a living off him.

In Summary

The prospects of being a professional dressage rider are good, as the competition is not as fierce as in other equestrian disciplines. The rewards of being a successful dressage rider include prize money, sponsorships, and international recognition. However, dressage riders must be able to ride at a high level of precision and have a deep understanding of horse training.

The prospects of being a professional eventing rider are also good, as the competition is not as fierce as in other equestrian disciplines. The rewards of being a successful eventing rider include prize money, sponsorships, and international recognition. However, eventing riders must be able to ride at a high level of precision and have a deep understanding of horse training.

The prospects of being a professional showjumper are also good, as the competition is not as fierce as in other equestrian disciplines. The rewards of being a successful showjumper include prize money, sponsorships, and international recognition. However, showjumpers must be able to ride at a high level of precision and have a deep understanding of horse training.