Riding Principles

Structure
Way in which thing holds together, the
supporting framework of essential parts.
System
A Complex whole, set of connected things or parts, organised body of material or immaterial things. Considered principles of procedure, methodical, according to plan, not casual or sporadic or unintentional.

"Nothing at all will be attempted if all possible
objections must first be overcome"
(Samuel Johnson 1709-84)

Most European countries have long standing, erudite Equestrian Systems and Structures in place that have evolved naturally over the centuries based upon the necessity for the horse in their everyday lives … much as we now resort to the benefits of mechanisation in today's modern world.

The horse's ever changing role over time and the inevitable adaptation of attitudes toward that role have dictated the ongoing evolution of the European systems into today's existing structures.

Into these systems have been incorporated not only what is needed for the promotion of the various equestrian Olympic Disciplines themselves, but the furtherment and ongoing development of all of the extenuating factors, activities and support industries pertinent to the "modernisation" of Equestrian Sport in every field and at every level.

Systems and Structures are essential to the promotion, growth and success of any enterprise because they provide the order required for logical educational progressions which in turn lead to improved safety, therefore increased confidence and motivation, thus a more attractive Image which in turn attracts more individuals to participate and become involved because they are afforded a common foundation to build upon, increased awareness, a broader base of knowledgeable choices for their own personal goals, increased consistency in results, the ability to move from one activity, facility or geographic location to another without disruptions in their progressions or trauma because of a change in venue.

Furthermore, a degree of Consistency can be achieved throughout the Industry by the fact that each participating individual and faction automatically operates within known Guidelines and Procedures, which in turn ensure for logical progressions within every Discipline, from the Basics upwards through all the levels, no matter what the activity.



Methods

"Way of doing something, system of procedure,
conscious regularity, orderliness"

Though various "methods" can be found within any System … those that evolve where there are inadequate or non existent National Guidelines in place are rendered ineffective and more often than not in conflict one with the other, resulting in confusion, discouragement and fear for many newcomers to the Sport ; to this may be added the acquisition of that most undesirable of connotations : "Dangerous".

"If you don't know that you don't know, you cant
know what you need to know"

"Methods" devoid of a Nationally driven structure can be widely varying because they are oftentimes based upon personal opinion ; when there is no national material available to provide direction, practising participants or newcomers to the Sport are left without a basis for comparison, little to tell them if something is right or wrong, no concrete means for making knowledgeable, thus safe choices, left in the unenviable position of having to proceed on "blind faith" with the result that many end up moving from one facility, organisation or "professional" to the next , subjected to whichever "method" is locally current at the time.

Without strong Leadership initiated from the "top", without National Standards, published programs, guidelines and curricula available to all, there can be no real, co-ordinated direction, leaving any parts that do exist individualistic and fragmented.


Organisational PLANNING*

"The 5 P Principle" : Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance"

The premise that ongoing, strategic Planning is essential to the workings of any functioning System in any field of endeavour applies equally to Not-for-Profit organisations as to Industry.

However, since Not-for-Profit organisations are generally managed by "volunteer" personnel, there are in fact additional workloads to be considered. It is therefore essential that "volunteer" personnel are made aware that :

  • their assumed duties will likely be over and above their personal daily activities
  • their duties could oftentimes be outside of their usual realm of expertise
  • they should expect to fulfil the requirements of the position they have assumed in a timely and effective manner.
  • potential frequent changes in "personnel" do not cause disruptions to the overall flow of business ;
  • volunteers fully understand the responsibilities and duties that go along with any "office" prior to assuming the position ;
  • know and understand the background and reasons for existing policies and procedures, research and investigate pertinent subject matter prior to suggesting changes, to ensure that educated proposals can be made and carried out.
  • appreciate the necessity for the application and observation of Rules of Order .

With the leadership provided by an official, Nationally structured System, the propagation of personalised "methods" becomes rather more difficult, thus confusion is reduced, safety is enhanced, understanding of the "why's" affords the new participant better awareness, a wider basis of knowledgeable choices for their personal goals, increased safety, more consistency in results and the ability to move from one activity, level, teaching facility or location to another without undue trauma because of a change in venue.

Furthermore, such standardised programs and curricula would be a valuable asset to the teaching profession itself, providing Instructors and Coaches with a uniform base to work from, enabling them to make participation in the Sport more attractive to more people, thus enhancing their own earning potential.

* See A.R.M.


System Elements

When a new or revamped system and programs are to be introduced for eventual acceptance by the "end user", the structure must of necessity be instituted on a strictly voluntary basis, and implemented over time.

Stipulate the criterion, make the material available …
and time will take care of its acceptance.

  1. Facility Grading, Licensing, Inspection & Regulation
    of ALL Establishments that provide any form of Equestrian activity to the public (eg : Teaching/Competitive facilities, Camps, Outfitters, Tourism/Trail Guides, Trail Ride and Tourism establishments etc), inspection of equine condition and care, tack, buildings, available licensed personnel, plus :
    • Third Party Liability Insurance for all Venues, Facilities and participating Individuals, no matter what the activity.
    • First Aid Certification of all personnel involved in the provision of equitation activities no matter what the type, Venue, Facility or Teaching level.
  2. Rider Programs, Curricula & Certification
    through National graduated levels (Non-teaching), each subsequent level based upon the acquisition of preceding level criteria and curricula. Rider Certification to an equivalent level also a requirement prior to being able to compete at a relative Competition level.
  3. Teaching Curricula & Certification
    through graduated levels (that have progressed upwards through the Rider levels) that can teach to succeeding levels of competence (for example : a Level 1 Instructor can teach Level 1 Riders ; a Level 2 Instructor can teach both Level 1 and Level 2 Riders and Level 1 Instructors …etc).
  4. Competitions
    Directives for Local, Provincial, Regional, National Competitions and Championships ; Selection Trials.
  5. Competition & Competitor/Horse grading systems
    Grading and Carding based upon a pre-published point system pertinent to each Discipline, relative to upgrading and downgrading criteria, that ensures that horse/rider combinations remain within their level of competence by earning "graduation" to succeeding levels.
  6. Team Preparation & Selection:
    High performance sector automatically has a full time National coach whose job includes ongoing identification and selection of talent for long term high performance, regular training guidance, and provides direction to national coaches who work with those identified and the constituted teams.
  7. National Breeding Programs
    Provides national directives & guideline criteria for the various breed
    sectors, and maintains records of accomplishments
  8. Administration
    • Financial practices : should become self supporting
    • Communication : Phone, News mediums, Web site, news letters and bulletins ; Systematic reporting avenues and guidelines through local, regional, national and international levels
    • Marketing : provision of an "attractive, safe product" that is not only inviting to newcomers, but enlists constant involvement, Team spirit, Team effort and consistent International competitive success that in turn attracts major Sponsorship and Media attention.
    • Promotion : ongoing projects, goals, rewards and encouragement premiums for :
      1. Continuing Education (certificates/level pins etc),
      2. Competition (stall plaques, certificates, lapel pins etc),
      3. Volunteering (public recognition/awards, project satisfaction etc) ...
      4. Inter-regional, "friendly" competitions between Corporate and School teams.
      5. Clinics, seminars, demonstrations, testing.
      6. Calibre of live stock from selected breeding programs
      7. Facility professionalism in the provision of equestrian services.

"It is amazing what can be done when people don't care who gets the credit"


Advantages of a National Structure

  • Ensures Common Goals, improved Image and Safety based upon a consistent professional approach, standardised programs and structured educational practices.
  • Promotes Academic equitation based upon classical training techniques through the application of psychology and pedagogy for both horse and rider
  • Provides natural checks and balances within the system
  • Provides coaches with planned programs that facilitate the guidance of their students through a series of logically progressing steps to their chosen fields of endeavour
  • Provides riders with the guidelines to better define their own personal goals.
  • Allows a rider to stop any time and resume at a later date without confusion or discontinuity
  • Provides logically graduated guidance and direction relative to the subject matter pertaining to a given level
  • Allows a change of instructor without resulting in undue confusion
  • Encourages riders to plan their own progressions more constructively
  • Enables rider and coaches to better assess their own or their student's progress and become more aware of personal levels of competence
  • Helps a rider to make more informed assessments of a coach's philosophy, knowledge and level of competence
  • Provides a larger selection of better prepared coaches
  • Provides a larger base of safe teaching facilities, establishments, venues.
  • Achieves more correct work based upon true understanding of historic equestrian principles
  • Forms more knowledgeable, better prepared riders, horses, therefore competitors
  • Ensures correctly trained elite athletes who can achieve consistent international success
  • Improves overall enjoyment of the sport as a recreational pass time at any level.

"Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities ; seize common
occasions and make them great !"
(Peter Thomas, founder of Century 21 Canada)


Addendum

Make no small plans, for they have no magic to stir our souls ;
great ideas attract great people
(Peter Thomas)

Attitude

Attitude is a personal choice ; we may not be able to change the world around us, but we can sure change our attitudes. We are what we think.

Motivation

Decide on the qualities, skills & experience required of the people needed for a specific challenge. Attract the right people & ask them to work toward a common stated objective. Stimulate them to work as a team to produce ideas for achieving that objective within a specified time frame. Focus on the positive, Lead & Motivate whilst dispelling fear, uncertainty & doubt.

Mission

To attract Achievers who have essential skills and experience to "get the job done" :
Know your clientele, your competitors ; set realistic goals ; pay attention to detail ; know how to delegate ; identify strengths and accomplishments ; define objectives and time frames for achieving them ; determine skills, talents and resources available ; define priorities in chronological sequence ; evaluate current status and progress ; determine specific action to achieve priorities, further develop skills and resources ; cultivate enthusiasm, loyalty, camaraderie and a congenial working atmosphere.

Commitment

There are people who've got what it takes to make it happen ; there are people who work very hard to make it happen ; and there are people who say " what happened ?"

It is not where you are today that counts ; it is where you are headed …


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