AboutSarah Lothmann Expertise Professional trainer for 10+ years. I happily offer you my expertise, techniques, and advice covering: Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation, Showing, Training, Sales, Behavior, Stabling, Grooming, Tack, Barn Management, Rider Psychology, & Effective Communication.
Experience
Experience: I have been riding for over 23 years. As a kid I participated in 4H and Pony Club. I then worked as a groom and catch rode to pay my entry fees in the A Circuit. As a teenager I competed nationally in the Junior Hunters, USETs, and Medal classes. I've learned from and worked with some of the nations' best trainers. During college I began training professionally. I have prepared my students for both local and national shows. Recently I have organized two local equestrian groups for expanding general knowledge of horsemanship and for ensure the welfare of horses. I continue my dedication in this industry by offering visual design services for equine businesses including, graphic design, web development, and photography.
Education/Credentials AAS Degree, Veterinary Assistant, Professional Trainer
Question Hi Sarah, Please help me out here!! I have bee working so hard for to win the local year end equitation championship, but each year I fail =( My trainer has been working with me and I have improved. Next year I am supposed to move up to juniors and I'm afraid if I don't figure this all out that I will end up falling behind! How can I get the blue ribbon Sarah?
thank you - Hailey
Answer Hi Hailey,
Your dedication reminds me of myself once upon a time! There are a few things that will separate the "men from the boys" in the equitation ring. One of the most critical factors is strength. Strength is the foundation of good equitation. A near fail proof way to build your strength is to remove your stirrups from your saddle and give them to your trainer to lock in his/her trunk for the next six months! No, I am not kidding! It may seem like torture, but there will come a day when you will be glad you did. When you are working on the flat, focus on your transitions, bending and counter bending, lead changes, halts, and SITTING TROT! I will explain more about the sitting trot in a moment. When you are in lessons ask your trainer if you can work on gymnastics. This will really give you a sense of where your horse is and your strength will build as well. Also work on high cross rails. Place a poll in front of the X and sit the trot up to your jump. This will create momentum in your horse, and again build your strength.
The sitting trot is often missed by many riders. Some sit so light that they bounce around exaggerated movement in the horse's stride, while others can sit too deeply forcing the horse's head to drive upward as a reaction to his discomfort. When you are sitting the trot correctly the affects can be very intoxicating. The phrase, "in the zone" is how I refer to it. To achieve this, be aware of your lower leg. If you feel it clenching up closer to your thigh, and if you feel your upper calf muscle tiring then you know you have gone wrong. This is a common mistake among weaker riders. Push your heels down and forward and allow your entire inner leg (thigh and calf) work to push your horse where you are going. While you do this stretch your spine upwards and your shoulders back in a casual manner. This stretch should be minimal in appearance and as relaxing as a yawning stretch. Once you have done those two motions, focus your attention on your lower belly. You want to push it outward and down toward the pommel of your saddle. Imagine your belly is a sack of rice. It is absorbing the shock of your horse's movement and easily adjusts to every finite motion. By now you should check your legs again. At first, these three motions are very repetitive and at the forethought of your mind. As your strength develops you will need to rehearse this mantra less and less. This is when you then become "in the zone".
The other secret to be a great equitation rider is preparedness. You must always take an opportunity to ride as many horses as you can. Watch as many lessons as you can. Read as many books as you can, and it is critical that you spend some extra time just hanging out with your horse. Graze your horse. Stand out in the paddock and watch him eat. Stand by his stall door and take in everything you can. The more you know about your horse the more in tune the two of you will be. If you are prepared in all these ways, I promise you that you will succeed in your goal! Good luck, and please don't hesitate to ask me anything you need assistance with!
