In the last few months, I have picked up on a few new things that my coach and I have been working on. Thilo, my coach at Premadasa Riding Club, has spent a lot of time helping me understand the importance of building a connection with the horse, especially through groundwork and focusing on body language. By giving subtle cues to the horse with my body, I let the horse know what’s up.

Understanding body language cues during horseback riding is crucial for effective communication and safe navigation. By learning how to use body language effectively, I can communicate my intentions to my horses more clearly, whether it’s asking for a turn, a halt, or a change in speed. the lessons where we focus on the body cues are the ones I enjoy the most, especially because I don’t have to use a whip or constantly kick the horse to get it going (which after a certain point is exhausting and makes me feel bad) so its pretty safe and I know the horses prefer it that way too, there’s less misunderstanding involved and I guess foolproof? and to be completely honest I feel kind of cool knowing I have a nice bond with my horse and overall enhances the experience.

as a rider in the tropical climate of Sri Lanka, horse care takes on added significance, particularly in the heat. I’ve learned the importance of proper hydration, grooming, and cooling techniques to ensure the well-being of our horses. From early morning rides to meticulous grooming sessions, caring for the horses has become an integral part of my riding experience, deepening my appreciation for these incredible animals. Other than this we have mainly just been focusing on the basics just to polish my skills and move on to the next stage.