Will I just be told how bad I am?

That’s what a lot of riders ask me when I bring up the subject data-driven training in equestrian sport. Others say, “But I already have a great trainer.” I get it – the idea of being measured can feel intimidating.

But for me, as a rider and co-founder of Rider’s Position Coach, getting real data on how I ride has been one of the most valuable tools in my development. It’s not about replacing my trainer – it’s about understanding how my body moves in the saddle to help me communicate better with my horse.

When you don’t have awareness of how you’re sitting, moving, or balancing, it’s like trying to have a conversation in a language which you only speak half of. You might be giving your horse mixed signals without realising it.

But when you do gain that insight – maybe through biomechanical feedback or movement analysis – it’s like someone handing you a clearer map. I’ve learned, for example, that when I’m stressed, my rhythm gets worse. I rush and my seat and position become less stable. Seeing that clearly helps me refocus and breathe.

This kind of measurement isn’t about judgment – it’s more like a thermometer. It tells you what’s going on right now, so you can work to improve your position. Are you balanced? Is your weight centred? Are your aids clear? These are questions that matter not just for performance, but for your horse’s comfort and soundness.

Research shows that our position directly impacts the horse’s movement and well-being – so understanding our biomechanics is part of being a responsible, empathetic rider.

Tools like the Rider’s Position Coach – the AI-powered app which I work with – helps to track your rhythm, balance, and even the impact on your horse’s back in kilos. You ride two short sequences with your phone secured by your lower back, and instantly get an analysis that makes you think, reflect, and learn. It’s not about perfection – it’s about progress.

So maybe the question isn’t, “Am I good enough to be measured?” Maybe it’s: “Am I curious enough about my riding to want to understand what’s really happening?”

For me, the answer is yes – because that curiosity is how real partnership with my horse begins.

Some thoughts from our co-founder Charlotta Mantell

Source:

Rider Position Affects Horse’s Back Load and Motion https://lnkd.in/dF6J-Ebe