The Biggest Mistakes Nonpro Riders Make

Being a non-pro/amateur rider is challenging. But it can be easier if you avoid making these seven common mistakes.

- Bob Avilla, Jennifer Paulson

If you’re a non-pro or amateur competitor, horses are most likely your hobby. You enjoy the preparation and showing experience, but you also thrive on improving, learning, and competing. It’s a pretty great way to spend your free time.

But there are mistakes I see amateur riders make that hold back your enjoyment and hinder your competitive success. Keep these seven common errors in mind to ensure that you get the most out of every ride.

Mistake #1: Not Riding Enough.

I’ve said it many times: The non-pros who ride are the non-pros who win. Granted, there are factors that you can’t control such as the weather, health issues with you or your horse, family emergencies, or work problems. But if you can’t put in at least three days a week in the saddle, then you can’t be disappointed when you don’t mark the highest scores or see your name at the top of the judge’s card.

Putting in saddle time at home and in lessons enhances your connection with your horse, so you have a better idea of where he excels and where you might need to help him. It also teaches you to stay out of his way, allows you to learn how much cue he needs for a maneuver, and just plain makes you a better rider.

Mistake #2: Not Focusing in the Saddle.