Train Your Riders Better

People differ from one another, and that’s a good thing: it makes the world more diverse and colourful. It also explains why you instantly ‘click’ with a certain person, while others are harder to communicate with. As a trainer, you probably recognise that some clients immediately understand your coaching, while others need more information and may repeatedly ask you to show them what you mean, or tune you out completely. This can be very frustrating!

Understanding your personal ‘behavioural style’ as well as your clients’ helps you to train with more energy and enthusiasm, and improves the effectiveness of your instructions. As a result, your clients gain more from their lessons and they’re more satisfied with your instructions.

Theoretical background

In work psychology, the behavioural styles theory is widely spread and used around the globe. The theory, based on Carl Jung’s legacy, assumes that we all have a mix of four behavioural styles within us, but there’s always one style that’s most developed. Our natural behaviour can be more introverted or extroverted, and based more on thinking (task) or feeling (people).

What’s your most developed style?

Dominant director You are a straightforward and extroverted person, willing to win, result oriented and competitive. You’re looking for progress and can be impatient when results don’t appear as quickly as you want them to. Your main focus is on task and goals, and you like to challenge yourself and your horse.

Interactive socialiser You are an optimistic, charming and extroverted person. It’s natural and easy for you to make contact. Positive relations with other people and your horse are important. You like public recognition. You’re easily distracted. You like variation, so depending on how it feels, you decide what your approach will be today.

Steady relator You are a friendly, introverted person. You are patient and understanding, and you are a good teacher who is willing to help. You like structure and routine, and doing things at your own pace. When it comes to training, your focus is mainly on improving the things you are familiar with. You have a gentle, step-by-step approach in your riding and teaching, and you are even-tempered.