Most of the time in the horsey world, when you think of this term “getting left behind”, most people think of it in jumping terms. This happens when the horse has taken off and the rider has not followed the horse, hence getting left behind.

This is of course, not a great feeling for both horse and rider. The horse is unable to use his body properly over the fence, often getting pulled in the mouth by the rider and the rider obviously feeling very uncomfortable and off balanced.

I used to be quite good at being left behind over a jump. This happened because I was too defensive, having had many falls and never quite trusted the horse or the distance enough. My other famous trick was to slip my reins so at least I tried to give my horse his head as I got left behind. This has improved over the years, thank goodness!

However, there are also other situations where this term can be applied.

When I coach flatwork, I often tell my riders to not get left behind in their transitions.

Often you see this in the trot to canter transition, where the rider has asked for canter but as they are asking, they have sucked back, fallen backwards and although they think they are asking the horse to canter and to go forward, their entire body language and balance is actually saying the opposite. They are behind the movement in the transition.

This can also happen in the downward transition where as the horse changes speed or pace, we fall back with our balance and therefore we are again out of balance or out of sync with our horse.

Getting left behind makes it very hard for our horses to carry us and to do the work asked of them, in a well balanced and correct manner.

Lastly, we can get left behind when we are not updated with our knowledge.. we have yet to move on with the times and educate ourselves. What we learnt 20 years ago may not be current anymore in this day and age, especially with the advances made with horse care and horse management. Even riding techniques, and horse behavioural sciences have become more fine tuned.

As we go into total lockdown starting 1st June in Malaysia, for the next 2 weeks, this is the perfect opportunity to catch up on some online learning / reading. The Selangor Turf Club Equestrian Centre is offering online learning with Horse Management. For more details, send an email to equestrian@selangorturfclub.com

With Google, the world is now your oyster. I remember having to consult my encyclopedia set as a kid, when I wanted an answer to something. Hmmm, I think I am also showing my age!!!

So…. ask yourself.. are you getting left behind???