ber growing up in the time where we all said, “I want to be like Mike.” Athletic superstars have a way of becoming superhuman in our minds; if we wear the shoes, wear the clothes, and adapt the same attitude we can do it, too. Of course, we all learn at some point it takes a lot more to achieve athletic greatness. When I look at the riding pros that cover the magazines and dominate social media, I examine what habits they will be setting for the kids that I currently teach. Do they wear helmets? Are they kind to their horses? What kind of message are they sending? I will admit that I have seen examples of
Influenced Behavior By Christine Olsen
riders emulating their idols by purchasing a certain saddle, wearing a certain brand of clothing, or suddenly changing their position because ‘so-and-so’ rides that way. It is good to be reminded from time to time
I am a baseball fan. I grew up around the
the helmet on as they walked out, or keep it
that as an instructor or coach you are al-
sport. Not only was my father a coach for
on as they approached the dugout. Even with
ways setting an example as part of your job
our local baseball and softball teams, but
the reminders, the kids continued to forget.
description. Reflect on the example you are
my siblings and I played the sport as soon
This behavior became so frequent the referee
setting today.
as we could hold a bat. The majority of my
had to come to the dugout twice to explain
time now as an adult is spent in the sand of
the rule, and give the team a warning.
You don’t have to be an Olympic rider to set a good example. Every trainer, instructor,
the riding arena, rather than a baseball diamond. When I can get away, there’s nothing
I couldn’t help but wonder what was hap-
coach and working student should be set-
I like more than filling the hours with a good
pening. I did not keep track of how many
ting an example at all times. Even the attire
ball game.
times this rule was repeated, but it was more
of the barn staff helps identify the culture of
than enough that it was no longer a forgot-
a stable and can help your clients pick up the
A while back I remember attending one of
ten mistake, but rather a clear objection
habits you want them to possess.
my nephew’s baseball games. It was near the
to the rule. If they are instructed to keep
end of summer, and there is no better feeling
their helmets on, I wondered who is teach-
Ask your students who their riding icons are.
than a hot day melting into a cool evening.
ing them to take their helmets off? When
Ask them what qualities they look up to, and
While I was watching this game and trying
watching the pros on TV, it is clear to see
why. This could lead to some very interesting
to allow my mind to unwind and relax, there
who the influence is.
discussions. This will not only help you further mentor your rider, but continue devel-
were observations that couldn’t go unnoticed. Particularly it was about the boys’ be-
In this situation, kids are looking up to their
havior on wearing their batting helmets.
idols and ignoring their coaches’ instructions. As a coach myself, I found this dis-
During the entirety of the game, I was truly
play extremely alarming. I was concerned
amazed at how many times the boys would
for my nephew, his safety, and how he took
take off their helmets while they were out-
instruction.
side of the dugout. Anyone who has ever played the sport on any level knows that a
Having a sports idol is important for every
batter must wear a helmet at all times. The
athlete. It is a physical manifestation of a
coach would both remind their players to put
goal to continue working toward. I remem-
34
Summer 2021 | Riding Instructor
oping a great relationship with your client. About the author: Christine Olsen has 15 years of experience in the industry as a rider, trainer, clinician and instructor. She provides mobile coaching services through Northern Illinois and enjoys sharing her passion for horses with her students.
