Catch Riding: Listening to the Horse’s Owner (and Not Unsolicited Advice From Others)

“To those who feel compelled to offer corrections when a rider simply is following an owner’s guidance, it is worth remembering that there is wisdom in stepping back and observing… Instead of criticizing…”

One of the most fascinating aspects of the equestrian world is how much unsolicited advice flows freely, often from well-meaning individuals who are eager to share their knowledge. While there is always something to be learned from each individual, there is also something deeply valuable in knowing when to listen to the one person who truly understands a horse best: its owner.

Over the past year, Kamille has had the unique opportunity to ride several different horses, each with its own personality, training, and quirks. This experience alone is an incredible testament to her versatility as a rider and the generosity of the people in our circle. Yet, what has been truly mind-blowing is the number of people who have felt compelled to tell her she was riding incorrectly, despite her simply following the guidance of the horse’s owner. The assumption that she needed correction, rather than understanding that she was respecting the knowledge and wishes of the person who knows the horse best, is something worth discussing.

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When a rider is given the chance to ride a horse that is not their own, their primary responsibility is not to train the horse but to have the best possible ride based on what that horse already knows. Every horse is different. Some respond to the lightest of cues, while others require a firmer touch. Some have been trained to move off leg pressure in a specific way, while others may be directed more by the reins. The only way to ride effectively is to listen — listen to the horse, listen to its owner, and adapt accordingly.

Yet, despite this clear and logical approach, there always seem to be those who feel the need to step in and correct, or talk $h!t, on a rider who simply is following the guidance provided by the owner. It feels as if many believe there is only one right way to ride, when in reality, horsemanship is an evolving dialogue between horse and rider. What works for one horse may not work for another, and it is an incredible skill to be able to adapt to different horses while respecting what they already know.

Photo by Marcella Gruchalak

Kamille’s approach — listening to the owner and working with what the horse understands — not only is respectful, but also the key to success in any equestrian endeavor. She is not there to retrain someone else’s horse. She is not there to impose her own style or force a horse into a method that does not suit it. She is there to get the best ride possible by working with what the horse knows and feels comfortable with. That is the makings of a true horsewoman.

This ability to adapt is something that should be admired, not criticized. It takes a certain skill level to step onto a new horse and ride it well without attempting to override its prior training. It requires patience, attentiveness, and a willingness to trust the person who has spent the most time with that horse. It also demonstrates a deep respect for the animal itself. After all, horses are not machines; they are living, thinking creatures with histories and experiences that shape how they respond to riders. Ignoring that in favor of a one-size-fits-all riding approach does a disservice to both the horse and the rider.

Photo by Marcella Gruchalak

The reality is, every horse has an owner who knows its strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. Although professional trainers have valuable insights, the everyday rider or bystander does not always have the full picture. They may see a moment in time and assume they know better, but they have not spent hours, days, and years working with that horse. They have not been through its ups and downs, its learning curves, and its breakthroughs. The person who has done that is the owner, and when you’re catch riding their horse, their input should be respected above all else.

There is a great deal of humility in being willing to listen rather than impose. It is easy to assume one’s own knowledge is superior, but true horsemanship is about recognizing that there is always more to learn. Kamille’s ability to take direction from the owner of each horse she rides is not only commendable, but also essential to her success. It shows her adaptability, her respect for the horse-human partnership, and her dedication to making each ride the best it can be.

To be fair, Kamille is only 11. So although she always is working hard to adapt to each horse she rides and develop her horsemanship, she still is learning (but aren’t we all?).

Photo by Tim Frank Images

This is an important lesson for all riders, whether they are stepping onto a new horse for the first time or have been riding for decades. The best horsemen and horsewomen are not those who believe they have all the answers, but those who consistently are willing to listen, learn, and adapt. A horse will tell you what it needs, and so will its owner. The combination of these two voices should always take precedence over the unsolicited opinions of those who do not have the full story.

Kamille’s journey over the past year has been filled with incredible experiences, and her ability to navigate different horses with grace and adaptability is something to admire. She is proof that the best riders are not the ones who insist on their way being the only way, but rather those who understand that the key to success lies in respecting the unique needs of each horse they ride.

To those who feel compelled to offer corrections when a rider is simply following an owner’s guidance, it is worth remembering that there is wisdom in stepping back and observing. Every horse is different, most every training method has its merits, and the most successful rides for those of us who are not trainers come from working with a horse’s established foundation rather than against it. Instead of criticizing, let’s celebrate the riders who listen, adapt, and prioritize the well-being of the horse above all else. That is what true horsemanship is all about.