PDFE #1

     I observed an hour of the Berry College Women’s Equestrian team try outs. It was held at 5:30 on Friday, August 27th at the Gunby Equestrian Center on Mountain Campus at Berry College. Margaret Knight is the Equestrian Team coach and she over saw the try-outs with assistance from some of the girls on the team. This try-out was for the western team and 10 girls tried out in two different groups, each group having 5 girls on horses in the ring at one time. The purpose of this activity was to demonstrate horsemanship in an attempt to become part of Berry’s Equestrian Team. I chose to observe in this setting because I enjoy horses and love to watch how different people have learned to ride.

     The activity is set up to be as safe as possible when dealing with the inherent risks of horses. All participants have on closed toed shoes, jeans and a helmet along with an experienced team member to help them with the horse if something were to happen and they lost control. The participants are actively engaged in the activity with their entire bodies. Many people tend to think of riding horses as just sitting there, but in reality a rider must use their entire body to ride the horse properly and safely. While riding, riders are using their core to hold their upper body still, their arms to hold the horse and their lower body to maintain balance and control. Calves are being squeezed, abs are held tight and while movements are not overt they are very taxing subtle movements. Each participant has a different level of riding ability and it is apparent in the amount they they are moving on top of the horse.
     The riders are attempting to enhance movement. Some are instructed to hold their leg closer to the horse while others are instructed to change the angle of their hip. This is for the more advanced riders who are already aware of these movements but need refreshers, or pointers on how to do something better or correct. The beginners are learning movement skills. They are learning how to push their heels down mainly, which shifts their weight making it easier to ride.
     This activity had varying level of experienced rider. Since it was a try-out it did not focus on teaching and practicing new skills, but was rather a display of potential skill. Because of this I do believe that the activity was appropriate for all students who were there because they were aware of what the activity entailed.
     If I were in charge of the activity I would a lot more time for each individual. During the try-outs there are 5 riders in the ring at once and another group waiting so not everyone can get the attention that they made have needed, although this is sort of how try-outs work. Even though this activity was a high pressure situation and riders were trying to make a team, they appeared to be having a good time, which could be contributed to the atmosphere that surrounds horses.