I get this question on my Instagram frequently. “I want to get started in trick riding. Where do I start?” Because this question is perhaps too general for me to provide a short answer that would be helpful to the inquirers, I decided to make a post with my best advice for those just starting out.
Find A Coach
Before trying anything on your own, my STEP ONE advice would be to find a coach in your area to work with. If you don’t know anyone in the industry to ask for recommendations, I would start by looking in this Facebook group.
Now, I know that finding a coach can be easier said than done. Perhaps you’ve already looked and asked around, and there doesn’t appear to be anyone who can help in your immediate area. You have several options here.
- Look for a vaulting club. Even if there isn’t anyone specializing in American trick riding in your area, there might be a vaulting club. Vaulting is great for developing the strength, flexibility and body awareness necessary to be a successful trick rider. It also doesn’t require owning your own horse and equipment in most cases, which makes it a great option for beginners. Even if vaulting isn’t your end goal, it will definitely help you on your path to becoming a trick rider.
- Look for a cossack or bareback rider who offers lessons. Don’t know the difference between these alternatives to American trick riding? Check out my post on the different disciplines within the world of equestrian circus here. Although less common than American trick riding and vaulting here in the US, you may get lucky and have a cossack or bareback rider closer to your area.
- Wait for a clinic near you. Just because you might not have a trick riding coach living down the road from you doesn’t mean they will never be in your area. Professional trick riders by nature travel – a lot! I advise you to follow as many reputable trick riders as you can find on social media and watch for them to post their travel schedules and clinic offerings. Also, if you have friends and acquaintances who also want to learn trick riding, you may be able to put together a group and host a clinic yourself.
- Travel to train. This is what I have been doing for the past several years. I actually do not live near any other trick riders, and I currently do not own my own horse. I travel to train exclusively. A few times a year, I drive to Riata Ranch International in Three Rivers, CA. This is a six hour drive from my home in Las Vegas, but it is so worth it. Riata Ranch is set up better than most places to host individuals to are traveling to train, because they have several Airbnb options on the ranch itself. And, it is just 10 minutes from the entrance to beautiful Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. Even if you aren’t a trick rider, it is a gorgeous place for a vacation/getaway. Contact them today to schedule your training trip, and be sure to tell them I sent you! In addition to Riata Ranch, I am also planning a trip this winter to train cossack riding with Alanian Riders, the cossack group I perform with. Ashley Pletcher of the Alanian Rider and Keystone Equine Entertainment travels and teaches clinics, lessons, and summer camps all over the east coast. I would definitely look into these two options as well as following other trick riders to keep your ears open for clinics and opportunities.
Hit the Gym
To be a successful trick rider, fitness is a must! If you don’t have a current workout routine, or if it has been a little lacking, now is the time to get strong! As someone who does not get to trick ride all year long, I find it immensely helpful to train hard in the gym so that when I do get to trick ride, my body is ready to go.
There are many options for cross training your trick riding. I lift weights 1-2 times per week, train aerial 3-4 times per week, and train my flexibility along with other bodyweight exercises 5 days per week. I also ride dressage about 3 days per week. In addition to those options, I also recommend training some sort of ballet and gymnastics/acrobatics to help prepare your body for trick riding. I will make a more detailed most about cross training in the future, but most importantly, you should find out what your strengths and weaknesses are and develop a workout plan that works for your body.
Train Your Horse
Do you already have your own horse who is healthy, sound, and suitable for trick riding? Lucky you!
I recommend having a coach do an evaluation with you and your horse before you start any trick-specific training. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t start to prepare your horse for what is to come. Your horse will need to be strong and stable to be able to support your tricks, as well as be prepared mentally. If your horse is not already in an advanced training program, now is the time to start working up to that.
Your horse needs to cross train, too! I prefer a combination of dressage exercises and reining/cowhorse exercises for conditioning my trick horses. Dressage is excellent for every horse because of the strength and balance it develops. Reining teaches the horse to maintain that strength and balance on a loose rein and to be adjustable with light contact on the reins. All of these things are highly important in a good trick riding horse. Work with your coach to develop a training plan that is individual to your horse.
Another important aspect of training for a trick riding horse is desensitizing. Trick horses need to be able to handle a rider on their neck, butt, inside, outside, and flanks, and even sometimes under their belly without a negative reaction. They also need to be okay with many distractions from the crowd during performances. Desensitizing your horse and exposing him/her to a variety of different situations and scenarios will help immensely in preparing for trick riding.
I hope this helps you make the very first steps into the world of trick riding! I will be making future posts about the specifics of training trick riding, but following these three steps will set you up for success in your first lessons. Enjoy being a beginner – it’s a fun and exciting time! Don’t hesitate to contact me with specific questions or ideas you would like included in future posts. I will help to the best of my ability!
