The Benefits of Trying a New Discipline

Short post today because in just a few minutes I’m off to Oklahoma City for IEA Western National Finals, which are held in conjunction with the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Reining Derby. 

As I was packing my blue jeans and boots last night, I was thinking that one of the coolest things about the IEA and IHSA is that hunt seat riders can experiment with western, and western riders can take a shot at hunt seat without the commitment of buying or leasing a horse or tack. 

At no other time in your equestrian career will riding and showing in a different discipline be so easy.  All you have to provide is your clothing.  Quite honestly, with my IHSA team at least, many of the riders share show clothes so there is very little they actually have to purchase.

You can start out with a lesson or two just to see if it’s up your alley.  Then, once you have a few rides under your belt, you can go to a show and compete in a division suitable to your experience in the new discipline.  Don’t worry, just because you may be an advanced hunt seat rider doesn’t mean you’re going to be thrown into the show pen with AQHA world show qualifiers, and you western riders don’t have to worry about competing against Maclay veterans in the hunt seat ring.

Learning a second discipline can make you a more rounded athlete as you work to develop the skills associated with the other seat.  It can also foster team spirit as the western riders cheer on the hunt seat riders who have joined them in their arena, and vice versa.

Also, competing in a different discipline can be a fun challenge without the stress that goes along with working to place well in your regular discipline.  You can just relax and have a good time without points and qualifying weighing you down.

I encourage all my riders to take some time to try something new.  Who knows?  You might even end up at the NRHA Reining Derby.