From Rider to Proactive Partner: The "Horse Shopping List" for Better Body Mechanics

How Self-Assessment Can Make You a More Mindful, Effective Rider

If you're passionate about horses, you've probably spent more hours in the saddle than you care to count—only to discover, occasionally, that old habits have snuck back in. Maybe your horse in really lazy or is heavy in the contact. Don't fret! There's a refreshingly simple tool that can help you reset and ride with renewed awareness, it's what I like to call, the "horse shopping list". This clever twist on intentional self-assessment can make all the difference in how you and your horse move together. This one builds on the "Rider Shopping List".

What Is a "Horse Shopping List"?

Much like the "rider shopping list"—a personal checklist of cues for your own body—a horse shopping list is a set of short, descriptive words or phrases you use to check in on what your horse is doing underneath you. Think of it as a tactical inventory of your horse's movement, attitude and rhythm, helping you catch and fix subtle issues before they become ingrained habits.

For example, you might use your horse shopping list to ask: Is my horse heavy in the contact, bracing against the bit, or not swinging his ribcage equally left and right? These details matter, and regularly checking them creates a stronger partnership between you and your horse.

Why Use a Horse Shopping List?

• Develop sharper feel: You’ll learn to notice small changes in your horse’s movement—like when he starts to lean on one rein or loses impulsion in transitions.

• Break down complex feedback: By focusing on one or two cues at a time, you make sense of what’s happening beneath you, rather than feeling overwhelmed by everything all at once.

• Promote balanced movement: You can actively encourage your horse to swing his ribcage evenly, carry himself lightly and remain responsive, by using your 7-point seat.

• Reduce tension: Catching issues early means less frustration for both rider and horse, and more time spent enjoying the ride.

• Practice for permanency into proactivity: The ultimate goal is to become a rider who can sense, adjust, and guide your horse to move more healthily, freely, and effortlessly. Our shopping list is designed to foster this mindset while riding. It also assists you in becoming a proactive rider and learner, enabling you to identify and address areas for improvement during your ride, even when your coach is not present.

Creating Your Horse Shopping List

Just as your rider shopping list might include cues like “breathe”, “stacked”, and “spongey elbows”, your horse shopping list should be equally concise and actionable. Here’s what it might look like:

• Light – Is my horse soft in the contact, responding to gentle aids?

• Swing – Is his ribcage swinging evenly left and right?

• Forward – Is he stepping actively from behind, not getting lazy?

• Level – Is his poll the highest point and his shoulders free?

• Relaxed – Is he snorting softly, chewing the bit, and moving with looseness?

• Equal – Are both sides of his body working evenly, or does one feel heavier?

• Adjust – Does he respond to my seat and leg when I ask for a change in tempo or direction?

Let’s look at a couple of specific examples:

• If your horse feels heavy in the contact, your shopping list might focus on “light”, “forward”, and “relaxed”—prompting you to use half-halts and leg aids to encourage softness.

• If your horse isn’t swinging his ribcage equally, your cues could be “equal”, “swing”, and “adjust”—reminding you to check your own balance and ask for more movement using your 7-point seat to influence the change in your horse's body.

Using Your Horse Shopping List in the Saddle

Start at the walk, using your horse shopping list alongside your rider shopping list. As you set off, mentally run through your cues: Is my horse light? Is he swinging his ribcage? Is he moving forward willingly?

Check in every few minutes or when you change gait or direction. If you notice your horse getting heavy or crooked, pause and review your list. Can you adjust your aids or posture to help him rebalance?

As you gain experience, you'll start to notice subtle shifts in your horse's movement. Maybe, after a gentle leg yield, he suddenly feels “equal” on both sides, or a half-halt brings him “light” in your hands. Celebrate these moments—they’re signs your self-assessment is working!

Turning Bad Habits into Good Ones—Together

The horse shopping list works just like the rider shopping list: consistency breeds improvement. You may find, at first, it takes a couple of 20m circles to get through your cues. But with regular practice, your ability to notice and adjust—both your own body and your horse’s—will become automatic.

For example, if you always remind yourself to check that your horse is “swinging” his ribcage, soon you’ll do it unconsciously, making gentle corrections before issues arise. Over time, both you and your horse will be moving with more symmetry, softness and connection.

Tips for Success

1. Keep it short: Limit your shopping list to 5–7 cues per session. Less is more.

2. Adapt as needed: Adjust your cues as you and your horse progress. Swap out old challenges for new ones.

3. Say it out loud: Don’t be afraid to quietly verbalise your list as you ride. It helps cement new habits.

4. Be patient: Building muscle memory—yours and your horse’s—takes time. Celebrate every win!

   
   

Building Autonomy and Efficiency

The real magic happens when you can switch seamlessly between your rider and horse shopping lists, making small but meaningful adjustments in real time. This is what it means to be a proactive rider: you influence not just your own body, but your horse’s way of going, all with a few well-chosen words/visualisations and a commitment to consistent self-assessment.

When you reach the point where you intuitively know what to check—and can act on it while riding through transitions, circles or lateral work—you’ll know you’re progressing towards autonomy and efficiency. The ride will feel smoother, more harmonious and, most importantly, more fun! Interested in learning more about the "rider shopping list"? Take a look at this blog post to see what it entails.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re riding in the arvo or heading out for a trot before brekkie, a horse shopping list is the ultimate sidekick for mindful, effective riding. Give it a go next time you saddle up: check in, adjust, and enjoy the journey as you and your horse grow together—one cue at a time. Happy riding, mate!