Q: How does the simulator work? How is it controlled?
A: Simulators can be operated by either the rider or the instructor. The simulators are equipped with sensors beneath the saddle, on the bit, under the rider's legs, and on the neck, which respond to the rider's cues for movement, direction, halting, and collection, since they are intended to emulate the experience of riding a real horse. The instructor utilizes hand-held controllers to manage operation.

Q: Are simulators realistic to ride?
A: Yes. Simulators emulate equine locomotion. As every horse has unique riding characteristics, a simulator merely mimics another horse, complete with its own idiosyncrasies.

Q: What size is the simulator?
A:The simulators are as big as a full-size horse, about 15 hands.

Q: What kinds of things can I expect to learn on a simulator?
A: A rider will learn to identify what is correct and incorrect about their position (ie anterior pelvic tilt, rocking torso, inconsistent connection, unstable contact, internal femur rotation, lordosis, kyphosis, locked hips, chair seat, posting too high, etc and what to do to fix it. The rider will also learn how to:

·         absorb the forces the horse sends through them in the different gaits

·         to sit lightly

·         use the pelvis effectively

·         become more balanced and coordinated

·         have softer hands

·         consistent connection

·         independent hand control

·         reduced tension in the body

·         analyze their position

·         remain stable before, during and after transitions

·         recognize a steady tempo

·         influence the horse more precisely

·         apply what they have learned to new situations by riding in the woods, hacking out on tricky trails, riding up and down hilly terrain, performing dressage tests of all levels and jumping both stadium and cross-country at various jump heights

·         assess your own riding while you are riding in order to improve your riding

·         become more secure and stable in the saddle

·         clear and intentional in your aids

Furthermore, instructors are available to assist you in understanding how to apply what you have learned to riding your own horse, as well as to discuss various training strategies for resolving issues you may be experiencing with your horse. It is essential to know how to evaluate your riding skills on your own horse to ensure continuous improvement and avoid reverting to familiar behaviors when returning to your horse.

Riders will also improve their fitness, stamina and performance quality. Some floor exercises are offered, as necessary. A single session on the simulator equates to multiple lessons on a live horse, as learning is intensified due to the rider's complete focus on themselves, allowing for the repetition of movements until they become second nature through muscle memory.

Q: Can my trainer come?
A: Of course! All coaches are welcome. We regularly collaborate with other instructors. Our objective is to enhance opportunities for the rider by all means necessary. Instructors from Ride Like You Ought are included in every session and specialize in operating the simulator, optimizing its unique features, and utilizing numerous tools unavailable with a real horse.

Q: Can I come with a group?
A:Groups are welcome! Ride Like You Ought conducts numerous one- or multi-day workshops for various groups, including Interscholastic, Sidesaddle, and riding camps. Group activities are enjoyable, and numerous services such as dining and lodging are available to accommodate visitors from various locations. Ride Like You Ought customizes lessons and aims to encompass a broader scope with each subsequent rider, ensuring that all participants acquire additional insights from their peers' lessons, thereby optimizing time and enhancing engagement.

Q: Can I host a clinic with the simulators?
A:Absolutely. We have even conducted clinics with instructors from other countries via Zoom! It works very well.

Q: What if I can’t ride for a whole hour?
A: An hour is only a suggested time frame; it often takes an hour for a rider to successfully integrate new information. However, you are welcome to ride for any length of time you like; simply make preparations by contacting Ride Like You Ought using our contact page.

Q: How often should I come?
A: Neuroplasticity refers to the capacity of the brain and nervous system to establish new neural connections, enabling the body to acquire novel movement patterns. In certain individuals, this occurs rapidly, whilst in others, it requires a prolonged duration. The riding simulator enables the repetition of precise movements and tasks until they become instinctive muscle memory. Mental blockages frequently exist; consistent practice on the simulator enables you to surmount these obstacles, fostering confidence and intentionality in your skills. You may replicate specific scenarios as frequently as required, so bolstering your sense of security, until you can consistently transfer that confidence and skill to your real horse. Riders quickly figure out how frequently they will need to come in order to reach their riding goals in the time frame they desire. Some people need to master a technique on the simulator first, while others need to go ride their horse and return to the simulator with specific questions that take them to the next level. In this way, simulators can be stress-free, at your own pace.

Q: Can you ride the simulator just for fun?
A: Of course! The simulator has a variety of virtual landscape scenarios so that you can just enjoy riding. (You just have to learn to ride the simulator in order to be able to control it.) The simulator is a perfect solution for riders who no longer want to ride a real horse (or can’t because of allergies or other health/age constraints), but still want to ride for enjoyment or the physical benefits of riding training.