Coach Thomas here – whether you’re hitting the trails or the gym, the secret to smoother riding starts long before the horse shifts a hoof. It’s called the rate point, the moment your body prepares to cue the animal. Get the timing right and you’ll feel more balance, less tension, and a clearer line of communication.
WHAT IS THE RATE POINT
The rate point is the instant your core, hips, and shoulders engage just before you ask your horse to move. Think of it as a pre‑signal: a tiny, controlled contraction that tells the horse, “Get ready.” If you wait until the horse is already moving, you’re chasing a reaction instead of leading it.
WHY IT MATTERS
A well‑timed rate point gives the horse a clean, unambiguous cue. It reduces the need for corrective aids, which means fewer spooks and smoother transitions. For the rider, it translates into less strain on the back and shoulders because the effort is distributed through the body’s stable core, not just the arms.
THE BODY’S PRE‑ACTIVATION
Your nervous system fires milliseconds before the visible movement. The brain sends a signal to the deep abdominal muscles, glutes, and the lumbar spine stabilizers. This micro‑preparation creates a solid platform that lets the hands and legs follow through without wobbling. When you train this, you’re essentially teaching your body to think ahead of the horse.
KEY MUSCLES TO TARGET
- Transverse abdominis (deep core) – the true stabilizer.
- Multifidus (small back muscles) – protects the spine.
- Gluteus medius – controls hip alignment.
- Hip flexors – initiate forward motion.
- Scapular retractors – keep the shoulders down and back.
Strengthening these zones builds the foundation for a crisp, timely rate point.
DRILLS TO TUNE YOUR RATE POINT
1. Seated Core Pulse: Sit on a stable chair, engage the transverse abdominis by gently pulling the belly button toward the spine, hold 3 seconds, release. Do 3 sets of 15.
2. Mirror Hip Tap: Stand beside a mirror, lift a knee slightly, pause, then tap the ground while maintaining core tension. Repeat 10 each side, focusing on the micro‑pause before the tap.
3. Riding‑Simulated Cue: While on a stationary horse or a broomstick, practice the cue to move forward. Initiate the cue with a subtle squeeze of the core and glutes before any hand or leg pressure. Perform 5 repetitions, counting the “pre‑signal” seconds.
4. Wall Press: Press your back against a wall, engage core, then step back into a half‑squat, holding the rate point for 2 seconds before rising. 3 sets of 8.
CHECKING YOUR PROGRESS
After each ride, note the moment you gave the cue. Did you feel the core engage first? If you needed to “push” with the hands, the rate point is still lagging. Use a video or a friend’s observation to confirm the timing.
YOUR WEEKLY ACTION PLAN
Pick two of the drills above and perform them daily for the next seven days. On your next ride, consciously engage the core a second before you ask for forward movement. Write down the result after each session and notice any improvement in smoothness and reduced tension. Commit to this micro‑practice and watch your partnership with your horse transform.