5 Elements of Equitation, Element 4 - Competence

Competence means being reliable and effective. It’s not just about getting results, like winning a competition or teaching a new skill.  A competent horseman knows when to push for improvement and when to step back and let the horse process. A competent coach knows how to build confidence in a rider without overwhelming them. 

Competence is about finding balance and earning trust from both horses and people.

Competence is more than being good at something - it’s about having the ability, confidence, and understanding to handle a task well. In equitation, competence means not just riding effectively or training skillfully but approaching each moment with intention, clarity, and care.

At its heart, competence is about trust: trust in your own abilities, trust from the horse, and trust in the partnership you’re building.

Competence is built on three interconnected elements:

• Knowledge: Knowing what to do and why. Which tool to utilize and how it will be effective.  This knowledge comes from education, observation, and experience.

• Skill: The ability to put knowledge into action, which is in itself a skill. This comes from practice and experience.

• Judgment: The wisdom to know when, how, or even if something should be done. This comes from reflecting, learning from past mistakes, experiences, and the ability to trust yourself enough to remain curious.

  
  

True competence balances all three. Without knowledge, we act blindly. Without skill, we struggle to execute. Without judgment, we may apply our abilities in ways that are unhelpful, confusing, or even harmful.

Competence is not something you achieve overnight. It’s the result of steady, patient effort over time. It starts with learning the basics and grows as you deepen your understanding, fill your toolbox,  and hone your skills.

This process requires patience - not only with the horse but with ourselves. Competence is not about perfection. It’s about steady progress, learning from our mistakes, and striving to improve each day.

In practice, competence reveals itself in quiet, thoughtful moments:

• Timing and Feel: A competent horseman knows exactly when to apply pressure and when to release, responding to the horse’s needs, energetically and physically,  in the moment.

• Adaptability: Competence means being able to adjust your approach based on what the horse is showing you and not being “stuck” in a thought process (methodology) that limits the tools available to you.

• Consistency: Horses thrive on clear, consistent communication. Competence ensures that your actions align with your intentions.  This allows confidence in your leadership as a rider, trainer, or coach.

• Calm Under Pressure: A competent rider stays composed even in challenging situations, offering the horse reassurance and stability. This is a tough one to overcome at times.  Our horses often reflect if we need more help in this area.

Competence is not about controlling the horse but about creating an environment where the horse feels safe, understood, and willing to try. Competence is as much about character as it is about skill. It also reminds us of the importance of balance. It’s not just about being technically skilled or physically strong - it’s about emotional balance, having clear intentions, and a willingness to listen and adapt.

Competence is not a destination but an ongoing journey. No matter how much experience we gain, there is always more to learn and refine. This keeps us grounded, reminding us to stay curious and open to growth.

Philosophically, competence is about harmony - bringing together mind, body, and spirit to work with the horse in a way that feels effortless and natural. It’s about striving for excellence while remaining humble and patient.  Often, the path to competence aligns with the path to humility. 

Competence is the foundation of trust and partnership. It allows us to approach challenges with confidence and to communicate with horses in a way they understand and appreciate. It’s more than what we do - it’s how we do it. It’s about acting with care, clarity, and respect, always striving to improve for the horse or student.

Ultimately, competence is not just about mastery - it’s about connection. It’s what allows us to move from merely riding a horse to truly working in partnership, creating something greater than ourselves.

Follow along for  Element 5 “Critical Thinking”

© Sarah Orloff, Still Waters Equitation 2024. All rights reserved. Sharing of this article is encouraged, provided it remains in its original form and proper credit is given to the author. Reproduction, modification, or use of this content without explicit permission is prohibited. Contact the author for permission.