For those of us who can measure our involvement with horses by decades rather than days or months, showing up at the barn can feel like the Bill Murray movie Groundhog Day. With a few minor variations, our days follow a similar routine. And while these routines are generally satisfying, they open the door for burnout. Even when you love your horse or horse training career wildly, this sameness gets dull.

As a specialist in equine conditioning, I’m always exploring how to support a horse’s physical health. One simple yet often overlooked method is re-evaluating how we approach the trot—specifically, choosing between sitting or posting. While certain riding styles may favour one over the other, it’s crucial to move past trends and assess how each technique influences the horse’s body.

Before retreating into the warmth of his truck, my student’s husband took one last look at us, shook his head, and muttered, “You guys are insane.” Then, without hesitation, he drove off to his comfortable, heated office. Meanwhile, we remained—standing in a miserable blend of rain, snow, and biting wind, preparing for a full day of dressage instruction. The horses had been hauled in ice-cold trailers, and we were bundled up in layers that did little to keep the chill at bay.

While most riding lessons focus on techniques for controlled riding, one important skill often goes overlooked: falling off the horse. Also known as the unscheduled dismount, this maneuvre is something nearly every rider encounters at some point. Whether it's due to an unexpected buck, loss of balance, or other unforeseen circumstances, falling off of a horse involves quickly and deliberately exiting the saddle—usually at high speeds—before hitting the ground.