In the horse industry, some of the most valuable lessons aren’t learned in formal clinics or long instructional sessions—they come from everyday conversations. Whether it’s between rides, during busy barn days, or while preparing horses and riders for the next challenge, these moments often reveal the details that make the biggest difference. That’s the spirit behind Tips with Taft.
Taft Dickerson has built a career developing horses and riders with intention, consistency, and a deep understanding of the fundamentals. His experience spans high-level show rings, major events, and countless hours behind the scenes putting in work that most people never see. From preparing top-level horses to coaching amateurs, non-pros, and youth competitors, his approach remains practical, clear, and grounded in real-world results.
We recently caught Taft for a phone conversation during an already busy day—one spent doing what he does best: working with horses and supporting riders. Rather than a formal interview, the call turned into a relaxed discussion about the small but impactful details that riders often overlook—the kind of advice that comes naturally from someone who has seen the same challenges play out again and again.
Over the course of our conversation, several key themes emerged: preparation, consistency, communication, and attention to the fundamentals. To make these insights easier to apply, we’ve broken them into a series of short, focused tips. Each one highlights a single idea Taft sees regularly, something riders ask about, or a small adjustment that can make a noticeable difference.
We’ll start with Tip #1, which focuses on a foundation that underpins every ride: the rider’s position. Getting this right sets the tone for everything that follows, whether you’re at home in the barn or stepping into a show pen.
Tip #1: Rider Position Starts With the Basic
Rider position is one of those small details that can make a huge difference in performance. According to Taft Dickerson, getting your position right before stepping into the show ring is critical.
“I hate to see stirrups too long or too short. I really like to see something moderate — when your stirrups are just right, everything else gets easier.”
For many riders, stirrup length might seem like a minor adjustment, but it affects balance, comfort, and communication with your horse. If stirrups are too long, you risk collapsing into your seat or leaning back, which can throw off your horse’s rhythm. Too short, and tension builds in your legs and back, creating discomfort for both you and your horse. Taft emphasizes that a moderate stirrup length allows riders to stay centered, aligned, and in harmony with their horse’s movement.
This focus on fundamentals applies to all levels. Beginners benefit from understanding how balance affects a horse’s performance, while experienced amateurs can refine their feel and subtle cues. Taft notes that for pleasure horses in particular, a rider who is centered and balanced allows the horse to move freely and show off its training. A few minutes spent checking posture, seat alignment, and stirrup length before your warm-up can prevent frustration later in the ring.
Small changes can have a noticeable impact. Taft recalls times when a minor tweak in a rider’s position completely changed how the horse responded—sometimes the difference between a decent ride and an excellent one.
“A little tweak in your position can completely change the way your horse goes. It’s often the difference between a good ride and a great one.”
Key Takeaways for Riders:
- Adjust your stirrups to a moderate length that feels balanced and secure.
- Check your posture and seat alignment before your warm-up.
- Even small tweaks in position can dramatically improve your horse’s performance.
- Pay attention to how your adjustments affect the horse’s movement and responsiveness.
Focusing on the basics might feel simple, but it’s foundational. The more intentional you are with your position, the more confident your ride will feel. Taft’s advice reminds riders that preparation begins with yourself: a well-positioned rider creates a more responsive, happy horse, setting the stage for success in any arena.
Keep Riding Smarter: More Tips with Taft Coming Soon
This is just the beginning of Tips with Taft. Mastering your position lays the foundation for every ride, but there’s much more to explore—from consistency at home to building confidence at shows, staying motivated, and communicating effectively with your horse.
Be sure to watch for the next articles in this series, each focusing on practical, actionable advice straight from Taft’s experience. Whether it’s maximizing your practice sessions, using local shows to your advantage, or fine-tuning communication in the ring, each tip is designed to help riders at every level ride smarter, train more effectively, and enjoy the process along the way.
Stay tuned for the next installment—your next ride might just feel a little smoother.
