Riding

People have told me: "Lindsay you're so good at riding horses" and that is so nice and it's flattering and all but then they go on to ask "How do you do it?" Well up until this point I didn't really know how to answer that. But I've figured it out now. These (in my opinion) are the 5ish (I'm too tired to count) most important things that make a good horse rider: 
Some of it is just instinct and it comes naturally for some people. Some of it is having enough experience. A lot of it is confidence and trust in yourself and these amazing creatures. But mostly it's choices. It's the choices you make to keep you and the people around you safe. But even more importantly it's the choices you make to keep your horses safe. A good rider knows if another horse is too close to your jump for you to go over it. Good riders know how and when to get out of the way if it's necessary. Even if it's your turn to go and the other person should get out of your way, it doesn't mean they will. A good rider is always prepared for any situation, problem, anything and everything. It takes a good rider to make a connection and a bond of trust with their horse and they know to keep that horse safe no matter what. That is what makes a good rider.