Mirrors are Newest Addition to USU's Equine Education Center

Recently installed mirrors in the riding arena at Utah State University’s Equine Education Center are helping students improve their horse riding and training skills. The mirrors, which are mounted on the sides of the arena, provide immediate visual feedback to help students correct their riding technique.
    
Kelli Munns, riding instructor and lecturer of equine science in the Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences Department, said one of the biggest challenges of riding a horse is the effect it has on your proprioception, or the ability to understand how the different parts of your body are positioned in relation to one another. 

“When riding a horse, the perception of where our body is in relation to itself, the surroundings and the horse changes significantly,” Munns said. “All of a sudden, sitting up tall or moving a leg is difficult because where our body is contradicts with what we feel, which can be  attributed to the influence of the motion of the horse on a rider’s body. When a rider can go in front of a mirror and see what they are doing and match it with what it feels like, they begin to master their equine proprioception.”

By seeing their reflection in the mirrors, students will be able to immediately see any error in their posture and adjust how they are riding. Additionally, Munns said it will help students realize that just because a certain position feels awkward doesn’t mean it is wrong. 

“For the lower level riders, it’s so good for them to see themselves, especially when I move them into a correct position and it feels funky, they can see why it is right,” she said. “Upper level riders can focus on seeing if the horse is positioned correctly and can get an actual perspective from the ground of what they are doing, as opposed to just assuming.” 

Ashley Mckenzie, a junior studying equine science and management, called the mirrors “truth tellers in the moment” and said they are already helping her improve her riding style. 

“The mirrors can help bridge the gap between what we think we are doing and what is actually happening,” she said. “It’s a good, constant reminder to remember what your issues are and to keep working towards getting better, rather than just seeing a video of yourself every now and then.”

Writer: Aubree Thomas, aubree.thomas@usu.edu 
Contact: Kelli Munns, kelli.munns@usu.edu, 301-822-4993