After completion of the semester, the student should be able to:

• Explain basic human anatomy and physiology, with particular emphasis on the musculoskeletal system.
  
• Account for key biomechanical principles and how they influence human movement.
  
• Analyze the rider as a whole based on fundamental biomechanical principles (posture, balance, stability, and movement chains).
  
• Identify, interpret, and describe deviating movement patterns in the rider.
  
• Apply pedagogical methods to guide and teach students functional changes, with the aim of improving movement quality.
  

Sessions: 3 sessions, each lasting two days.

After completion of the semester, the student should be able to:

• Apply biomechanical understanding in practical analysis of the rider’s function in riding.
  
• Understand riding technique at all levels – from beginner to Grand Prix – without the horse.
  
• Pedagogically explain how the rider’s body influences the horse’s movement, balance, and performance across different disciplines.
  

Sessions: 3 sessions, each lasting two days.

After completion of the semester, the student should be able to:

• Account for basic principles of the horse’s anatomy, physiology, and function, with a particular focus on the musculoskeletal system.
• Explain fundamental biomechanical principles in the horse, including:
• kinematics (movement)
• kinetics (forces)
• Understand and evaluate how equipment and riding surfaces affect the horse’s biomechanics, quality of movement, and load.
• Analyze the interaction between rider and horse, and identify:
• which adaptations the rider must make to optimize movement with the horse
• which biomechanical or functional challenges the horse may have
• Plan and design technical training both unmounted and mounted, adapted to the needs of both the rider and the horse.

Sessions: 3 sessions, each lasting two days.

During the practical training period, the student will work with the following areas:

Biomechanical Analysis

• Observe and assess riders both on and off the horse.
  
• Analyse the horse’s movement patterns.
  
• Identify deviations or challenges in the rider and/or the horse.
  

Coaching and Instruction

• Guide riders using concrete exercises to improve position, balance, and function.
  
• Explain biomechanical principles in a clear and accessible way to riders at different levels.
  
• Adapt instruction to the student’s skill level and learning style.
  

Technique Training and Practical Adaptation

• Plan and carry out exercises both with and without the horse, with a focus on improving health, welfare, and performance.
  

Documentation and Reflection

• Maintain a practice log including observations, analyses, and interventions.
  
• Reflect on one’s own teaching and adjust approach based on experience.
  
• Discuss professional assessments with supervisors and colleagues.
  

Professional Practice

• Communicate clearly and respectfully with riders, horse owners, and collaborators.
  
• Handle practical situations independently and responsibly.

Upon completion of the examination, the student must be able to demonstrate the following competencies:

Biomechanical Analysis and Assessment

• Independently conduct a comprehensive biomechanical analysis of the rider, both off the horse and while riding.
  
• Analyse the horse’s movement patterns and function, with a focus on movement quality.
  
• Assess the interaction between rider and horse, and identify how the rider’s function influences the horse’s movement and performance.
  

Practical Application of Knowledge

• Apply knowledge of human and equine anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics in practical coaching and instruction.
  
• Adapt exercises and interventions based on the individual needs of both rider and horse.
  
• Integrate off-horse technique training with mounted riding technique into a cohesive training plan.
  

Pedagogy and Communication

• Coach and teach riders at different levels in a pedagogical, clear, and professionally grounded manner.
  
• Explain complex biomechanical relationships in a way that is understandable and practically applicable for students and collaborators.
  
• Adapt teaching methods to the student’s prerequisites, goals, and learning style.
  

Equipment, Environment, and Adaptation

• Discuss and reflect on how external factors, such as equipment and riding surface, affect both rider and horse in terms of function and load.
  

Professional Practice and Reflection

• Demonstrate professional role awareness in interactions with students, horse owners, and other professionals.
  
• Critically reflect on one’s own practice, assessments, and professional decisions.
  
• Document and evaluate training and teaching programmes based on observation, analysis, and goal achievement.