Introducing the ABCS with Derry VM : A Mindful Way to Develop Horse and Rider
Introduction
For some time now, I've been quietly developing a refining a concept that emphasises my role as a coach, striving to share it in a clear way. My goal is to facilitate growth and enable learning. While my thoughts may not always follow a linear path, my passion for education and learning inspires me to
grow and encourage learning. In this blog, I will delve into my ABCs of horse and rider coaching.
Introducing the ABCS : A Different Way to Develop Horse and Rider
Every rider wants to improve, whether that’s becoming more balanced, building confidence, competing at a higher level or simply enjoying time with their horse.
But lasting improvement rarely comes from chasing quick fixes.
I believe that true progress happens when we develop the rider as thoughtfully as we develop the horse. That’s why my coaching is built around the ABCS —a simple framework that brings together rider biomechanics, mindset and practical horsemanship into one clear approach.
The four pillars are:
A – Alignment
Creating physical and mental alignment. Developing a rider who is biomechanically sound, strong and stable, while also fostering a mindset that supports learning, growth and success.
B – Balance
Balance is far more than staying in the saddle. It is about creating harmony between horse and rider, developing an independent, effective rider while helping the horse become more balanced and confident. It also means taking a balanced approach to training through ridden work, groundwork, fitness and recovery.
C – Confidence
Confidence isn’t something you wait for—it is something you build. As understanding grows through better biomechanics, clearer communication and a positive mindset, confidence develops naturally in both horse and rider, utilising Mindset Coaching and NLP ( Neuro Linguistic Programming) every challenge becomes an opportunity to learn rather than something to fear.
S – Synergy
When alignment, balance and confidence come together, something special happens. Horse and rider begin to work as one, communicating with greater clarity, trust and feel. This seamless partnership—where each supports the other—is what I call synergy, and it is the ultimate goal of my ABCS approach.
Inspired by Ride With Your Mind®
As an Accredited Ride With Your Mind Coach, level 1 mastery, my approach is strongly influenced by the work of Mary Wanless, whose philosophy has transformed the way riders understand biomechanics and how they influence their horses.
Ride With Your Mind teaches that effective riding is about understanding how your body works, developing awareness (noticing mode) and creating movement patterns that allow both horse and rider to perform at their best.
The ABCS builds on these principles, combining biomechanics with mindset coaching, elements of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and practical experience to create a coaching approach that is simple to understand and effective to apply.
Whether we’re working on the Racewood simulator, in a private lesson or at a clinic, every exercise has a purpose. Every conversation links back to the ABCS, helping riders understand not only what to change, but why it matters, noticing the impact this has on bot horse and rider at every stage.
It’s a philosophy that encourages riders to think differently, train more effectively and build stronger partnerships with their horses.
I'll to explore each element of the ABCS approach in more detail, sharing, insights that you can apply to your own riding.
Because when we develop Alignment, Balance and Confidence, we create the Synergy that every horse and rider deserves.
Check out my recent social media posts on ' are you in the gap or the gain' that really do link the the 4 pillars of my ABCS approach.
'Njoy your riding.
Derry
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