Rider Accuracy vs. Precision: How you become a better rider!

This week, I had an eye-opening clay pigeon shooting lesson. I was consistently missing my target by less than a centimeter—so close, yet so far! Hitting about 50% of my shots felt decent for a beginner, but it made me think about the difference between precision and accuracy. In ball sports and shooting, these terms are often discussed, but in the world of equestrian sports, they don’t get nearly as much attention. This is something I talk a lot about with riders in my sessions on the simulator.

In a recent rider physio session, we focused on her jumping—using the simulator and then in the arena, tackling specific challenges which often mean she has poles down in a show jumping round (incorrect). Video analysis told us that the rider consistently anticipates the jump, going earlier than the horse, and then stands up in the stirrups instead of feeling the take-off and folding properly. So, we have worked hard on improving her jumping technique using the simulator and off-horse exercises. But when we put it all together in the arena, there was a variety of results: some jumps were spot on, others were okay, and a few still reflected her old habits. By changing her position and enhancing her understanding and feeling, we altered her precision, which helped improve her accuracy—resulting in some good and some okay jumps. This process of refining her technique highlighted how improving accuracy can enhance performance. By working off the horse and on the simulator, we improved her precision, giving her better movement patterns to repeat when she jumps, whether on her own or in a competition.

And this is what I want for riders—to not need to rely on an instructor or coach in a lesson to help refine their position and give them feedback that only temporarily improves their riding.

So why does that progress sometimes disappear when you’re riding on your own after you got it in the lesson?!

The answer lies in the difference between precision and accuracy. Precision refers to the consistency of your movements—you might be able to repeat the same actions over and over. Accuracy, on the other hand, is about achieving the desired (correct) results—such as hitting the perfect take-off point for a jump or maintaining an ideal posture during a movement.

In lessons, with your instructor guiding you, you may experience temporary improvements in accuracy as they give feedback to help with position and movement, which alters how you execute your riding. However, if underlying physical weaknesses or reduced body control exist, that accuracy won’t stick when you’re on your own. You’ll repeat the same flawed movements because your body isn’t strong or flexible enough to make the changes permanent. That’s where rider physio and off-horse exercises come in, addressing these physical limitations so you can achieve lasting accuracy.

This rider would be consistent (precise) but not correct (accurate) when in the posture on the left . However by improving her posture, control and strength in the saddle she may initially reduced her precision as she learns the new movement but is more likely to be accurate as she achieves the desired outcome with her new position meaning better balance and aids etc.

Understanding Accuracy and Precision for Riders

Beginner/Novice Riders:

At this level, it’s often about improving precision while hoping for accuracy as they learn new skills. These riders may struggle with both precision and accuracy, as they’re still developing their understanding of their body movements and how those translate to their horse’s responses. Their primary focus should be on creating consistent movements, as this lays the foundation for accurate results down the line.

Advanced Riders:

These riders typically show good precision; they can perform the same movements repeatedly. However, they may not achieve the results they desire consistently. Common issues include regular comments in dressage tests, poles down in show jumping, feeling unbalanced in cross-country, inconsistent polo shots, and transitions that lack fluidity. For these riders, it’s about changing their precision—altering what they’re currently doing to achieve better accuracy. They need to work on refining their techniques, which might mean adjusting their body position, timing, or use of aids to improve their overall performance.

Elite Riders:

At this level, riders actively work on improving both their precision and accuracy. They understand that high performance requires not only consistent execution of movements but also the ability to adapt and achieve the desired results. This commitment to refining both aspects is what often sets elite riders apart in competitions.

Bridging the Gap: From Precision to Accuracy

While precision and accuracy are distinct, they are interrelated in riding. Here’s how to bridge the gap:

• Feedback from Instructors: Use lessons to refine your technique and understand how your precision translates into accuracy. Instructors can help you recognize when you’re repeating a movement correctly or incorrectly but not achieving the desired outcome.

• Off-Horse Training: Incorporate exercises that enhance both balance and body awareness. Strength and flexibility training can improve your overall control, helping you execute precise movements that lead to accurate outcomes.

• Set Specific Goals: During practice sessions, focus on specific accuracy goals. For example, aim to consistently land on a specific mark after a jump or maintain a certain rhythm in your canter transitions. (See the Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect post on why it's more than just time in the saddle that helps you improve.)

• Reflection and Adjustment: After each ride, take a moment to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Keeping a riding journal can help track your progress in both precision and accuracy, allowing you to identify patterns and areas for improvement. Photos and videos are also really useful for helping awareness of current posture and movements.

  
  

The Rider Physio Subscription Advantage

Now, here’s where the Rider Physio Subscription truly shines. This program offers targeted exercises and resources specifically designed for riders, helping you bridge the gap between precision and accuracy.

• Custom Workouts: You’ll get exercises designed to boost your balance, strength, and flexibility—all crucial for hitting those accurate marks. You will understand why you are doing the exercises, how to do them properly, AND how they then help you in the saddle.

• Video Tutorials: Common riding problems and phrases explained (how you can improve your accuracy through better understanding of what you are currently doing).

• Ongoing Support: If you want help with your riding, you can send videos and photos in for a breakdown of the rider biomechanics and guidance on how to improve.

  
  

By investing in a rider physio subscription, you’re actively working on your skills outside of lessons. You’ll develop the strength, balance, and understanding needed to not only improve your riding but also carry that accuracy into your independent practice.

Conclusion

So, the next time you’re riding, think about the difference between accuracy and precision. Embrace the lessons from your instructor, but don’t forget the power of off-horse training. With the right tools and support, you can enhance your riding skills and unlock your full potential.

Sign up for the Rider Physio Video Subscription to help you become a more accurate and precise rider!