ABRS nerves!

[qwerty]

I'm really worrying about failing my ABRS level 1+2. :eek:
I am fine in my private lessons doing controlled canter and dressage but the moment there are other horses my aids are ignored and the horse just followes :mad:

What sort of things do they mark you down on?

Any tips?

Thanks

[Lgd]

I did the BHS stages so I'm not familiar with the ABRS syllabus. What are you asked to do at each level?

[qwerty]

Level one is all at walk doing changes of rein, 10 and 20M circles, serpentines etc. Level two is at trot doing similar things. Also includes leaving safe and putting on a head collar.

[Lgd]

As you are obviously riding well beyond this level in your private lessons it may be worth having a few class lessons just to get used to riding in with other people in preparation for the exams. The main problem with the horse having company is distraction and you may just need some practice at keeping his concentration on you and not on his pals.

[qwerty]

I did a group lesson a few weeks ago and it really dented my confidence :( I was all over the place and felt like everyone was laughing at me. I was trying so hard and they just ignored me :(

[Lgd]

It is sometimes difficult going into an established group lesson where everyone knows the other riders. It is still probably worth persevering as you will eventually have to ride with other people if you want to compete. Try to feel a bit less self-conscious about it, they are probably more concerned with their own riding (and staying on) than how you are doing.

[qwerty]

They were all talking to eachoter while I was on my little own! I did try making a conversation with one woman!

[belle]

When I learned to ride, I joined a group lesson and I felt very much like this. After a couple of weeks, the other people did start talking to me though, and after a couple of months in the same group, we chatted away like we'd known everyone forever!

All I can say is persevere!

Good luck for your ABRS exams!!!:)

[qwerty]

That lesson was only really a one off bcause I couldn't make some mid weeks and had withdraral problems!!!!!!!!

[Lancashire Lass]

If you have to take your Exam in a 'group situation' then I would strongly advise you have your lessons in the same format leading up to the Exam - you can always go back to one to one lessons afterwards. (I'm working my way through the BHS Exams and I'm not familiar with the ABRS Examination format).

Believe me, the best way for you to improve your communication with both your horse and the other mounted riders in the lessons is to be in with them!!!;)

Jayne

[RachelT]

I think the best piece of advice I can give is follow the above advice and practice in group lessons. Private lessons are fantastic for learning specific skills and addressing problems, but I prefer to focus on group lessons and then have a private lesson every now and again as necessary.

The reason for this is that, as you said, you can be coming along wonderfully in a private lesson, because the horse has nothing to distract them from what you are asking - but get into a group lesson, and it's another matter - and it's very disheartening!

I am hoping to complete my BHS stages at some point, and having seen the Stage 1 video, I see that the riding section is taken with a group of other riders. I presume that the ABRS exam is the same in this respect.

Whilst you are obviously a capable rider, you're bound to be nervous on test day. If you're riding in a group and you're not used to it, and the horse does what horses do best and tries to latch on to the one in front/naps when you try to circle away, and you don't react quickly enough, then you'll let yourself down unnecessarily - and that would be a shame.

I'm not knocking private lessons at all - I would have more if I could afford them - but I find that group lessons teach different, but very valuable skills, and it's well worth giving them a go, at least occasionally! I approached it by setting out my objectives to mt instructor. I told her I can be a nervous rider, and what I would like to achieve. She then suggested the best group lesson for me - and I haven't looked back. If you can find a group lesson with common objectives, then I'm sure you'll love it!

(Sorry for the long answer!)

Rachel

[qwerty]

Nina did mension having a group lesson with the other riders.

How can I keep the horse listening to me and not following?