Overwhelmed by very first lesson

[Marlena]

I had my first riding lesson in 20 years last week (I had about 15 lessons at the age of 9) and I was completely overwhelmed by how difficult everything was. I guess part of the problem was that there were five more advanced beginners in the manege and I was basically just asked to follow them.

I would like to go on with the sport, but I was frightened by the first experience. Any tip or pointer would be appreciated. The place I went to is the only riding school in the neighbourhood so going somewhere else for better teaching is no option.

The problem is that the teacher told me to "just sit there and follow the movement of the horse". OK, it went alright for a while until I guess the sweet creature realised that she was the one in control, not me. After that she did nothing I wanted (which was pretty understandable, I guess), but started moving back and forth (blocking the way from the others, much to my embarrassment), which made me feel very uncomfortable. The teacher told me how to position my legs when walking, but after 5 minutes of that we were supposed to trot and I guess the only reason the horse agreed to trot was because she was following the others. I'm supposed to be going again in a few days and I would really like to know

What I should be doing with my legs when walking / trotting

and how to get the horse to trot.

I guess the main problem was that I got into the seat with ease and confidence and SEEMED confident in the beginning, the teacher thought I knew more than told her I did.

I thought that I would have remembered more of what I knew 20 years back... I am determined to go on, but this first experience left me feeling embarrassed, overwhelmed and quite out of control. Any tips? Anyone?

Thanks,
Marlena

[Sarah]

I am sorry to hear that your lesson was not too good, but well done for trying to stick with riding! Is it possible to try to have an individual lesson at the school you go to? this means that the teacher will work out what you need help with and they can help you with your leg position.

I think it would be far more sensible for you to have a private lesson where the teacher can explain the trot aids and your leg position for walk to you as it is very difficult to describe without showing you on the horse.

Good luck, and stick with it!

[Vanessa]

I have only had 5 lessons..but my lesson were just me and my trainer and no one else was there. The first day we stayed in a small enclosed area until I felt better about being in a bigger ring.She stayed very close to me and we did not trot any until the 3rd lesson..don't do anything that you are not ready to do. I am still working on trotting and wonder if I will ever get it..but I am determined!!

[alison]

Hi!!-
Well, I am VERY sorry that you had a bad start!!! However, you did what was right by keeping on going! I know how you feel, right now I am working on cantering...In fact, I just got back from my lesson. (I'm having trouble keeping a deep seat) Whenever you are walking, trotting, etc...KEEP YOUR HEELS DOWN!!!! Be prepared for any thing that might happen, be confident (still) and let the horse know that YOU are in control of HIM. Be tough, you're not going to hurt that big old creature!!!! When you ask him to trot, kick him with your heels, if he doesn't want to trot, kick him even harder! Like you MEAN it! Then, (are you riding western or english?) depending on which you are riding, western: sit into the saddle and squeeze w/your THIGHS, to keep you seated in the saddle, and if you are riding english, rise out of the saddle at every other beat. It sounds hard, but you will get the hang of it. Trust me! But, don't do any thing that you are not ready for, don't be pushed into ANYthing!!!! That will only make things worse! bells5@poncacity.net is my e-mail, write me for more info. Good Luck!!!!!

[Marlena]

Thanks to you all for the tips & encouragement!!!

I am definitely going to go on with the sport
and this time I'll make sure I won't do anything I don't feel I'm ready for. I have booked a private lesson already, and I'm really looking forward to it! I feel this really is the sport for me! (In fact I knew it before but it took me about a DECADE to get the courage to try it again.)
Thanks again!

Marlena.

[Sue]

DON'T GIVE UP.

I too have re-started lessons but after a 30 year gap!! Iwas very confident at first - probably too confident until I tried to canter and that really knocked the wind out of my sails!! I started last September and after Christmas I nearly gave up because I was so frightened by the thought of cantering but after a lot of support and an understanding instructor I have finally managed to canter just this week and i love it. I'm sure it will be the same for you, the main thing is that you enjoy your lesson and don't do anything until you feel that you are ready to.