Rubbish Riding - All in the Mind?

[Hallmarked]

I had a lesson earlier this evening. Went very well. In fact very, very well.:D

Only a few weeks ago I had a couple of lessons that didn't go so well. Maybe a couple more than a couple:( .

So what made the difference?

Last week I had a lesson with the other instructor at my yard, who normally teaches the beginners and very nervous riders, as my usual instructor was not available and I didn't want to miss my lesson. Maybe it is because she is used to beginners so she explains things more simply, but towards the end of the lesson I finally got the role of the outside rein. Having more control of the horse's shoulders gave me confidence in my ability.

I was even able to carry this forward to my next lesson, riding transitions with ease, control and impulsion:)

Following the recent thread on rubbish riders decided to practice what I preach, instead of wasting concentration and energy congratulating myself when things went well and beating myself up when things were starting to go wrong, as a result I rode the horse in the moment without judgement on her or myself. Just made the corrections as needed. Made a big difference.

Just posted this as a positive thread, and hopefully might help someone be more positive about themselves and their ability.

If I make a woe is me post next week, feel free to kick me up the backside;)

[sancho]

I think having a different instructor can work wonders as you can get too comfortable with the same one week after week.

A new instructor wont rely on what she/he has learnt about you over the weeks and will view your riding with a fresh, critical eye.

Its nice when you can pat yourself on the back and enjoy your own success eh? :D

[LindaAd]

That's great, Hallmarked - it sounds to me as if the 'beginners'' instructor is much better than the usual one, and you managed to stop putting yourself down too! Brilliant!
(I was very impressed by your position in the last pic you posted too - you look like a very good rider to me).

A good instructor needs two things: to be able to explain clearly, and to tell you when you're getting something right. Sometimes and otherwise good instructor never gives anything but criticism - I had a lesson with someone like that, and it took me a while to work out that was the reason I was feeling depressed. You wouldn't think it would matter with adults, but it does!

Anyway, keep it up and keep us posted!


Linda

[*toHorse&Away*]

Most glad to read this especially after my miserable moaney thread recently.
Yay!
Its great to have a new pair of eyes sometimes, simple is good, brain overload is bad. :D

[Virago]

Great to read such a positive post, Hallmarked. I am fast coming to the conclusion that 'good' and 'bad' riding is mostly 'in the mind'. One's mental attitude is absolutely crucial. Trouble is, the 'mind' is such a complex thing. Once it is set in one direction, it is monstrously hard to turn in and point it in another direction, if you see what I mean.

Put more succinctly, if riding was only about practical knowledge and skills, 'twould be simple! Get the human mind involved (never mind bringing the horse's mind into the equation!) and it all gets rather complicated.

Having recently overcome my confidence issues, I am determined to keep my attitude and approach to riding positive. And hope you can too (There's plenty of folks on here will see to it that you do!) and keep us all posted.

[NicP]

Lovely to read such a positive post.

My RI moved away and now I have my own horse I will be looking for a new one who can come to me rather than pay to ride school horses. I think it will do me a lot of good too.

[Neptune]

I have recently restarted lessons (had 3 so far) after a gap of getting on for a year. I stopped largely because of money but also because I wasn't really enjoying my lessons anymore.

I was previously in a group which was described as 'advanced' and was taught by the instructor who also taught my part-time NVQ. She could sometimes be quite...er...harsh!
I am now riding in an 'intermediate' group with a different instructor and now I'm even enjoying flatwork lessons (previously I thought these were a bit of a bore) :p

I feel like I'm ironing out faults I had picked up and I've learnt a lot. Last night we were doing walk leg-yield to canter and the mare who I was riding who is usually as stiff as board started to soften. It felt great...I was like...I did that!!! :D

Sorry I'm waffling now...but I guess the point is I'm honing my rusty technique (the basics of which is already there) and feeling good about my riding again.

[KarinUS]

I rode the horse in the moment without judgement on her or myself.


This is only slightly related but this sentence made me think of something Walter Zettl wrote about the danger of the good ride: It's difficult to catch butterflies with one already in the net.
So often when things go well we expect it to be the same the next time and then get angry and disappointed with ourselves (or the horse) when it doesn't.
It sounds like you are able to let the last butterfly go and try for the next one. :)

[Mary Poppins]

The right instructor makes all the difference. I had a great instructor a couple of years ago and really came on in leaps and bounds and turned me into a different rider.

[SueFieldsend]

I have just started lessons with a very good instructor (for me) as she started right from correct seat and walking (and steering). A couple of the other people in the class felt they were too advanced for this, but it suited me fine. It all depends on what you want.

The only thing I don't like is that she wants me to back up my leg aid with the whip (not to hurt the horse but just to hit my own leg to let her know it's there). As I still feel like I sometimes press to go right when I mean left I don't like to do this in case I'm getting it wrong. My horse is so lovely and wants to please that I would feel awful if I did do this.

Am I too soft????

[RustyMary]

Interesting post as I was just thinking about some of this stuff the other day.

I was reading a 'change the world though meditation' type book and came across a quote that made me stop and think. Two men go to a roller coaster - the first one has a really positive attitude and thinks about what fun it will be, so sets off all kinds of positive chemicals in his brain and has a marvellous ride. The other one thinks about how dangerous and scary it is, so ends up with adrenalin - fight/fright - stuff in his brain and comes off the ride feeling awful. This got me thinking about attitudes when we go riding, and on the way to my next lesson I concentrated on the positives, how I'm progressing and what a lovely horse Ginger is. Was it a coincidence then that I had one of my best ever lessons, the smallest circles I've ever done in trot and the smoothest easiest canter transitions, feeling at one with the horse? I wonder.

Anyway Hallmarked, well done with the good lesson, whatever the reason was!

[Hallmarked]

It sounds like you are able to let the last butterfly go and try for the next one. :)

That's a beautiful way of putting it.

[vonandiz]

I've only been riding for four months and during this time have had a few good lessons, lots of ok ish lessons and even more aahhh what went wrong there lessons.

Not quite sure why this is and wish I could work it out.... The only thing I have worked out is that one good lesson does not make me a better rider and that even in a 'bad' lesson I'll learn something. (This optimism follows a good lesson - next week I could be doom and gloom again).

Anyway, good on you Hallmarked, I hope your positivity reaps rewards.:)

[Hallmarked]

Strangely enough, a couple of people have made comments about me having a lesson with this instructor, along the lines of 'aren't you a bit beyond having lessons with her?' Just goes to show how negative and narrow minded people can be without realising it:cool:

This instructor is qualified and a decent rider herself. She is quite capable of teaching 'more advanced' riders, it's just that she is good with kids and novices so usually ends up teaching them. Maybe because she has got used to riders with little or no theory that she gave me a missing piece of the puzzle that other instructors assumed I already had. Anyway she must have enjoyed the lesson as well because she has asked my instructor if she can teach me again.

I, of course am very flattered and have booked up this lesson:D but I have still had a comment about my ego being massaged. Surprisingly enough, this was from someone who has not seen the improvement:mad: :rolleyes: Anyway so what if it is, who cares, as we all agree positive feedback is so much more useful than negative.

This experience has been a real eye opener on how to view the world.

[Hallmarked]

The only thing I have worked out is that one good lesson does not make me a better rider and that even in a 'bad' lesson I'll learn something. (This optimism follows a good lesson - next week I could be doom and gloom again).


You are exactly right vonandiz, I have been the same which is why I was so pleased to finish a lesson on a good note and then carry over the good work to the next. What I have realised is that it is attitude that makes the difference.

Previously if I had a good lesson I would have overly high expectations of the next, and would inevertably be dissapointed. You will also always learn something during a bad lesson, even if it's just what doesn't work.

If you think of learning to ride like walking down a winding track, by taking wrong turnings and having to find your way back to the main path you will see more of the scenary than if you kept on the straight and narrow.

SueFieldsend

Think of the whip as another aid to help the horse understand what you want, you don't have to beat her with it, a tap, touch or tickle will do. If you give confusing aids, a quick reasurring pat on the neck says you are sorry. The horse wont get upset unless you get impatient or they are very sensitive, they are very forgiving like that. But they do know exactly how much they can get away with.

[KateWooten]

Hallmarked you should most definitely write a book. I will put my copy on the shelf, in between Sally Swift's 'Centered Riding' and Mary Wanless's 'Ride With your Mind' ... Hallmarked's "Rubbish Riding - All in the Mind". :D These insights you have are fascinating.

[LotusBaby]

How lovely to read such a positive thread. I agree, the feelings we go into lessons with must surely have a massive impact on how the lessons go.

[marchhare2006]

I can't believe that someone told you that 'your ego was being massaged'! That's one thing I hate about some yards and Riding schools - people can be so catty! I'm sure the new instructor just enjoyed teaching you because you were more capable than her usual riders so she could be more challenged and challenge you more. Nothing 'ego-massaging' in that!

[Hallmarked]

Hallmarked you should most definitely write a book. I will put my copy on the shelf, in between Sally Swift's 'Centered Riding' and Mary Wanless's 'Ride With your Mind' ... Hallmarked's "Rubbish Riding - All in the Mind". :D These insights you have are fascinating.

I don't know about writing a book, I think I read too much non-fiction and should probably get out more:p :eek: :D . However if any publishers see this I might be pursuaded otherwise :D :D :D :rolleyes:

If you fancy a change from horsey books and are interested in finding out what makes you tick - 'THEY F*** YOU UP How to Survive Family Life' by Oliver James makes an interesting read.

[Hallmarked]

I can't believe that someone told you that 'your ego was being massaged'! That's one thing I hate about some yards and Riding schools - people can be so catty! I'm sure the new instructor just enjoyed teaching you because you were more capable than her usual riders so she could be more challenged and challenge you more. Nothing 'ego-massaging' in that!

I think you've hit the nail on the head there.

I'm having a lesson with the new instructor as a regular weekly thing now, I enjoy them as well and am learning all the time. Funny how quickly people stop talking if you arn't listening though:rolleyes: