First Lessons Questions

[testnr]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Adam and at the age of 40 I have decided that I would like to "learn" to ride. I live in Ohio in the US and I rode when I was young, but it was mostly trail rides or trying to ride a friend's horse and having her buck me off or bolt with me...that got old real quick.

I have had 4 lessons so far and I think I'm doing ok, but I have a few questions that I hope everyone can help me with.

1. At 4 lessons I am working on balance while posting and in 2 point, sometimes I am on the lunge and sometimes I am not. Is this where I should be? I am told to steer with my legs, but by the time I am trying to steer my legs are so tired I can barely stand up much less steer.

2. The other thing that I find odd is this. I have to groom the horse from stem to stern, including feet, before and after each lesson. While I do not mind doing this, in fact I enjoy it, no one has ever really gone over it with me. I was told what the different grooming tools were how to use them and "I'll be back to check on you later." I have asked about safety while doing this and have been told "Oh, Helen will never do anything." Well Helen, my teacher horse LOL, has so far tried to get at another horse that was going by her stall without so much as giving me a second thought, that was scary, I was pressed so hard against the wall of the stall I would have busted through to the other side if I could. I also asked I should walk around in front of her since she could kick me if I was behind her and was told that she would never kick, well I was doing her feet yesterday and she kicked and hit the stall wall quite hard. If I had been back there I think something would have been broken. So I would really appreciate any safety tips from all of you.

3. There is a horse at the school used for lessons and I have been warned to stay away from him since he will bite and kick. Do all schools have this kind of horse for more advanced riders? It just sounds like a bad accident waiting to happen.

Well I guess that's enough rambling for now.

Thanks Adam

[Mehitabel]

hi adam!
first of all, welcome to new rider!

now, in answer to your questions.

1) this seems fine to me. there is no set time that learning to ride takes - some people take to it immediately, while others don't. as long as you feel happy with the rate of your progress, that's all that matters. if you start to feel pushed and out of your depth, or if you aren't learning anything new, then there is a problem.

2) i wouldn't be happy with this. if you do get kicked or injured, then they are 100% liable - no novice should be left unsupervised while doing this kind of thing, however good the horse is. the best-natured horse in the world can get stung by a fly and go loopy, or you might get her on a ticklish spot by accident. it's great that you are learning about grooming as well as riding, but it should be learning, not just getting the horse clean for the staff.

3) horses are like people - some of them are antisocial, while others like human company. most big yards will have at least one 'grump'! it's good that they've told you to leave this chap alone, but if it were me, i would have gone into a bit more detail as to why he is grumpy, and explained this kind of thing better.

[galadriel]

Hi Adam :) Es covered that pretty well. I agree with everything she said :) I wanted to add a few thoughts in a sideways direction.

All horses will kick occasionally, often if a fly lands on the leg they'll pick it up, kick out, stamp the hoof back down. For this reason, you're encouraged to talk to a horse while you work on him, so he knows where you are at all times. Most horses will not *intentionally* kick people, but might accidentally get you if thy don't realize you're there.

I think you might want to insist on some assistance. I t sounds like perhaps so far you haven't directly asked for assistance, just implied that you might need instructions. If you say, "I really don't feel right doing this without a demonstration, and I'd like you to stay and show me/help me figure it out," that might work.

You can also say, "I know that *Helen* would never do anything dangerous, but I want to observe the proper behavior around any horse so I get in the habit. What are the danger signs, what are the areas to be careful around, what are safety tips for working with horses?" Just because "Helen will never do anything" is no reason to not observe proper safety practices. Horses are a lot bigger than we are and can hurt us accidentally. You've already seen this in practice! They should have no excuse for not giving you a good education.

It sounds like you're well-started. The sorts of things you're learning in your lessons sound great. You fortunately are observant and learning a lot about handling horses with no guidance; I do think you would be better off getting someone to explain a lot more to you, so you don't have to learn *too* much more the hard way. (Getting pinned against the wall is never fun! Nor is getting stepped on, kicked accidentally, kicked on purpose, bitten--or finding a perfect itchy spot and having a horse lean on you in reponse so that you're again pinned against the wall.)

[Peace]

Hey, Adam!

1) Sounds like you're doing great to me. I've known folks who weren't even trotting by their fourth lesson. Don't worry - your legs will get stronger, and you'll learn how to use them more effectively. The first time I ever dismounted, I fell right down on the ground - my legs were too weak to hold me up!:o

2) Hmmm. I had a very similar experience to yours, oddly enough at one of the best riding schools I ever attended. It was sort of "here's the mare, here's the grooming kit, see ya!":D After which she threatened to bite, kick and otherwise maul me. I like galadriel's suggestion on how to ask nicely for supervision.:)

Failing that, be sure, when you walk behind her, to rest one hand on her rump and talk to her as you go around. In fact, I found it helpful to talk to my grumpy girl (who also did that kicking the back wall thing - awful noise, isn't it) the whole time. And always keep one eye on her - try to think of what she might do and position yourself so you have an escape route. For instance, it's a good idea not to let the horse get between you and the stall door, if you're not sure of her.

Happily I can report in my case that , although the mare threatened me almost constantly, she never hurt me - not even the time a huge rat jumped onto her face in a panic after falling into her water bucket. At the time, I was sandwiched between the mare and the wall, which would be how I learned about the "escape route" plan. Anyway, the most disconcerting part of the experience was the barn staff's amazement that I wasn't killed.:rolleyes: So do be careful - and definitely ask for assistance! Better safe than sorry!:)

3) I wouldn't worry too much about this guy, except I'd be careful if I had to lead a horse past him or something. I bet the advanced students (or whoever rides him) have his number and can make him behave. Yes, in my experience, most barns do have an old grump or two skulking in the wings.:)

And good for you, taking up riding again at 40! I'm 42, and only started back a few years ago myself. Keep us posted on how you're doing!

[FreedomStar]

1. it's natural that you're legs are tired and harder to steer the horse with. You've gotta still build up those muscles, so keep working at 'em!! It'll come easier as you ride more often and regularly.

2. It is a good idea to groom the horse all over after a lesson, that way you can get your horse clean all over and it is also a good way to check the horse over to make sure that they are healthy and in good condition, and you can treat any cuts or scrapes. When walking around a horse to get to the other side, do not go under their neck!! It's a bad thing to do, I do it sometimes, but it's not a good habit! Always go around the head. If you don't want to go all around the head, then put one hand on the horses flank or above their dock to let them know you're behind them, and go around behidn them like that with one hand on them as close as you can, so that if the horse does kick out,t hey can't kick out far and there is not much damage to you. Or you can just give the whole back end a wide berth and go around behind. But always let the horse know you're there if you're going around behind them, because right behind them is one of their blind spots, so they'll spook if you do anything sudden.

3. Depends really. My school has horses for different levels, like some horses only certain people can ride, other horses are good all arounders. But just because the horse is not your level doesn't mean you can't socialize!! Just be careful..you dont' want to be injured. I wouldn't worry too much about this horse.

[sallym]

Welcome to NR and riding Adam. It sounds like you are making great progress. I agree with the others that you should be shown how to groom properly and how to be around horses safely. It's particularly important to pick out the feet correctly.

Best wishes

Sally

[Tommy Matterson]

Hello Adam

I've been at it 5 months and my legs all ways ache during the lesson although the aching afterwards has all but gone. FYI after 5 months of (usually) twice weekly lessons I trot-walk-canter around the school and do 20 metre circles and serpentines in various 'gears' (not perfectly by any means). I even managed a pathetically small jump. I had my first lunge lesson recently (without stirrups or reins). It is good for balance which seems to be the most difficult thing to perfect.

Also I've got a question for you - what is 2 point? I thought it was a sort of stitch used in knitting or crochet or something. Anyway if that is what it is I think it is pretty advanced to be doing that on horseback.

As for the grooming, I have no idea what is safe however I do sometimes groom my mount Bob after the lesson. It's never bothered me cos he seems to go into a trance. Lucky b*****d. Anyway, for what I pay I think it's me who should be given a good rub down after the lesson. I mentioned this to one of the curvacious stable wenches - she threw a shovel load of **** over me. Oh well. Good luck with it all.

[testnr]

tommy,

2 point, as I understand it is the standing and slightly forward position you are in when up for canter and jumping... sorry have my 5th lesson today so i don't know if that is right or not

[ajhainey]

Adam,

Just to say - you're not alone! My school is also rather, shall we say, laid back? about the safety/instructions aspects of your first few lessons. I think they've just been doing it so long they forget what its like to know nothing - its been the same everywhere I've visited so I gave in and am probably now quickly establishing a reputation for being difficult as I just refuse to do anything I don't feel safe with, ask questions like its going out of fashion and constantly insist on being shown/helped/told/taken to whatever I'm supposed to be doing. However we don't groom our own (won't let us - too dangerous apparently) so there is a bit less to learn.

I figure in another couple of months I'll know everything I need to know to get by and can lay off them a bit ;-) Can already happily tack up/off the horses I regularly ride and know where all the horses and their tack lives, plus how to open all the gates and which horses kick/bite which ones have issues with various doors/gates/blocks and the names of all the staff - riding school staff are the only people I've ever met who never seem to introduce themselves! Maybe I'll write them a little guide to give to people, and make 'em some name badges :D

My advice - learn EVERYONES name then instead of having to yell "erm, excuse me, er, yes you, do you work here, can you erm, ah, show me how to, is he SUPPOSED to be eating that?-oh nevermind' as someone wanders by - you yell "Helen! Great! Come and show me how to take this strange bridle off, pleeease?? I don't have a clue what I'm doing" - its MUCH harder for people to ignore, more polite and makes you feel like less of an idiot too!

aj xx

[scout4361]

I would maybe give it a couple more lessons, but if it does not feel quite right to you, I would move on. I have recently changed barns and cannot believe what a difference as far as the quality of horses there and the quality of instructors. If you've never been anywhere else (as was the case for me), its difficult for you to assess your situation but I would go with your gut feeling. If too many things make you uncomfortable and nervous it will probably affect your riding. Also a nervous person makes for a nervous horse whether grooming or riding.

Hope it works out for you!!!

[Gods Property]

*im glad you decided to ride again*
#####1#####
steering more with your legs is absolutely correct! you might want to try some english spurs so you don't have to press so hard with your legs(assuming that the horse you are riding does not do a spur-stop..my horse does, but most lesson horses will not..just ask your teacher)spurs don't hurt the horse if used correctly..which you should not kick,just squeese. talk to your riding instructor and see what she/he thinks.

#####2######
it is good that your instructor ha told you about the grooming supplies but it is very unessesary to not supervise AT LEAST the first lesson or too...THAT is an accident waiting to happen!talk to your instructor and ask for some help..you'll feel alot better

#####3#####
it is common to have a more stubborn biting and bucking kind of lesson horse..where i take lessons there is one there too. Those horses ARE fo the more advanced riders, and they know what to do and to handle the situation..just don't worry about it:)


i hope i have been a great deal of help to ya..enjoy ** lessons!

[Peace]

Hmmm... sorry, but I have to disagree about spurs. I think they're fine once the rider has absolute control over his/her leg aids, but in the beginning most of us don't have that kind of control.:) I think spurs are better left to advanced riders.