inconsistent riding lessons

[Mare-e]

Started riding at age 52 and have been taking lessons about 14 months. Now going twice a week, using two different teachers and a few different school horses depending on availability. Have also started yoga lessons to increase focus, flexibility, balance, and especially calmness. Last lesson had me close to tears again with horse unresponsive to aids - reluctant to move forward in walk and then to trot,and frequently stopping. I did use a crop (reluctantly)but still got poor results. Refused to use spurs when teacher produced them, feeling as a novice it would be cruel to misuse them. Also refused to attempt cantor at teachers instruction, since have only cantered a few paces before and did not want to try speed if I wasn't in control at walk/trot! Problem is, I've had many lessons with the same horses when I needed no crop and had great rides with numerous on-the-spot transitions. Know that when the lesson starts out poorly I tense up and think that is why everything deteriorates to a miserable level. Also, hate using a crop so am probably not using it effectively. Teacher yelling to whip more or harder only un-nerves me. Sorry for lengthy post, but needed to explain if have any hope of correcting. Love riding and willing to work hard to learn. What should I do to be more effective?

[Wally]

Do you use a long dressage whip or a short crop?

Try using a dressage whip, this way you will not become unbalanced and be sending mixed messaged through the reins.

Disgusted that the instructor expected you to wear spurs.

Don't be afriad to use a stick, think what you'd prefer, an hour of being thumped in the ribs or having your bum pinched once or twice!

[Cathy Reynolds]

Entirely agree with Wally. Any riding school that encourages spurs for beginners should be avoided like the plague. And I agree re whip versus kicking.

[Mare-e]

Thanks for the responses! I have used both a crop and dressage whip and agree the latter is more effective though a bit awkward to carry sometimes. I have no problem refusing my teachers instructions (spurs) if I think it out of line, but am concerned this will make me their least favorite pupil. Any suggestions on how to get back on track if I become un-nerved when a lesson goes sour? Some days I seem to be so much more in tune and assertive from the first step.

[Wally]

Find a sympathetic instructor who will help you laugh when things arn't going the way they should, the second you start to laugh you will relax and things fall into place much better. A lesson should never go sour.

If you are worrying about the way the instructors are treating you find another, they should not be allowed to get away with such intimidation.

[Heather]

Poor you Mare-e,

It is unbelievable what some of you novice riders have to go through, and have far more sense than the blasted instructors if you ask me. Where do you live?


Heather

[morningdew2]

Hello Mare-e,
I just want to say that I also do yoga and find it helps
out a whole lot with the calming the nerves,keeping focused , stretching and keeping those muscles in shape.
I had a instructor who wanted me to wear spurs when i was in my 6th month of riding and told her i didn't think I could wear them and not hurt the horse she looked a little ****ed and told me next week then.I finished my lesson and started looking for another instructor who is sympathetic to horse and rider.

[Mare-e]

Heather, and All,
Thanks for all your advise and support. I am in New York City so have limited riding options. Cannot work (to support life plus my riding ) and take time to travel to the suburbs for riding. Have worked with many teachers and horses over the past year and find each lesson a different experience. I always learn something new. But have learned almost as much from Heathers book and this board!

[Jo]

Spurs - what next! I know what you mean about inconsistency in lessons and it's inevitable really for as long as you ride in group lessons. Can you stretch to one private lesson a week rather than 2 group lessons? This way you can set the agenda. I hate it when other riders in the lesson look on pityingly as things go wrong for you. Tell your instructor what you are anxious about and work at your own pace. The trouble is that lots of school horses are so fed up with constant kicking that it is difficult to motivate them. A sharp tingle when they ignore your leg will help, though. I find some lessons will be brilliant with me and my horse on the same wavelength and everything going to book. Then, less than 24 hours later, it all goes pear-shaped! The answer is almost always with the rider - sure, horses are entitled to off days as we are but they are far nobler and less complicated than we are. They also pick up on our moods before we do! When things are going badly for me, I try to tell myself that it doesn't matter, I relax and feel myself sit deeper in the saddle. Usually, my horse feels the release and relaxes too. THEN we can discuss things sensibly.

[Emarmite]

Hi,

I have just read your post with interest. I am sorry to hear about your bad experience with the instructor, I would have been tempted to give her a dig with the spurs see how she liked it.

I had to leave a school a few months ago because of the instructor, and I wrote a strong letter to the owner (who was a personal friend). She got a good rollicking and my friend who has stayed in the group, and the instructor can now not do enough for her and is nearly licking her boots.
I am really pleased it has improved for her, but unfortunately left me out in the cold.

I do not regret complaining because you are being taught to ride, and the instructor should listen to you and not yell, it just makes you more nervous. I have just joined a new group lesson which is great and the instructor never shouts
but will explain.


Anyway good luck with the riding, keep us informed


Beverley

[Mare-e]

Jo,
Thanks for sharing your experience. Sometimes I think my problems just stem from my old age(though I feel 16), late start to riding,and inexperience. Also, I am almost embarassed to tell you I DO taken private lessons at the exhorbitant rate of $100 per hour! That is also why I cannot tolerate unproductive lessons. Did have a very smooth lesson today and put a lot of the advise I got here into play. Found that proper timing of the aids makes a big difference in response. Also starting out with quick transitions gets this horse listening and ready to work and by-passes some of the confrontational "who's the boss today" stuff. Agree that relaxation and humor go a long way to building team work with the horse and teacher.

[judyl]

Hi Mare-e

$100 works out about £75 per hour. If I was paying £75 an hour for a riding lesson I would really want to be riding a horse which was well trained and would make things easier for the rider. Having said that, I have paid quite a lot of money out in the past to ride so-called well-schooled horses which were anything but! I always seemed to find that when you went to a riding stable, you were given the plods which really didn't help your riding in any way whatsoever.

One saving grace has been the NEW RIDER SEMINAR with Heather Moffet. I was on the second seminar and every horse I rode was well schooled and a pleasure to ride. I own my own horse so you do get used to riding one horse and also my horse happens to be very rhythmic and regular in her paces and also her diagonals are very even. I have been on previous riding holidays because I think you need to ride different horses and I really end up appreciating my Shady Lady because she is so comfortable and forward going.

I would have a quiet word with the Instructor to make sure that when you have your next lesson, you are given a horse which will HELP your riding and not hinder it!
Good luck!

Judy

[Sharon H]

I must say I agree with everybody else here and especially Judy. People will probably shoot me down in flames for saying this, but it almost impossible to find a riding school to teach you anything but the basics well. As I see it the problem with most riding school horses is that they are ridden by so many 'learners' they just don't react in the way that they are supposed to. The end result is that the pupils have to work harder and harder and the horses get more and more fed up. I have been trying for years to find a place where I could ride nice, well schooled responsive horses and have never yet found one. I'm sure that is why most people end up buying their own horse. I'm not trying to slag off riding schools in general, I appreciate that they have a living to earn but I do think it is when you get beyond the basics that you start to have problems. I've no idea what prices are like in the US but for the amount of money you are paying for these lessons, I would expect a red carpet to be rolled out whenever I turned up at the yard! I believe you have a right to insist on being given a suitable horse to ride and an instuctor to whom you can relate.

[Mare-e]

Glad to see others share in my experiences. Not that I wish anyone else the same frustrations, but it does help to evaluate my learning curve (or sometimes FLAT!)realistically and sort out what is my fault and responsibiltiy, and what are circumstances beyond my control. Would love to go to a Heather Moffet seminar if she ever comes to New York.
My goal is to become a strong enough rider to go on week long riding vacations each year, and some day lease a horse where ever I retire. I always thought I would retire and continue living in Manhattan. But with my new found love of riding, my future fantasies all revolve around horses. Am now thinking of places to move where the cost of living is low enough to afford supporting myself and a horse during retirement. If only Bush or Gore were campaigning with a proposal to make horses dependants, and therefor tax deductable!

[Wally]

It is a sad fact that a great deal of riding school horses have been treated like machines. I have to CONSTANTLY remind folk ( usually tourists out for one ride) that they are not on a bicycle, the horse has feelings too. So many schools I have been to (approved too!!) have treated their hores like inanimate objects. It is up to the instructors to monitor the behaviour of the riders and teach them not to make the horses sour and dead. I will not tollerate Kicking, hauling or general mistreatment of our horses. They are our asset and if the riders ruin them we have no business. Sadly this in not the case in a lot of schools. However if the rider is educated from day one that half a tonne to 3/4 of a tonne of horse can be moved with a feather there is no reason for a horse to become dead and sour. The condition and obedience of the horses is a direct reflection of the quality of instruction one can expect!

There now I've put myself up for ridicule!!

[Nancy]

Wally,
I loved your thought about moving the horse with a feather. Think of the impact that visual would have on a beginner. To stand in front of the horse and tap him in the chest with a feather and have him step back on command. I bet it would save alot of mouths and ribs to give that show right off. I always tell the young kids that come out with us that they should picture someone hauling them around the school yard with a wire on their braces. That usually gets them to stop pulling on the reins. Keep up the great stream of thoughts.
Happy trails.

[vclay]

Mare-e, it isn't your age! I'm about there too and have good days and bad days. Luckily we have good instructors and one of the things they insist on is a "warm-up", with just walk/halt/trot transitions. This usually tells you if the horse is feeling lazy today or if you yourself are not quite bright. The transitions help the horse listen to you as well.
I love Wally's feather analogy. Taking a break from lessons,we were on a trail with nice safe comfy horses who walked past a big road caterpillar, ignored a wallaby popping up in front of them, disapproved of a motor bike using the horse trail with a snort, shook their heads slightly at a currawong on the trail (Black, crowlike bird), stepped over a tiger snake with disdain and then Tom (whom I was riding) bolted when a leaf blew off a tree and touched his eye! Of course his idea of bolting is a more excitable horse's slow canter, so I was quite safe, but the things they choose to find objectionable is beyond my comprehension.
Good luck with the lessons,remember you are meant to enjoy them! Vera

[Jo]

I love this site - it keeps me sane!

Vclay, I loved your story - horses just don't percieve danger in the way we do - and we don't see it their way either! I love the idea of a horse moving at the bidding of a feather - and why not? They feel flies landing on them so we should remember their sensitivity before we set about them with hob nailed boots.

Well, I am amazed at the cost of private lessons in some areas. I have to pay £15 for an hour's private lesson, whether it be on the lunge or not - and they are good lessons, too.

I watched a programme on Lorenzo today and one thing he said sticks with me: it doesn't matter what age you start riding, if you want to succeed you will. Just listen to your horse! Quite inspiring really. I asked my mare whether she wanted to hack out tonight or whether she would prefer 30 minutes in the school. She said she'd sooner be fed and let out to paly with her mates. I obliged!

[Mare-e]

I agree with the idea of listening to the horse. That would make the good instructor more of an interpreter between horse and rider.

I also love the image of moving a horse with a feather. It is very much on target. My best rides have required almost no force and have felt like a graceful dance with a skilled partner. My worst rides have made me sense the full weight of 1200 pounds of unwilling horse flesh.

Saturday's lesson was on a new horse, a bit more forward moving but with a huge bouncy trot that threw me into posting whether I wanted to or not. Of course that would periodically unbalance me, make me tense up, and guess what. Yes, we have a stop-and-go horse again. My fault, I know. As soon as I got home I could visualize myself balanced, relaxed, without my seat clenching, and riding correctly. I often wish I could get off my horse, take a walk, and come back and start fresh again. That is not an option at the school I go to. I envy you who have your own horses, to ride when you want and to build relationships with those magnificent creatures.

Again, thanks for all your support.

[Judith]

Hi, Mare-e

Boy, you and I have similar experiences! I started riding late - I was 47 - and have been riding now about 18 months and wishing in some way that I had started as a child so that I didn't feel that nervousness and fear of falling. Like you I feel very committed to it all to the extent that, like you,I think about moving to the country towards 'retirement' and really enjoying it as a big part of my life. But, most important, like you, I sometimes feel that I am getting nowhere on horses that just take the **** the whole time!! On Tuesday I rode a horse who just lumbered along unless I kicked him into kingdom come and then just stopped and stood! I am tackling more difficult things now, like collection, so I'm feeling like a real novice all over again...

Relaxing is really important - literally trying to get detachment so that you don't try too hard. And just realising that it is hard learning to ride, that we didn't have the advantage of that natural learning process that kids have, but that there is no reason that, with patience, we can't become confident, competent riders. I have no ambitions to go in for events, but I would like to be able to ride confidently on my own on a hack, do a bit of jumping and just feel that I am more in control as a rider. That the horse respects me!

Mind you, the more I do the more ambitious I become but that's no bad thing. Part of our problem is that the horses are a bit dead to the leg. I rode Lusitanos in Portugal this summer and they we just fabulously schooled, totally responsive, and I couldn't believe what they did for me with the minimum of asking. (Incidentally, there was a very nice woman there called Toni who rides at a school in Manhattan. Might you know her?) Of course, when I got back to London, the horses I ride there looked at me as if I was mad when I tried to reproduce my Lusitano experience!

Anyway, I have't said much except that we have to enjoy it and try to get that childlike quality into it all somewhere, relax, be a bit detached and not try too hard,(I'm convinced horsed prefer it when we just care less!) and believe we can do it!! At least we are committed and prepared to work at it and we're not going to give up for exams and college and boys!

Good luck!

[Mare-e]

Judith,
Yes, I share your attitude about riding at this age. Also, I strongly beilieve the horse should be having as much fun as I am. I would much prefer to have a willing partner than a horse a need to force into submission. That is why I sometimes have to remind myself about the whole "herd" thing, and that I always have to be the boss (albeit a kind one).
Don't know anyone named Toni but there are two equestrian centers in Manhattan. Both have about 20 horses, maybe as many instructors, and have lessons (sometimes up to 5 at one time) running 7 days a week. I now ride at 8:00am to avoid the crowds, and still end up with a few other instructors giving private lessons in the same arena at the same time. Not the ideal situation, but it's the only game in town.

[CoraMerle]

You all seem like kiddies to me. I'm 62 and started lessons about three years ago. It's very interesting to me to read about your experiences.

[ClaireB]

Mare-e
That's a seriously large amount of money to pay for something which you clearly aren't too happy with (and for good reason by the sound of it). Is that the going rate in your area? I have just returned from a long weekend of training with a classical instructor in Herefordshire, UK. 3 of us went so we got group rates, but we had 7 lessons in total and it was £95. Her schoolmasters are wonderful; did it perfectly if you got it perfect - and showed you which bits you had got wrong if not! I'm not saying this to rub it in; just to let you know that it shouldn't be like your experience. The instructor has you carry a dressage whip, and tap it if leg aids aren't heeded but spurs.....rather excessive for a novice.

You are probably aware that 'trying too hard' can lead to all sorts of tension - on the weekend I was told only to put 100% of myself into everything, not 120%! I have found that the Alexander Technique works well, and if you get a practitioner who knows about horses, they will probably teach you on a wooden horse so you can check your posture; mine certainly does.

All the best and I hope things improve for you.

Claire and Wellington

[Somethingroyal]

I dont live in NYC, but 100bucks an hour is ridiculus- unless you have a perfect trainer who supplies you with a flawless horse who is all sugar and no spice. I pay $60 for an hour private w/ Sierra, but our trainer rides on the Grand Pri'level. I suggest you look for another stable, though it sounds like it is hard to find one. It was right for you not to use spurs, if you don't know how to use them properly you could seriously injure the horse. If you have the money (and the time), you might want to look for a private trainer. Often these are more qualified and can give you better advice on what your problems are. You might need to lease or buy a horse, depending on who you work with. I doubt they would charge a whole lot more than 100 for an hour+ private, but then again, it depens on who you find...

[Mare-e]

Yes, $100 an hour for lessons is outrageous, but so is everything else in this city. The lessons are private and I think I've now developed a good relationship with both my instructors (one works only during the week and I need to have one lesson on weekends to not take too much time away from work.) Also, the lessons are getting better. Each instructor has a slightly different approach and they select different horses for me, but I see it as an opportunity to learn more. A big help has been the yoga lessons to keep me relaxed and focused and flexible. What has also made a huge difference was my taking a firm stand with my instructors about the kind of rider I want to be and being very vocal in my refusal to "beat up" the horses.

It's interesting so see how many people have tuned into this thread and have noted problems with schools and instructors. It's hard to be assertive with instructors when one has so much to learn, but it is well worth it to speak your mind to make sure you are learning what you need at each stage. I will be eternally grateful to an instructor I had in the beginning. I was given a horse that was very responsive and could get very speedy, almost to runnaway-at-fast-trot on occassion. She started to scare me and I lost all my confindence to the point where I had one lesson where I was trembling at a walk! Had a long talk with my instructor about what I was really afraid of: loss of control. We went back to steadier horses, lots of transition work to master "control", and most important spent a half lesson on emergency dismounts. The other instructors and students watched us like we were crazy. But that lesson gave me an option, whether I ever use it or not, so I feel I will never be trapped and out of control on a runnaway horse. It was a huge confidence builder.

[Sharon H]

I think it is a sad fact of life that there are so many riding schools out there whose approach to teaching is so sub standard. I spent years as a child paying for lesson (Well my parents paid), and it wasn't untill I left there that I realised how much I didn't know. At least as adults we are in a better position to educate ourselves. I recently attended a demonstration by Kelly Marks at a large riding school nearby. During the afternoon assessment of the horses that she was going to use for the demo, the other indoor school was being used for 'lessons'. Well, the lanquage and tone of voice of the 'instuctors' had to heard to be believed! There were two lessons going on at the same time for most of the afternoon and granted, the two instructors had to compete with one another to be heard, but it was mind boggling. Everyone who was in the other school where I was, kept turning round and looking at one another in disbelief. We heard no explanations, just a lot of growling and shouting, presumeably to force these unfortunate horses and their hapless riders to move at all.The only form of encouragement that I heard all day was the odd "good". It was all I could do to stop myself from rushing in there and telling them that it doesn't have to be like this! I don't know who I felt more sorry for, the riders or the horses. Actually it is obviously the horses because they had no choice but to be there. It was such a contrast to the way that everyone in 'our' school was behaving. Throughout the entire day and evening there were people dealing with some quite difficult horses and you could have heard a pin drop the whole time.

[judyl]

Hi Mare-e

I've just read some of your later posts and I think it sounds as though your Instructors have listened to you and are trying to help you. I think it was a good idea for one of your earlier Instructors to teach you how to do an emergency dismount! Very similar to when you are learning to ski, the first thing you should learn is how to stop!

I still think $100 is expensive but if that's the going rate and you can afford it, so be it. If you really want to do something, you'll cut back on other things so you can afford it. I think you did the right thing in not wearing spurs and now the Instructors have more of an idea of what you want and the type of rider you want to be, they can tailor their lessons accordingly.

Well done on being such a thinking and caring rider!

Judy

[Mare-e]

Judy Leggett,
I know everyone is appalled at the price of my lessons, but this is one of the most expensive cities in the world. I have no car and no other expensive vices, so the lesson cost just tests my dedication to this new passion.

[Judith]

Yes, you do what you have to do. Everything in New York is expesive - that sounds about right to me. I hate the fact that learning in London means that it takes me an hour and a half of heavy traffic to do about 7 miles to get to my lesson on a weekday because that's the only time I can get some space in the school. And the school is the best of a pretty average bunch when you get there!

Riding in expensive capital cities has its problems but if that's where you live that's what you do! Just so long as we can get away now and again for some country riding to remind us what it can be like!

Keep at it, Mare-e.

[Jo]

Hi Mare-e

Just a thought - if you lose your balance have you tired riding a little shorter? Yiu probably lose balance because your legs slip back, tilting you forward. Some saddles, as Heather says, actually promote this and make riding more difficult. When you are totally relaxed, your legs will hang lower and you won't grip up with your knees when the horse's pace quickens. The more thigh you have in front of you the less likely you are to tip forward - the principle of jumping with very short stirrups. Good balance cannot be rushed - it is developed over months and years. It will come though, as long as you persevere.

Good luck

[Mare-e]

Hi All,
An updated response to all your kind suggestions. I did have my last two lessons with the stirrups a hole shorter, and I noticed it did give me a bit more stability. Since I ride different horses and different saddles (sometimes close contact, dressage, or all purpose) I am sometimes well into a lesson before I am sensitive to the stirrup length in relation to everything else. Also, last lesson I was given a gorgeous piebald gelding with blue eyes that was the most attentive and generous horse I have yet experienced. What a difference! It was as if my body had stored up 1 1/2 years worth of lessons and was suddenly able to express them all through this beautiful creature. At the end of an hour I was not even breathing hard, because it required a completely effort to ride. I needed focus, and timing, and proper aids, but I was not sidetracked by the need to constantly motivate my partner. I have always hesitated to criticize "lazy school horses", because I accepted the blame for being a novice rider. After this glorious experience I know I am learning more than I realized. Halleluliah! Have of course requested all my lessons be on this new horse.

[Daphne]

Last week i felt close to tears after a riding lesson because the horse i had ridden had tripped about 3-4 times making me panic and feel as if i was going to fall off. I know i have to remember that the horse has a boucy trot and tripping when trotting will unlikely cause me to fall off but it really shook me up and i nearly didn't go back. Also i am more than a beginner than you Mare-e as i have only had about 13 lessons but i felt the same about not wanting to be the least favourite pupil and the last trot we did i nearly said no but it turned out to be the only one the horse didn't trip. I was un-nerved and felt a bit annoyed that the instructor didn't ask if i was alright especially when i was dismounting the other instrutor asked how the lesson went and i hardly said anything (usually i'm beaming because riding makes me feel alive and proud as i am a very nervous person). However i asked myself what i wanted to and the answer was to be a mounted police officer and to do that i had to go back. I have not come all this way to give up. Getting on for the first time nearly killed me. I know my experience is quite different to yours but i felt i had to reply as i'm sure we are not the only ones to have felt close to tears after a lesson. Good Luck, Daphne.

[ProspectMary]

I, too am a beginning adult rider in NY (but not in the suburbs) and don't want to get too specific in case they know I'm posting on so little experience about my lessons with them!


Things I've learned by observing is horses used for schooling are not always going to be as tractable as horses you own or who just have one job or one owner. Don't beat yourself up and for heavens sake don't beat the horse up - your instructor is WRONG for the bit about spurs! Spurs is just learning-avoidance at our stage.


Horses also have moods and habits just like anyone and some days they may really dig in their heels. School horses have hundreds of riders on their back so when they're determined to ignore you, a beginner, what you do isn't going to faze them. They've been there, done that. Spurs is just punishing them for something not their fault - carrying a beginner. Just let your instructor (hopefully not the one telling you to use spurs) come to your horse to get him/her started while you continue with your lesson. The point of your lesson at this stage isn't to get the horse to "obey" you but to learn what it's all about. AT this stage, it's not about getting the horse to obey, it's about you learning how to organize yourself physically in the saddle in conjunction with the horse, how to be comfortable there and secure. That takes time with many ups and downs. Anyone can kick a horse in the ribs and what have you gained? You've proved nothing. You were right to refuse - just say no, don't explain, and get the instructor to convince the horse to move (which she should be able to do without hitting him/her), and then continue with your lesson working on what YOU need.


I recently watched a horse show and sat next to someone very experienced. It was a "low rent" :) horse show with just city stables participating and my neighbor had some very good observations. When a horse was balky (most of the horses in the show were multi-purpose with a lot of day jobs and showing being rare in their lives) she would point out techniques the rider could use to encourage the horse or "take charge", and the techniques almost always centered around the confidence and driving leg POSITION and movement of the rider, not whipping. To her (the experienced observer) a smart "tap" at the right moment by someone who knows how to ride is all that's required if a horse is really really uncertain. The one rider who was vigorously driving her very resistant, large horse through the rather small ring was getting set down by the judges. It's not what riding is about.


Above all don't beat yourself up. You are trying to mesh your moods and physical well being with an animal and they may not always be in sync. Try to go with the flow and if you are having a balky day just focus on the small things and let it go. It happens on all levels, it is definitely not a judgment on you and your age. The more I see of horses and riders of all ages at all levels of experience the more I learn that.

[Mare-e]

Daphne,
A mounted police officer? WOW! Since I've discovered my love of riding I have thought of that as a wonderful career choice, but at the age of 52 it's a bit too late for me. As long as your love of horses and riding outweighs the nervousness and occassional disappointments, you go for it girl! And keep us informed on your progress.

A thought about the nervousness. For me, part of it is my fear of failure as much as a real fear of being badly hurt. My head tells me I am a mature, successful career woman who intellectually understands the concepts of riding. I read every book and magazine I can get my hands on, and read this board every day I'm in the office. When I have less control of my body than the children I see, it's frustrating and humiliating. Those emotions just get in the way of being in the moment and getting the most out of the lesson you are in. Sometimes I guess the lesson turns out how to be patient and humble.

ProspectMary,
Wonder if we've crossed paths at school? I also want to be a bit discreet because of some of my comments. Must say, lessons have improved since I have been outspoken about how I want to ride. And have started requesting specific horses that are more responsive and that I feel more connected to. I love all horses, even the brats. But I want to learn well and achieve what I can before the arthritis sets in! So its important to me that MOST of the time I have a horse that will best allow me to achieve my goals. Also addressing the issue of nervousness. I've noticed that if Heather's method or similar kinder methods of riding are applied, it is less stressful emotionally for horse and rider and therefor allows for more ease physically for both. Would love Heather to visit "The Big Apple"!

[Daphne]

I agree that learning to ride makes you become more patient. I did not think it was going to be this hard!
I also agree about not saying anything that gives your true identity away to your instructor but if they learn something from it it might not be so bad. I do not mean i want them to find out - i think its pretty obvious but life is too short and if i hadn't gone into detail then i would have learnt anything from the board. Although i would say if i cannot tell my instructor how i really feel perhaps that is my problem and i will have to learn to be more honest. This is because my instructor is good and enjoy talking to her - its like making a new friend. Thanks for relpying. Daphne.

[JackiAH]

eeeekk!! You guys might not want to listen to me... As I am only 12 and everyone else is way older!!!! Hey Mare e, I live in Florida(Used to be a New Yorker!!!) and I pay $30 for my private lesson!! I hate to say this, but you are getting RIPPED OFF!!! Majorly!! When I was i lived in ny, I lived un Warwick. Have you heard of it? They have soooo many 4h clubs and FFA things, and riding there is cchhhheeeaaaapppp!! I have to go now..Wish I could write more!
Jacki!~~

[arabian_lover]

i think that oyu should go back to the basics of everything when you are mounted on thi particular horse (then you can perfect everything at the walk-trot levels and be able to go on to more things when mounted on the others). It's okay not to be able to use a crop. or spurs. I liek your way of thinking for your spurs.


good luck


arabian_lover