What to expect?

[QuarterHorseMac]

Hey everyone!

I am thinking about taking lessons (probably english)..I am curious..What should I expect on the first lesson? What did you do on your first lesson? Do you think I will ride?

Thanks!!

[LynneAC]

Hi, I'm in the UK but will tell you my experience of first lessons over here:

It really depends on what you've done before but a 'beginnners' lesson would go something like this:

Usually the horse will already be tacked up for you, some places don't put the bridle on so the instructor may talk you through it while he/she puts it on.

You will be shown how to lead the horse and may get to lead it to the school

Once in the school the instructor will show you how to tighten the girth and pull down the stirrups, they should also ask you about your riding experience, any health problems, introduce you to the horse and tell you a bit about him/her (they will already have introduced themselves hopefully!).

You will then be shown how to mount correctly. After this you will do some work in walk, possibly on a lead rein (some only put tinies on lead rein, some put everyone). The instructor will explain about the correct position, holding the reins, simple aids.

Depending on the school and how you go you may do a little of trot just for 'fun' and to give you an idea what's to come! They may do some 'rising trot' (posting) exercises at walk. You may also do some exercises on the horse to help with your position and to being helping you to feel secure.

They'll be more cautious with you for the first few times and to ensure that you don't get TOO stiff the next day!

If you've ridden before they may watch while you put the bridle on, lead etc, check out how you mount and then do some walk and trot work, maybe some basic laterals and possibly a short burst of canter. It all depends on how long your lesson is and what you've done before. I've got an assessment lesson today which is only half an hour, I'm expecting to walk, trot and maybe do a bit of leg yield etc.

Whatever you do ENJOY and don't forget to give feedback to the instructor, if you don't understand something don't be afraid to ask :D

Have fun and enjoy


Lx

[Fuzz and This]

first lessons at my yard consist of the instructor teaching the rider how to mount, hold the reins properly, where their feet and legs should be while still on the yard. walk up to the school (beginners are led - espcially if they are children).

exercises are taught eg around the world, thread the needle, touch ears, touch toes, touch tail.

figure of eights, serpintines, 20 and 10 diameter circles, change the rein are taught in walk.

riders are taught how to stop and go and how to turn.

practice bending through bending cones and walk over trotting poles.

near the end of the lesson riders have a go at a bit of trot.

finally riders are taught how to dismount, run up their stirrups, loosen the girth, double their reins and put the horses headcollar on.

Enjoy and have fun!!

[LynneAC]

Originally posted by Fuzz and This
finally riders are taught how to dismount, run up their stirrups, loosen the girth, double their reins and put the horses headcollar on.

Enjoy and have fun!!


Oh, whoops! Forgot about that bit :rolleyes:

[laura jeanne]

In my first lesson, we got the horse from the stall and put her in cross ties. Then I learned how to groom her, watched the instructor put on the tack as she explained what she was doing, then learned to to lead the horse to the arena.

Learned how to mount, walk, stop, and do simple turns. Can't remember if I trotted but I don't think so. Then we put up the stirrups, led the horse back and untacked her, groomed her, and put her back in the stall. It was all very low key and exciting even tho I am all grown up (!!)

Even putting her back in the stall was interesting because I was told how to turn her to face the door before taking her halter off so I was not near her back legs! She was the sweetest old horse and wouldn't have thought of kicking but I didn't know that.

oops, almost forgot to say that I gave her some yummy carrots!

I hope you have fun and let us know how it goes.

[k8schmutz]

Also depending where you learn and how confident/strong you are you'll be taught differently, these are the ways I've hear/experience of first lessons:

1, Being led around by someone so you don't hvae to worry about steering (how my sis started)

2a, on a lunge reign with saddle- same reason-this also helps improve your seat (how my mate started)

2b, on a lunge reign without a saddle - this helps you to "feel" the horse beneeth you so you know what all the movements feel like (I think someones OH on hre rides bareback all the time?)

3, you'll be in complete control (how I started and me and my sis started at the same time in the same place so it varies alot)



You might also go over some trotting poles (the poles that lay on the floor) just to get the feel and to build your confidence, and also work without stirrups in walk, but it all totally depends on whre you go. It might be a god idea to ohone up possible schools and ask if u can watch a lesson or two so u cna get an idea and then shoose the best one

However you first start I hope it goes really well for you!

[QuarterHorseMac]

Thank everyone! Im looking forward to getting lessons and making them good!!! Ill keep you updated; I talked to my mom today, but she hasnt given me an exact answer, but by the looks I think shell say YES! (I am almost so positive I want to say YES!..Lol!)

Thanks!! :D

[westley_jacobs]

good luk on your lessons, just enjoy and dont fret! u will ride normally on a first lesson, unless they teach u evrything 1st,,,dunno!

[QuarterHorseMac]

good luk on your lessons, just enjoy and dont fret! u will ride normally on a first lesson, unless they teach u evrything 1st,,,dunno!

Thanks! Lol.. :D

[westley_jacobs]

thats ok! hehe, ps how old are u?

[lady ridealot]

Have you been riding western before or is it your first time altogether?! Plus are you having a group lesson or an individual as it will effect what you do?

On my very first lesson i was put on a lead reign in a group lesson(in a baby lesson no less!) as i started not long ago in my teens! We walked around and then trotted to the back of the ride in turns - i thought it was great! But thankfully i was only in that lesson one time and then moved up (without a lead rein!) lol :D

It will all depend on your ability, both what you've been taught and otherwise, if its your first time you may find you have natural ability (like good balance!)

Good luck! :)

[QuarterHorseMac]

Hello,

I have rode western...once? I think..Lol....And I didnt do much the horse knew where to go..it was a trail ride. So its kinda like my first time. Im not sure which lessons Im going to take....either semi-private or group. Private are too exspensive.

Thanks everyone!

[maria9657]

For my first lesson i had a 1/2 hour private, before the lesson I learned grooming, tacking and leading, during the 1/2 hour lesson i learned mounting, dismounting, walking, trotting (sitting and rising), steering, and the two point position. Half the lesson was on lunge line and half was off.

[QuarterHorseMac]

For my first lesson i had a 1/2 hour private, before the lesson I learned grooming, tacking and leading, during the 1/2 hour lesson i learned mounting, dismounting, walking, trotting (sitting and rising), steering, and the two point position. Half the lesson was on lunge line and half was off.

For some reason I feel that when I take lessons they will do this with me.... Its says that the first lessons is private...and that the lessons will be private until rider learns to tack up(?)