First Lesson

[maria9657]

I dont know how many of you remember your first lesson but for those who teach or do remember, I was wondering what you learned or you typically teach in a first lesson?

This morning I had my first lesson (1/2 hour) and I learned grooming, tacking, leading, mounting, dismounting, walking, trotting (sitting and rising), steering, and the two point position. Half the lesson was on lunge line and half was off. I learned the grooming, tacking and leading before just so you know. I am just wondering how this compares to what others teach or were taught?

[ponytude]

My first lessons were part of an intro package so they were spaced abit. On my first day I had two hours(They are suppose to be an hour each but since I had the time I got two hours). It cosisted of:
1st hour:
Grooming
(Learning techniques)

Horses body language
(What different signs mean)

How to tack up
(First by instructor then me)

2nd hour:

Went on lounge. Did different excersises like:
Drop reins touch toes.
Arms out on both sides.
no reins at trot.
posting trot. hands back and forward.
2 point position

then for alittle while off the lounge:
walk
trot
sit trot


Then for my next two intros it was sorta just going up from there.

PONYTUDE

[horse_lover gal]

hi ummm,
I'm gonna start my first lesson next wednesday. Any suggestions?

[canadianbeaver]

horselovergirl-get a good pair of boots (might be an idea to invest in a pair of riding boots if you're panning to keep going with it... you can get rubber ones fairly cheap as well) Also, wear comfortable trousers (if you can borrow a proper riding pair off of a friend, that's even better!!) Just enjoy it more than anything!! Oh... and stretch before you ride, especially if you're not used to riding, you use different muscles than any other sport.

[maria9657]

And don't be afraid to ask questions or tell the instructor if something is wrong or you don't feel comfortable. This was one point my insructor really made sure I did. The lady who had her lesson failed to tell the instructor when her foot slipped through the stirrup (the lady and her horse were walking around the outside of the ring so the instructor couldn't see) she then started to slip to the side, she then accidentally kicked the horse in the leg, he then bolted and she fell off.

So don't be afraid to ask questions or tell the instructor if something is wrong or you don't feel comfortable is the tip I am adding.

[QuarterHorseMac]

Hello, I asked what I should expect when I take lessons; Heres the thread url: Thread URL (http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=35166)

[ponytude]

Originally posted by maria9657
And don't be afraid to ask questions or tell the instructor if something is wrong or you don't feel comfortable. This was one point my insructor really made sure I did. The lady who had her lesson failed to tell the instructor when her foot slipped through the stirrup (the lady and her horse were walking around the outside of the ring so the instructor couldn't see) she then started to slip to the side, she then accidentally kicked the horse in the leg, he then bolted and she fell off.

So don't be afraid to ask questions or tell the instructor if something is wrong or you don't feel comfortable is the tip I am adding.

Yes! Also at my stables the gave me a page that stated rules. One was the only stupid question was the one unasked, SO ask questions!!!

[jUmPingIsLifE]

When i give people their first lesson this is what i normally do with them.

-Grooming, learning parts of the saddle/briddle, tacking up.
-leading
-mounting
-most if not all of the first lesson is spent on the longe line. I will tell them 'heels down, shoulders back, look up' just what their position should be.
-i will have them go up and down to the walk and do two point
-then at the end do a little sitting trot so they can see what they feel like.

then in the next couple lessons practice a little more troting and two point then take off the longe and learn more things about stearing and fun stuff like that.

[Scarlett 001]

I have switched schools a few times in my first 1 1/2 years of riding so have had several "first" lessons I suppose.

First school: Couple of lessons on lunge - walk, halt, posting trot

Second school (had a month or so of riding before starting here): No work on lunge - went directly into walk, halt and posting trot

Third school: Directly into work at walk, halt, trot etc. with no lunge. I was a bit more advanced so I suppose this is why no lunge.

Fourth (and current) school: So far three lessons on the lunge, even though instructor knows I have done walk/trot/canter and minor jumping in past. This is a dressage school with an instructor who likes to really nail down balance and position before taking students off the lunge. To be honest, I find the number of problems with my balance and position a bit surprising (no previous instructor mentioned these) and am happy to nail the basics before being let off the lunge. In the past, I felt a bit out of control in canter and jumping, and I suspect it was because the fundamentals of balance in the saddle were never really there all along. So I am happy with this slower approach. I am guessing in the end it will make me more secure in the saddle and the trickier things will come to me easier if I have a really secure seat and good fundamentals. Seems to me I will also be a safer rider if I have more balance in the saddle.

[Luv 2 Trot]

I remember my first lesson.

When i got to the stable, I was so excited. I walked in and my instructor handed me my ponies lead. ( he was on the other end jus so u kno.) I stood there and petted him until my instructor came bac into the barn. We put him in the crossties and he showed me the proper way to groom him. Every1 complimented me on how clean he looked and they said that that was the nicest he's ever looked. Then, my instructor showed me how to tack him up and just how far foward the saddle should be. Then, one of the helpers at the stable took me into the indoor arena and showed me how to check the girth and mount up.

Once i was on, she had me walk him around in a circle. I was on a lunge lin too. I swear i was gripping to the saddle lik a squirell clings to a tree. Anywayz.....I walked around and my instructor had me do balancing exersizes: exteding my arms out to each side, doing the same with my legs. Then, towards the end, he had the ponie trot. I was freaken out but at the same time, i was havin a blast. Then, when my lesson was over, he tought me how to untack and sponge the pony. My instructor was continuously asking if i had ever ridden before, and i had to keep telling him that i never had. It was so fun and i was so excited to get bac on. My first lesson went great and i wish i could do it again. :)

[Passion]

Ive never had lessons, but have always wanted them. Its just a matter of money, I suppose I cant really do anything about it. But I ride whenever possible, which usually is only during the term break, but once riding I never want to leave the place. Just congratulating you on your first few lessons, Im still hunting around for an affordable place that teaches the proper tecniques, Ive had encounters with stables that just encourage you to kick and whip.

[americancowgal]

Let see my first lesson was grooming, tacking, and some other stuff not riding tho cause it was raining that day:( ok and the 2nd lesson i learned mounting, dismounting, walking and troting and easy stuff like that:P Saddly im not able to take them at the moment if I was I would be in a horse show tomorrow:P:( I NEED TO RIDE I HAVENT RIDDEN IN LIKE A MONTH:(

[Samsky]

We teach the basics of a good position,rising and sitting trot and standing up position on a first lesson.Also work with 1 and no hands to work muscles (such as arm circling).We have own a pony days during school holidays where people can come and learn how to care for the horses.Grooming,tacking up,mucking out etc.

[Frost]

on my first lesson we worked on grooming, tacking, body languge, mounting,dismounting, walking, trotting, and untacking. Tons of fun. I walked up and coludnt figure out how to open the entrance gate, and it took a while to figure it out.:p When I fianaly got in I went and put the halter on my horse and groomed him and groomed him. :) I just loved it. Then I tacked up. My trainer was so nice. Then I got to mount. Those first few moments on a saddle are magical.:D We walked a few times, and then moved to a slow trot. :eek: Then I had to dismount, which broke my heart. I groomed him and untacked and led him back to his stall. I snapped a picture of him and then ran tomy mom, who was allready waiting with a car. My first lesson went smoother than any of my other lessons have so far. :D :p