Soon to be starting lessons but afraid...

[Passion]

Hi everybody. Just a few threads down I was complaining about how I wasnt allowed lessons. Well after my ride on Tuesday, my parents said that I could have fortnightly lessons there. The instructor that I had had only just started there, and she was very neglegent of us. She just set up little jumps and told us to lean forward and grab some mane. I found that very daunting as I hadn't jumped before, and she paid attention to only one person at a time, and as my horse was approaching the jump, a younger rider cut infront of my and my horse stopped and I was nearly toppled over his head! This instructor went for the 'kick, whip and pull' methods, and I hated it. I have had horses that respond to the correct aids before, and I tried this on the horse I was riding but he didn't respond in the slightest, so to my distress I had to resort to what she was telling me, and I hate kicking a horse, but it was the only way I got him to move. But then there was a much better instructor, but I only had her for the hack and so I didn't see how she taught. I don't want to make my parents pay $200 or so for lessons at a place that is only going to teach me all wrong. I have ridden at another place over the holidays where they teach you the right way, but that is far too expensive and out of the question. I'm scared that I'm going to fufill my dream of years and years to have lessons, but to be taught the wrong way. I don't know weather to drop the idea for the moment and search for another place, or just see how they are and perhaps waste the money but maybe not. I have been riding for a year or two, but only every three months, so I am still a novice rider, and I'm not an out-speaking person and wouldn't question my teacher. I really love horses and I would hate for my riding to start off all wrong. I'd appreciate it greatly if you could all help me. Thanks a lot.

[anuvb]

To be honest, I think you need to tell your parents what you have just told us. I can understand you not wanting to risk losing out on the lessons, but if you explain that you have researched into riding methods, and what goes into a good riding school, then your parents should respect this for being so adult in your approach. Talk it through with them. They may suggest you try a few lessons and see you how you feel afterwards. If you go this route, whilst not ideal, make sure you parents stay to watch the lesson so that you can discuss it afterwards with them and see what they think. Also ask if they would be prepared to take you to watch a few lessons at an alternative school so that you can make comparisons.

[Wobblydeb]

I think you are totally correct in not wanting to be taught by a bad instructor with poorly trained horses.

I wish I had been as aware of stuff like this when I was younger - perhaps then I wouldn't be back to starting all over again like I am now! If your parents are like mine they probably just don't understand the difference.

If it is a bit expensive, how about fitting in cheaper hacks at one place and shorter lessons at the other? That way you get plenty of time in the saddle, and can practice what you have learnt with a decent instructor.

Or maybe get a part-time job and pay for the difference between the two places yourself?

I'm doing both of these :)

[Mazpup]

Couldn't you just ride every month at the more expensive stable instead so your parents end up paying the same or less but you ride less often?

[Passion]

Thanks for the advice.

Wobblydeb: That's a really good idea. It sounds more affordable, or I would really benefit from it. Now comes the trouble of convincing my parents that don't know a THING about horses and riding, lol. But I still don't know if we can squeeze in the costs.

Mazpup: Once a month would be really slow process, at least it would be riding but it wouldn't really do much. Thanks.

Anvub: I'll do just that.

Thanks guys. I'll tell you what happens.