Teaching Skills?

[k9 Equine]

Some of you may consider this one of those "stupid" questions, but I'm going to ask anyway.

Exactly what should an instructor be teaching? (BTW - I am in the US.)

When I decided to begin riding again, I checked out several riding school facilities, watched lessons, etc. I then chose the school where I felt most comfortable. At sign up, I gave prior experience, height, weight, etc.

Fortunately there are only two of us in the class so I feel that I am able to do more; however I don't feel as if my instructor is "teaching" me anything. She is very easy going and I'm certain very knowledgable. The instructor is also happy to answer questions but provides no lectures on technique or the aids, just gentle and instructive corrections and this works well for my classmate. I, on the other hand, want to know more - for example which aids are applied when AND why (the reasoning and mechanics behind them), or how to pace myself and the horse (count the strides). Call it a character flaw, but I seem to have a problem with simply following directions unless I understand why I am doing something! :D

[In my humble :rolleyes: opinion, it is not really a learning (thinking) process to just follow comands.]

I intend to bring this up at the next lesson and hope the situation improves; however, I wanted to know if this is "normal" instruction.

[Mossy]

I too have spent years feeling frustrated being told, "Do" without why. I like to know what I am doing and the effect it is having on the horse. Apart from anything else if I know what and why I can translate it to any horse and know how to correct wrong notes. If I am just doing the horse is going round and round in circles but I am a passenger. I has some lessons in why when I was seven which were invaluable for future use, and then recently I discovered Heather, and my present instructor who is brilliant. There must be some like them in the Western Dept.

Patient correction is great if you know the rationale, or don't want to know it, but I agree sometimes you need to se the instructor ride and have them talk through what and why so you can see from the ground. It is however much harder to teach practical theory and doing a running commentary whilst riding is hard work.

[horselover]

When i first started riding at my curretn stable, I had a horrible instructor- she didn't teach me a thing. A couple weeks later, she quit- thankfully- and a new instructor came. I got along really well with him from the start, and although he has moved on now, and I have another new instructor, I learned more from him than I thought possible.

Most of the other riders at the stable are content to do just as you said- take instructions and not care why or really how. My instructor obviously expected me to be the same, and boy was he in for a surprise! He always told me that I asked him the most questions out of any of his students and that I was the most dedicated. I didn't leave it up to him to explain stuff- no one else wanted him to, so why would he think I wanted that. I asked questions constantly- why, how, when, can you clarify this, and, his favorite, can you get on and show me what you mean? I don't feel that connection with my new instructor, but I am trying because now I am used to being able to do this.

My point is this- many people are content to just ride. If you aren't, you need to show this to your instructor- she probably assumes you are like the other girl. And if she doesn't give enough info, just ask!! :)

[Barkless]

Your instructor might be thinking that the theoretical stuff at this point in your instruction would be information overload, and plans on introducing it later. Or maybe she just feels more comfortable teaching in this way. My own instructor loves to lecture. But people have different learning styles, and a good instructor(in any field)should adapt to them.

[Wally]

You hear of instructors pushing their students, but how about a student pushing their instructor! Your instructor should be teaching you what you want to learn, the only way this is going to happen is to communicate with your instructor and tell them what you want to learn and ask lots of questions. There's nothing more boring, for an instructor,than a lesson where nobody asks any questions.

[fionahogg]

When I was younger I used to ride at a stable and, on the rare occasion when I actually received a lesson, I was told to 'trot at C', 'ride a 20m cicle at A', 'Now walk.'

Very Very Very Boring.

I didn't learn a thing for, perhaps, 4years, and didn't want to say anything because my 'instructor' was too scary! When I got my own horse I moved to a livery yard and got a freelance instructor. The difference in my riding was unbelievable!

So if you're not happy with the way you are being taught then I would definately speak to your instructor about it. You might not want to change instructors but if you are paying her to teach you then you can reasonably expect to be taught something! Ask questions and ask to try more advance things if you think you are ready. If there's only two of you in the lesson then you should be able to be doing different things if the other person doesn't feel ready to move on. But make sure you're learning - thats what makes riding fun!!!

Fiona.

[k9 Equine]

I don't think it is the instructor so much as it is my attitude...I want to do more.

I took lessons as a child from age 6 to 9 - but never progressed to jumping. Then I rode my cousin's horse during the summers from ages 9 - 12 until she went away to college and sold him. Now I am in my late 30's (never ask a woman how old she is :D) and taking riding lessons again; week five on Monday. BTW - the instructor tells me I am doing great - very diplomatic of her! ;)

Two kids and many pounds later, my center of gravity and balance are very different from my childhood. Frankly, I consider my current seat lousy, back is much too stiff and I need to condition my knees. But I remember how to do the things I need to do to follow directions i.e. canter at 'C', across the field at 'H' switch lead and posting trot at 'A', etc. The school horses don't seem to care about the weight aids and a half-halt blows thier minds! I can almost hear their thoughts..."Go and stop at the same time...no way. Keep it simple stupid, just use reins to turn and stop, legs mean go and voice, use cluck and whoa."

The other student in my class is a little further along - I am working on posting trot and canter, she is jumping.

To me it is very frustrating...my goal is dressage (fell in love w/Lippizaners at Madison Square Garden years ago). I want to use ALL of the aids and I want to use them [correctly I hope] from the start so I don't develop bad habits. I realize that I need to go back to basics and that's why I chose this school. Thier philosophy is that riding is supposed to be fun - but they don't seem to be competitive. Also, no dressage instructors within 2 hour drive - not an option when you work 40+ hours a week and have a family. However, there is a competitive jumping school fairly close by...but I'll see if I can work things out where I am first.

Thanks again all! :)

[k9 Equine]

Since it is so highly recommended on posts here and the website has such easy to understand visualization cues - I have ordered Heather's book today from Amazon. Can't wait 'til it arrives! :)

Wish I could get the video too, but I don't think it would work here :(

[kedwards]

When I started on with my instructor, I had a similar experience. I'm very intellectual in my approach and need to know "why." Once I learned to take the initiative and ask, the problem was solved.

I should add, though, that one of the best things I've done for my own progress is learned to be a bit less "cognitive." I'm finally starting to learn that my body just can't keep up with my logic. No matter how much I try to "think myself into it," it's just not gonna get there that way.

Honestly, I think my instructor knows this too. She patiently answers my questions, but then finds some exercise or challenge that will force me to learn by experience rather than mentation.

[Katie_85]

I know where you are at with your instructor. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade my instructor for anything, but sometimes wish she would give more constructive criticism and fewer compliments. I'm starting to doubt her sincerity. Anyway, ask questions and maybe talk to your instructor if you're not happy. Just make sure it is improving your relationship, not making it worse!:)

[k9 Equine]

Thanks Katie. Relationship with instructor is fine, she is very good at answering questions - you just need to know what questions to ask.

I remember childhood lessons (they were private) as very instructive, I didn't make a move before being told what I was to do and how (not very much depth on meaning and purpose of the aids though - I was only 6!)

For some strange reason, adults are assumed to know what they are doing (we don't always - but you didn't hear that from me :D) - so if we don't ask, the instructor, at least this one, doesn't tell. That's why I wanted to know if it was normal. It seems that while "normal" is subjective, this teaching method is rather common. Thanks to everyone for their input.

Anyway, I will stay where I am until I feel I'm not learning anymore (and that's awhile off).

~ KE

[Somethingroyal]

I never realized you could have an instructor that didn't tell you why what you are doing. I feel very lucky:) My trainer has spent countless hours lecturing us on herd behavior and why when you pull one rein the horse goes the other way.
Good luck 2 ya, and it sounds like asking is a good way to fix it.