Had my first lesson today....

[bobbo]

and really really loved it. Just thought I would tell everybody. I'm going again next week, and despite being partially terrified, I hope I will enjoy it next week too!

Any handy hints?

[Wally]

Just had a quick look at your web site! You don't happen to do bits for a v reg Guzzi Spada do you? Perhaps it's not a classic yet!

[Silvia]

Congratulations on your first lesson! Tell us a little more about it. What horse did you ride, what did you get to do, how did it feel?
I have been riding for a long time and love to hear about first riding impressions. Makes me remember how it was for me...

[bobbo]

I went along to the stables and the instructors introduced themselves. The instructor found me a well-fitting helmet and made sure that I was buckled up properly, and then introduced me to my horse (who was lovely)I asked lots of questions, and said that I was a little nervy and an absolute beginner.

Another instructor demonstrated how to mount and said that we would use a block this time anyway. So up I got. Altitude was something that I had not really thought about until this point. But I felt surprisingly comfortable with it. The instructor sorted out my stirrups and made sure everything was okay.

My horse kept wanting to go but the instructor had told us the basic ways to control the horse and how to handle the reins etc. I was 'connected' to the instructor and we headed out to the common.

I was in my element. I loved the horses and I felt comfortable but with enough respect for the horse to know that he was a beast with his own feelings! (so not too cocky!!)

We got used to walking and steering and stopping, and learnt a comfortable way to let the horse go to the toilet so as not to make him uncomfortable.

He very occasionally missed his footing on some rough ground, probably insignificant to him, but felt a lot more scary from my position, I almost lost my balance but managed to regain my composure!

We had a little trot, just a little way at a time so that I got used to how it feels. It was good and I enjoyed it but I need to work on my muscles!(or what's left of them).

We kept on walking and trotting and then went back to the stables. Getting off was quite amusing!

I did find that I had to prompt my instructor for lots of information, and I have no way to judge whether the school is a good one or not.

One thing that did bother me a little, was that the instructors horse (much more lively and young)was giving here considerable trouble when she tried to get through the gates at the common. My horse was fine but she seemed to be struggling and getting a bit cross with hers. She seemed compassionate and gentle the rest of the time, but he was being really stubborn so she gave him two quite sharp slaps on his neck and shouted at him. Is this okay or should I try another school?

Apart from that I loved it all (as I keep saying)!

[Silvia]

Sounds like you had a good first lesson and if you like the instructor and the horses I'd stick with it for a while. Even so I take every opportunity I get to look at different schools, just to have a comparison.
Don't worry about your instructor punishing her horse. As long as she does not hit him hard one or two sharp taps won't harm him. Your instructor will know the horses well enough to know if they are scared or just naughty.
But I think she should use a calm, experienced horse for herself, too when she has a student with her. Did she correct your position during the ride and explain what you were supposed to do during the exercises?

[bobbo]

The saga continues. After talking with my friend who accompanied me on the first lesson, we decided to try a different school. We didn't learn anything about position at all really and I felt that I wasn't really armed with all the knowledge that I needed to ride as well as possible.

The school I am trying next week sounded a lot better on the telephone, they were speaking my language! So here is hoping, they had guessed the name of the place where my first lesson had been without any hints so i guess i will chalk that one down as experience. I came out of it in one piece and my enthusiasm was stronger than ever, so in one way i did learn from my first lesson.

I will keep you up to date with what happens next!!

[Animal Lover]

I'm going on my first lesson today!! I can't wait. I visited it last week, and the horses looked really healthy, and the two instructors were very helpful and friendly. I'm going to be wearing jeans, because at the moment I can't afford any riding pants. I've heard bad things about riding with jeans, but I still am going to be riding with them for a while anyways. I know I'll never forget the very first horse I have ever mounted up on, and I can't wait to meet him. :)

[Mossy]

Well done
One HP is wonderful. Welcome to the world of horses.
Secondly I too looked at your website - briefly. I or my eldest son, may well be back. He has a 1958 Matchless 350, in bits at he moment but painted and ready to be assembled - needs a new electrical net though. Can you help?

[bobbo]

you can search for a wiring loom on the site if you follow the 'shop' link. if you get stuck, send me as many details about the bike as you can and I will make some enquiries for you.

thanks for the encouragement, looking forward to my next lesson tomorrow.

cheers for now