First Lesson Coming Soon...hopefully

[Galiena]

After much begging, my parents are going to let me take riding lessons. I've researched and asked questions. I've decided to do huntseat. And now, I've come to another problem...
I'm nervous. I don't usually get nervous.
I don't have any clue how somebody (particular a riding instructor) would base my skill level.
I asked somebody at the place I'm planning on taking lessons at if it was possible to take group huntseat lessons. Yes, it is, they told me. I was much relieved. But I have to take a private lesson to be evaluated. And I would have to take more than one private lesson if I don't have much horseback riding experience.
I've ridden lots of times. I've gone on trail rides (which is a hack, right?) and I've ridden at my cousin's farm. The only semi-formal teaching I've ever had was 7 years ago at camp (which was like 6 or 7 days, an hour each day)--. I don't know how to saddle a horse-- I think I can put on a bridle and bit though. I can unsaddle a horse. ;)
I guess you could say I know the basics. I'm really nervous about riding in an English saddle. I've never done that. I've always ridden western.

Got any tips?

[BackintheSaddle]

You're lucky - I wasn't able to have lessons until I had a job and could pay for them myself! Don't be nervous, be excited. Your first few lessons, they will show you how to groom your horse, saddle and bridle, and how to handle your horse safely from the ground ( leading etc ). Your first lesson in the saddle might start with you on the lunge line so they can see how your seat is. If you look secure, you'll probably start walking around the edge of the arena, practice starting and stopping, and steering. If that goes well, you might give rising trot a go.

They'll know what to do with you, and all you have to do is pay attention, be safe, and have fun.

Good luck

[helinski]

i was so scared before my first lesson , but got on and felt like i could ride forever! im sure u will be fine goodluck :)

[SupaTania]

In riding, nervousness seems to occur rather often, Even if you've been riding for years. As stated before, you're rather lucky, I als had to wait till i had a job to fund my own riding lessons.

A lot of people don't feel as secure in an english saddle as they do in a western. But with without balance you'll fall off in western as well. Riding is supposed to be fun, so put your bravest face on and remember to smile and laugh - It makes a world of a difference.

[Purple Hugs]

Congrat's and lucky you! :) you owe your parents a huge hug! hehe

I'm 33 and have only just completed my 1st lesson (2nd due tomorrow). :D I can't wait!

No matter your age, nerves and excitment will mix in together! :o we're human after all!

Enjoy your lesson, and work on the basics.. I figure it's like riding a bike, you never forget.. so might as well learn well from the start!

[ponylover88]

...

[alchemyequine]

Stop worrying! enjoy the experience. The idea of going for lessons is to learn... and any instructor worth their salt will be able to assess your level and pitch to it. I must say however, that after teaching dressage for some time, it is very refreshing to hear that someone is concerned about what they need to learn, and that they have lots to learn. I have come across clients who think they know everything and it is not an easy task to make them change their minds! I truly hope you relax and take the whole experience as it is meant to be... fun!

[Kryss]

Nervousness is not a bad thing. It means you've focused on what you're doing and given it some thought. You're not going in blind...once you're on the horse you'll realise it was all just mental preparation...the time will fly and you'll be looking forward to that next lesson as you untack!! Well that's how I feel about my lesson tomorrow!! :D

[kedwards]

My best advice is to go in with a "beginner's mind." In other words, go in without expectations of yourself, without preconceived notions, and without any worries about impressing your instructor.

Consider yourself a complete beginner and a dry sponge ready to absorb whatever information your instructor will give you, as it may be different than what you've done so far or from what you may have expected.

But, most of all, plan to have a great time!

[Galiena]

Thanks for all your kind words! :D

I think most of my nervousness is coming from riding in a new place and riding with complete strangers. And since I'm nervous about that, I'm nervous that I'll do something wrong because of my nervousness. I think I'll just have to remember to breathe. :p

I'm really hoping the stable I'm going to allows you to work for your riding lesson. My dad said if money gets tight, the lessons will be the first thing to go. I really don't want to get a real job yet, and I think something like that would be perfect for me.

Hmm...I was going to say something else...what was it?

I have to remind my mom to sign me up tomorrow...

[Lindsayanne]

You'll have a blast! I used to get nervous on my way to the stable and I'd get butterflies in my stomach as I pulled in, but as soon as I had my hands on a horse I was fine. ;)

I think you'll like private lessons. They are SO much more fun and SO much less frustrating. In a group class sometimes the instructor has to move along with the group instead of paying attention to the problems of one rider- or the opposite, the whole class could be less skilled than you and they instructor would have to keep you back at their level- but with private it's ALL about you! (very few times in life ya get that! :p ) It's GREAT to begin with private lessons because since your instructor is paying 100% attention to you, they catch bad habits before they become "habits"- makes things lots easier on down the road.

AS far as describing your skill level. I always play dumb. :D I figure it's better to claim I'm totally ignorant and pleasantly surprise them than misrepresent myself and have them think I'm a liar. In fact, I often play dumb with the vet or other trainers and ask them to show me how to pick hooves/blanket/wrap etc just so I can see how they do it. :D