A break-through!

[Struth Ruth]

Hello all,

just wanted to share with you a bit of a major break through I had at my lesson last night.

For the first time in my life I had a RI that didn't shout and scream and instead, explained things to me! Have always had posture troubles and trouble cantering, but this RI took her time to explain where I was going wrong and most importantly, really made me feel relaxed. I could not believe how easy it was once I took onboard what she was saying!!!

Have always been worried that I just wasn't very good at riding, but now realise that I just haven't had the right instruction and was sooooo pleased after my lesson!

Also, I've graduated from synthetic long boots to jod boots/half chaps and guess what? Absolutely no problems keeping my heels down whatsoever! Unbelievable difference!

Just had to share this with you all!

:D :D :D :D

[*HoRsEtArD*]

fantastic!!!!

well-flippin-done....OH and the half chaps!! arnt they great?! i'm the same i went from rubber long boots to short boots and 1/2 chaps and the results were fab!! they really help with the foot position.

its great that you have had this good experience!

[Purple Hugs]

Well done! Not sure how i'd respond to a RI shouting at me either! :o I'm only heading for my 2nd lesson tomorrow but am glad to say the RI is really gentle, with myself and when she teaches my daughter. :)

I'll certainly take on board your comments about half chaps and jod boots, had been thinking of jod boots anyhow as I have worn them casually in the past and always found them comfortable. Not sure when I'll graduate from jeans to jod's though.. being a 'big' girl! hehe

Glad you are seeing progress (there's hope for me yet)!

[shirley]

Finding the right instructor for you is so very importent. Some of your previous instructors may be good with other types of people. Shouting does nothing to releive tension, only makes it worse. Praise and encouragement are the best teaching attitudes to have for all types of students. Glad you ave found one you can gel with and obviously already getting far more out of your lessons than you did previously.
Happy progression in future lessons

[kedwards]

I never quite understand the notion behind RI's who scream, yell, or belittle riders (especially if they are dealing with riders who are tense, anxious, or confused). I realize an occasional wake-up can work if the rider is already well-confirmed in something and just getting a little callous, but I'd expect that to be the exception rather than the rule.

I'm glad to hear that you found someone who works well with you. Finding the right instructor can make a world of difference!

[Struth Ruth]

It's unbelievable the difference it makes isn't it? A few weeks ago I had a RI that literally screamed at me for half an hour solid. It was like this 'HEELS DOWNKEEPYOURSHOULDERSBACKPUSHHIMON!KEEPYOURHANDSSTILL' etc. etc.

Perhaps some people respond to that, and I wouldn't say that the RI was mean or anything, in fact she seems pretty friendly, it just left me feeling like crap as I couldn't do everything she was telling me at the same time! Plus, if I could do all the things she was yelling at me to do, I would do them! Just to get her to stop shouting at me!!

Perhaps my Mum didn't yell at me enough as a kid and so I'm a bit sensitive to shouting ;) :D

Thanks for all the congrats xxxxx

[Purple Hugs]

I don't think you're over sensitive to shouting, I think it's human nature not to want to be shouted at! ;)

Stick with your new found treasure of a RI! :D

[Trewsers]

Glad you had a good lesson :D So, its true then about long boots being harder to ride in???? I was going to ask Santa or the birthday fairy for some long Mountain Horse boots - am now having second thoughts, cos they're a bit pricey to wind up in the bottom of my wardrobe.....

[Floob]

Good leather long boots should not be much more difficult when they are 'broken in' its the rubber boots that make your heels go up and your legs back too far. I prefer riding with jod boots and chaps.

A different riding instructor does make a lot of difference. I have one who 'shouts' but only to make herself heard and to remind you about the one specific thing you have to concentrate on for that lesson. For example last week was 'toes in' week with any other pointers explained fully

[Struth Ruth]

Trewsers -

Before now I've only ever riden wearing rubber boots and I can't believe how much more comfortable jod boots/chaps are and also how much better I keep my seat and leg position. I've heard a few people say it now and would definitely recommend it!

Floob -

The shouting thing can vary can't it. I know they have to make themselves heard, so I suppose it's a matter of what they shout! Just happy to feel like I've actually learnt something rather than feel a bit rubbish because I can't do the twenty different things at once that I'm being (very loudly! ;) asked to do....!!!

[Angel2]

Not all long boots are the same, my Schnieder hunting boots are really stiff and you cant really feel the horse at all but they are designed to keep your legs in once piece if you bounce of a tree or gate post at speed, but I wear mountain horse long boots for competing and they give me the same feeling as my ariat work boots and chaps. Really glad you've found a sympathetic instructor, some of them forget what its like to be on the receiving end.