instructor question - just would like an opinion

[K&K]

doesn't really matter what level of rider you are or how much knowledge you have, i'd like anyone's opinion on this :)

okay, i've been taking riding lessons on and off for about six years ... if i added all the instruction i've had i'd say about two years worth. (i ride english by the way). i can safely and correctly control a horse at a walk, trot and canter and know how to handle bucks, spooks, bolts, etc. i'd say i'm a intermiate -beginner (meaning i'm in the beginner stage of an intermiate rider, if that makes any sense).

i've recently purchased the perfect horse for me, a 15.2 quarter horse mare. she's spirited but easy for me to handle and we get along great. i quit riding lessons last year because i didn't like my instructor and, since i don't want to do anything with my horse besides pleasure riding (trails, etc), i don't want to sign up with an instructor full time. do you think it would be smart of me to only have a riding lesson every few months, to touch up my riding a bit? or do you think i should continue to have full time instruction?

thanks :)

ps. i've never had a lesson on my mare.

[larri]

Hi K&K

I think it's useful to have a brush up lesson now & again as we all get into sloppy riding habits when no-one is looking ;)
It can also help you get the most from your new horse.
And you never know, if you are doing a little dressage or jumping in the lesson, you might want to learn more or start to compete if your lovely mare shows talent.

Congrats on getting your first horse - have fun!

[cvb]

Hi

I suspect there may be some comments on the following definition, but simplistically "Instruction" is telling you what to do and (often) how to do it, whereas Coaching is more about working with you to help you achieve a goal.

In reality all the "Instructors" I've ever worked with do a mix of this, but some are more comfortable telling, and some coaching. I've also found Instructors who spend their whole time teaching the horse, and not me - which is fine if thats what you want, but actually isn't what I wanted.

My opinion is that if you're happy with your 'technical' riding level - then you probably don't want to be instructed too much - but something more like coaching can be useful to keep you on track with a goal (e.g. to be a happy hacker :) ). They can also act as an observer and give you feedback to stop any bad habits developing (not sitting straight, etc etc) - to help you keep your level of technical riding.

Of course then you have to find an instructor who works like this. But you can always influence it a bit as well - e.g. if they don't ask you your goals, what's to stop you saying 'My goal is.... How can you help me with that ?' or "What's the aim of today's lesson ?'.

[K&K]

okay, thank you both very much! i'll ask around to find a good instructor who's more into "coaching" as you said, cvb. maybe she can let me know from there if i should have more lessons.


thanks again :D

[Mossy]

A good instructor will help you help yourself. They will also pick up on lazy habits you may be developing that you don't realise 'cos your horse learns to understand what you want even though your question may not be phrased quite right. If you ever ride a horse who does not know you it will not repond as expected and you will not know why as you will not realise that you asked the wrong question. Sorry if that is a bit complicated. I would recommend a lesson monthly or so.

[Outrider]

My comment is basd on my own experience. It all depends on what you really want to do with your horse, but if it is as you have said, you sound more advanced to me than you think. My story is simply this: I was given my first horse by my father on my 15th birthday. He showed me how to tack up and tie a saddle knot(once), then made me do it to his satisfaction. The sum total of my only "lesson" from him was, "Now get on that horse and ride, boy!" I've been riding ever since and I am now 45. In my opinion, I don't think you need a coach or instructor as much as you need riding buddies to help each other out now and then. A lot cheaper that way and tons of more fun! Happy Trails!

[K&K]

thanks for your comments everyone.

i agree with all of you - a lesson now & then, maybe once a month, with a good instructor, would be a smart idea. lessons are so expensive, my parents will be glad i don't have to spend a lot of money on them! :D

me and my mare get along so well we won't run into much trouble :)

thanks again!


ps. thanks for your comments outrider, i completely agree with you.

[Aston87]

I think that it is fine 2 only take a lesson once in a while maybe 1 or 2 times in maybe 1 to 2 months or so....I'm leasing a horse right now, & i've stoped taking riding lessons so i just read stuff in books & try them out:)

[liberty911]

I just started back to riding after a long break due to getting an education costing a small fortune! Anyways, I have a great instructor and I have a partial lease. I would not give up my hour a week with kristin for anything in the world and I have approx 10 years in the saddle as I started at age 5 with riding lessons and only stopped a couple of years ago! I think you should look for the right instructor for you! Kristin is my bud, my mentor, and my drill sgt. when needed. I couldn't imagine not having her to yell at or praise me! Look into finding someone you really really like and if they are good with you coming in once or twice a month then do that. Anything that improves your skill as a rider in my opinion is not only GREAT for you but also good for your mare!:)