First Riding lesson today

[Nazdaq]

Hi, I just had my first ever riding lesson, and I just wanted to confirm whether my suspicions are correct. The instructor made us kick the horses hard (which i HATED) to make them go, and hit them with a whip to make them change gait (which i HATED even more...):confused: I want to know am i right in thinking this is TOTALLY out of order and mean to the horse?? The horse wouldn't go and dropped out of trot into walk and then stopped when i didn't kick it....does this mean its used to it??

I loved being up there, but I HATED having to kick the horse, and I just felt really frustrated and nasty....HELP!:eek:

[palmerlover52]

Change schools.
This one obviosuly isn't right for you, unfortunately, most RS horses are rather "dead to the leg/with hard mouths" so no matter how much pulling and harsh kicking you do, they won' even bother because they're bored out of their nuts going round in circles whilst being yanked and kicked about.

Find a school with a decent reputation, an instructor you get on with and some half decent horses!!!!

Sorry you didn't enjoy your lesson, I loved my first one, but don't give up yet!!! There are some real gems out there that remind you just how fabulous riding is :D

[Faerie Rider]

Go with your instincts if you are not happy or comfortable about it then tell your RI if they don't listen to you or can't give a reply that is reasurring then it's not the right place for you. I haven't had many lessons myself so can't be much help.
Good luck ..have you another lesson booked?
Regards
Katrina

[Nazdaq]

Thanks guys for confirming what I thought, I am working on changing schools, I think my university run lessons out of thier stables so I am waiting till term starts and then I will try to go with them. In the mean time I do have another lesson booked, and I am going to talk to my instructor as the woman who took the lesson this time was not the proper instructor, the instructor was out on a hack and was late back so didn't take the lesson. I am hoping that as the horses in the uni stables are not school horses they may be more responsive and not require a kick as I don't like doing it...:D

Another question: riding boots wise, are muckers good as a first boot? I would like a pair as they seem comfortable and better then the BIG wellies I was in today. I was so scared one would fly off :p they were my size (apparently) but my feet are funny sizes so I really need a pair of boots of my own.

Thanks for your advice in advance.

[PonyGirlAsh]

I started off riding in tall boots, which were just awful and uncomfortable for me too! I don't know where I would be now without my paddock boots and half chaps...they are just sooooo much more comfortable, and easy to take on and off! I was living in England for a year and got some pretty cheap paddock boots and half chaps over there! I have ariats now, but I started with mountain horse I think, and those were soooo sooooo comfy. Anyway, go to any local tack store that has a decent selection, and more often than not, someone is more than willing to help you find what works for you. Don't be afraid to try lots and lots on, it can take awhile to find just the right fit!

Hope that helps!
Oh and good luck with the uni stables...if you go through them, lessons are usually cheaper too :)

[palmerlover52]

Paddock boots and half chaps are pretty comfy, but I always ride in long boots as I think they help my position....not as much flexibility around the ankle though...

[Nazdaq]

Well i rode in leggings and a long sleeved top but the wellies they gave me (short like joddy type) were too loose and i thought they would fall off, those were the smallest they had! (and they cater for children as well, so I must just have small feet) :D
I think I will go for the mucker type boot as I have a large calf and long boots wouldn't fit as the ones wide enough for my calf are too big on my feet. (if you see what I mean)

I really enjoyed riding even though I was worried about hurting the horse, and I am definetely not going to give up :) Thank you for all your comments everyone.

[Faerie Rider]

I rode in a pair of hiking boots for my first lesson..my ankles were so rigid they were killing me by the time I got off. I bought a pair of short boots and a pair of black jodphurs by the time I had my second lesson i was sooooo much more comfortable I have size 3 feet and am 5'1" so I have junior boots -cheaper:D . But I could feel 'Champ' so much more and that made him much easier to nudge! One of the advantages of learning to ride when you are older is a) you know whether you are going to stick with it and b) you don't tend to grow out of your stuff!:rolleyes:
Let us know how you get at your next lesson! I have got number 4 next week as my RI is away this week...so inconsiderate..how dare she have a holiday!!!;)
regards
Katrina
xxx

[bexj]

Hello, welcome to the board and to the world of horse riding.

Going back to your original post, I would be more concerned that they were getting you to trot in your first lesson! I'd look elsewhere pretty sharpish - its no wonder the poor ponies didn't want to move very much. There ARE good schools out there, but they sometimes take a bit of finding.

On the boots issue, I would get a pair of cheap joddy boots to see you through

Good luck with your next lesson:D

[Nazdaq]

I am now looking to start riding with the stables at my university, as they are not a riding school but do offer lessons I am thinking I would get more one-to-one attention and get to ride nicer horses (no offence to the horses at the school i currently go to!) Thanks for your reply bex.

[kyanya]

I just noticed you're at Aber! I'm starting at the Uni too this year :)

Just wondering what stables you're riding at? I want to join the uni riding club and take advantage of their lurvely, rather massive indoor school. It was very, very nice - one of the most memorable things from the open day!

[Nazdaq]

Thats exactly what i'm gonna do, as I HATE this school...Its the Rheidol Riding Centre...found here http://www.rheidol-riding-centre.co.uk/index.htm.

I hope to see you at the riding centre when term starts! :D Perhaps you can give me some pointers on how to ride 'properly' and not just tell me to kick the horse like that silly woman at Rheidol did!:confused: :eek:

P.S: are you bringing your horse as well? Also what subject are you studying at the uni, I am doing Film and Television Studies and will be in my third year this year.

P.P.S: I hope you don't mind but I've added you to MSN so we can chat about all things horsey! :D