Assessment by horse owner

[Aekuna]

I really couldn't think of an appropriate title, but oh well.
I wasn't really sure whether to put this in this or the riding improvement section, but oh well again.

I've been riding for about 3 or 4 years, but for the past 2 years, I've been stuck in the same spot, not being able to perfect my canter. Because of this, I'm in a group with people who have just started cantering, but I already know the things that they're telling us, I just need the opportunity to practice over and over again, since I already know what I need to do and what I'm doing wrong. Probably doesn't help that half the technical stuff I've had to teach myself through books since each instructor tells us to do something a different way
Anyways, because of this I ended up quitting and considering going to another school nearby. Unfortunately, it turned out to be further away than Google Maps was letting on.
So for the last month and a half, I haven't so much as seen a horse until a friend of a friend asked if I'd like to just ride one of their horses in their paddock. I was ecstatic, so I agreed. Then it finally dawned on me that I probably wouldn't be good enough, since she'd obviously have to evaluate me, for me and the horse's safety. I just really don't want to embarrass myself, especially because my friends coming .
So, I just kinda need some confirmation. I know how to look after a horse - grooming etc, as well as mucking out if need be, and the owner agreed to teach me how to tack up and check if I got it right if I needed. Would YOU let me look after/ride your horse? I really want to know what to expect as a response,since I hate going into things blind.
Also, sorry if there are any mistakes, I typed this really quickly, so I didn't have time to proof read.
Thanks in advance for any replies or votes on the poll below

Poll - http://www.strawpoll.me/12872857

 

[Jane&Ziggy]

Not having a perfect canter wouldn't prevent me from letting you ride my horse. I own him and I don't have a perfect canter.

I'd much rather someone rode him who was serious about trying to ride better and honest about their level of competence!

After all, you don't have to canter your friend's horse if you don't want to.

I wouldn't worry - just seize the opportunity for a ride with both hands! I always did until I got my own pony, and I would usually start by saying "I'm not very good," whereupon the owner would generally say, "Oh don't worry, you'll be fine."

Welcome to the forum by the way!

 

[carthorse]

Go for it & be yourself. Watch how the owner handles & rides the horse, that should give you a fair idea of what to do, and don't be afraid to ask the owner how her & her horse prefer things done - the majority of owners like their horses how they are & don't want someone trying to change things. Relax & enjoy, what have you got to lose?

 

[Mary Poppins]

It took me about 3 years to learn to canter my horse correctly! Just because someone owns a horse, it doesn't mean that they are a perfect rider. Don't make the assumption that all horse owners are fantastic riders, they really are not.

If I were looking for a sharer for my horse I would want someone who was honest and straight talking with me. I wouldn't want someone to try and impress me or try and make out they had more experience than they had. If you are having issues with the canter, just tell the owner straight and also tell him/her what you want to do to try and correct the problem (e.g do you need to keep your hands still, do you need to sit deeper in the saddle etc.) This shows that you have self awareness and understanding of where your faults are and where you want to be.

Before I bought my own horse I shared various horses for about 10 years. The most successful shares were the ones where I go on well with the owner and communicated well with them. If you are honest and straightforward, you will hopefully find a successful share pretty easily. But also be warned that some horsey people are pretty nutty and not everyone will be 100% honest. ALWAYS see the owner ride the horse before you do, and trust your gut instinct. If you don't feel comfortable riding the horse then there is no shame in getting off and walking away. Privately owned horses vary hugely in their training and experience, and for a rider wanting to gain confidence and experience you need to ensure the horse you share is well trained and well mannered.

 

[Orenoko]

Hi Aekuna, you sound like you're in the same boat I was in a few months back as your post is very similar to my first one! I was having the same issues re canter and then finding group lessons difficult when everyone was at a different level. I don't know if it's an option for you but have you tried private lessons?

I eventually found a great horse to share - I was really honest with the owner, she saw me ride and was happy with it. Ironically without the 'pressure' of the riding school environment I'm getting better at canter as I can decide when I want to canter and for how long (turns out, not that much!). I don't know about you but I became fixated on getting the canter right in my lessons and forgot to enjoy the rest. It was only when I came on here and got advice from others that I saw the bigger picture. I still have loads to learn but am getting there.

Try to enjoy riding your friend's horse, you can just take it easy and have a plod around. I don't know if it's an option to have lessons on this horse if you get on? Either way I hope it goes well for you, keep us posted!

 

[3QuarterClyde]

Im pretty sure that any horse owner who happily offers you the chance to ride really isnt going to be judgemental about your confidence at canter..heck it takes years as a part time rider to get the hang of it and even then you can be back to scratch with a change of horse. As long as you are safe on board, not aggressive or hard on the mouth, i would think most owners are happy to see someone having the pleasure of a ride.
I wouldnt chuck just anyone on my baby clyde..even i look like a hot $hit mess trying to look compentent with his wobbly lines, uneven pace and super bouncy trot..but my older less green mare gets to lug kids on pony camp, take nervous riders through their paces etc i would be thrilled to have someone ride her alongside for company and clydie babysitting!
Go for it..cantering only gets easy with lots of practice..sometimes long straight lines and less corners helps too