$$$ problems

[Bets]

Hello'
I've been riding for almost two years but have only managed to go once a week. Half of the battle was riding a good horse since I've had so many bad experiences on school horses. Since then I recently hooked up with a personal trainer and an excellent horse, only to find that most of what I learned in the riding school was "wrong."
This was extremely frustrating because I feel like I'm taking 100 steps back. In addition I also feel like I lost tons of money which (I don't have).
Anyway, the question is are there any programs or ways which I can improve or "practice" riding without owning a horse or paying an incredible amount of money for? Any at home activities? Places with simulators??
It sounds like a long shot especially in the New York Tri-state area! Any suggestions...
Thanx, -Bets

 

[Mar]

Hi Bets! We have something in common -- I did the exact same thing. I "threw away" 2 years of riding lessons, found a new instructor and barn, and started all over in March of this year. And I mean ALL OVER -- we worked at the walk for months, and I'm just now getting some trotting in.

But I try not to think of those two years as being wasted. I learned alot of things that I should NOT do, a lot of ways horses should NOT be treated, etc., a lot of safety issues that should NOT be ignored. And I spent lots of time in the saddle, trotting and cantering, so I did learn alot of balance.

As far as ways to help you progress without being in the saddle -- that's a tough one. I'm trying to think of those ways all the time! If there's any way you can squeak out one more lesson a week, it will be well worth it. If there's just no way to ride but once a week, try lots and lots of reading -- horse magazines, books, etc. They will help. Also try videos. They will help, too.

One of the best things you can do is go watch lessons -- it's free, and you can learn a lot by watching another student and the way the horse is moving underneath here. I do this as much as I can.

But unfortunately there is no substitute for time in the saddle. If money is the problem (it's mine, and time is a problem, too!) you can try creative ways of getting more riding time -- exchange barn chores for lessons, ride someone's horse who doesn't have the time to ride as much, cool down others' horses, etc. And don't underestimate ground work with horses -- just being around the barn, watching the horses in turnout, etc., etc. can be a great education.

There's also a book called 'Horseless Rider', which I've read and gives interesting tips. I can't remember the author, though.

Good luck!

Here's a great book -- Riding for the Rest of Us by Jessica Jahiel. She has a good grasp of what it's like for us 'part-time' riders.

 

[Medalia]

Well, you can ask for a "free Lease". It's like owning the horse, only you don't have to pay the rent to use the horse.

Put an ad in a local paper or magazine, so maybe people will respond. Just a thought

 

[Allie]

like Medalia said, put an ad in the paper and post it on message boards (this one, and www.equiworld.net is also a good one). Offer to "share" the horse- free riding in exchange for some labor, or if you get lucky, just plain old riding b/c the horses need exercise. Also post flyers in local tack shops and barns, and get the word out that you would like to help someone with their horses. Too bad you don't live in Kansas- I've got two fat horses that I would LOVE if someone would help me exercise them!

If you ride english, you can practice posting on a plastic barrel or even a couple of hay bales- it really helps you learn to use your thighs rather than relying solely on the stirrups. Other than that, I really can't think of anything else. Good Luck

Allie

 

[~alison~*]

Hello- what the others said is very true, just being around horses helps sooooo much. Where I rode at in Oklahoma, I started mucking out stalls, pouring & measuring feed, turning out horses, etc...until my instructor and I became really close. Then she had me come out and help her with her lessons, helping the beginners tack up and how they should act around horses. I learned so much more about how horses act and what they are like. Eventually, she let me come out and ride whenever I liked. We would go on trails and it was a blast.

I know that is not the case most of the time (that you would be very close to your instructor), but maybe if you would just ask your instructor if you could work out there.

READ!!!! Reading helps so much with your riding. Another option would be to see if someone could videotape you lesson, then, until the next week, you could watch it over and over and over and critique it so that you would know how to do what you were asked, and be able to learn new things more quickly.

Last of all, TIME. It just takes a lot of time and patience to do well in riding. Or w/anything for that matter. Have fun and ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bets]

WOW!
All of your suggestions were excellent. Thank You all sooo~ much. I have been reading more about horses(and riding) and I just received my first issue of "Horse Illustrated" yesterday...so hopefully that will help some.
I am definately going to do the "free lease" suggestion!! I always wondered about that, but I figuered it was too uncommon or wierd? How should I do it? Should I say what my expectations are or should I use those words "free lease?" (Forgive my ignorance on that one) Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
-Happy Riding
-Bets

 

[Bets]

P.S. This is especially for Mar...Thanks for the support I thought I was the only one who had that frustrating experience. Good Luck and keep with it.
-Bets