riding lessons

This is a topic I've been stewing over for quite a while.

Why take riding lessons?  I mean, really, all you do is jump on and go, right?!

Wrong!!!!!

I feel deeply sorry for any horse ridden by someone who just jumps up and goes without someone to tell them how.  I mean, really, didn't someone tell you how to ride a bike?  Drive a car?  And to do so safely?

Maybe your instructor was a family member or friend who gave you pointers, but THAT COUNTS!

So, why?  Because beginners tend to kick too hard and pull back with too much enthusiasm ... usually at the same time.

Because green horse and green rider don't go together.  One of you needs to be experienced enough to teach the other, or be in very close contact with someone who can teach you both at the same time.

Because it may be natural for a horse to buck, rear and move into pressure, but that's a hard way to ride.

Because "one size fits all" is not true of saddles, bridles, halters, horse shoes .....

Because being one with your horse is the single most awesome experience I can ever guide you to feeling.

So, then what do you look for in a riding instructor?

1) Someone who speaks your language.  Not just English, but also speaks in a way you can understand.  If you are a "why" person, then "more leg, more leg" isn't going to be effective for you.  You need to know why more leg.

2) Someone who can demonstrate to you, or have someone else demonstrate, exactly what they're talking about.  "Sit deep in the saddle" means nothing unless you can get a feel for it.

3) Someone who has time for you.  You don't want to be part of 50 students a day that are herded through like cattle.  Well, at least I wouldn't want to be.  That's not to say that you spend way more of your instructor's time than you pay for, but that when you are in a lesson, you feel like you are important to them.  They are mentally present in the lesson, not texting all through the lesson.

4) Someone who can put you on the right horse for your riding level.

5) If you have your own horse, someone who can pick up on your horse's quirks and teach you to adapt to them, or overcome them.

6) Someone who will be honest about you and your horse's abilities, without putting you down.

7) Someone with enough knowledge of tack to know when you need to switch saddles, bridles, bits, etc.  and have ideas about what might work better.

8) Someone who is realistic about their own abilities and limitations who will take you as far as they can, then point you in the right direction for further growth.

9) Someone who understands when you are having a bad day and need therapy more than an intensive learning session.

10) Someone who truly loves horses.  OK, so that's not absolutely necessary, but I would rather ride with people who love horses than people who are just using them to earn a living.  Although the two are not mutually exclusive by any means.

Just some of my thoughts on the subject.
Go out and enjoy your horse!