Advice Starting at a New Riding School

[Miss_Millie]

Hi everyone,

I'm a long-time lurker here and have finally made an account. It will be great to meet you all

First of all, a bit of background about my life with horses so far. I am 26 and rode once a week from the age of 5 - 18. In my later teenage years, I was doing 'stay a days' at my old riding school, which involved a group lesson and going on a long hack/ fun ride, plus helping out with younger riders on the lead rein and doing yard chores.

By this point I was jumping up to 3ft and felt confident around horses and like my riding was improving well. I was always put on the difficult/green/new horses because I had a good seat and was a calm and confident rider.

When I started university, I had to stop riding because my course was too full-on and stressful. I moved to a different city too. Last year I was lucky enough to meet someone with a senior mare on a private livery yard who needed exercising and I rode her once a week - we went hacking but also had some lessons. The lessons were really positive and although I felt incredibly rusty and clearly still have so much to learn, we were a good match and I felt that I was improving well, as did my instructor who was impressed with my progress.

Very sadly, said lovely mare passed away in March during lockdown. The last time I rode her was in February. I have missed her so dearly and missed riding in general, so I sought out the most local riding school to me and had my first lesson there today.

Unfortunately, it was quite a negative experience. The pony I was riding was veeeery very slow. The instructor prefaced me meeting him with 'I'll warn you, he is slow and lazy'. I spent most of the lesson breathlessly trying to keep him in an active walk, and felt that I couldn't concentrate on my technique or position because it was such an effort to make him move forward. It's worth mentioning that this riding school has only just re-opened after 6 months of being closed, so the horses might be a bit unfit, but they have been exercising them leading up to the re-open.

I know that a good rider should be able to make any horse/pony respond to them, but this fella reminded me of the ponies at my old riding school which a complete beginner would be put on, on the lead rein, because he was so dopey and unresponsive. The mare I rode for the last year wasn't forward going either, but I was able to get her to respond to me and I actually came out of my lessons feeling positive, no matter how hard they were, because I was learning and gradually improving. Today I left feeling a bit tearful and defeated.

Should I return to the riding school and ask if I could try a different horse? My bigger-picture goal is to ride weekly again (because I really enjoy it, love horses and want to improve), with the very long term goal of owning my own horse one day, and perhaps loaning or part-loaning inbetween to get a better understanding of horse care and if I can make the commitment work around my job and lifestyle. I don't want to compete or anything like that, I just want to become a better rider and enjoy building a relationship with a horse.

I'd love to hear some opinions from more experienced riders on here. Thank you for reading!

 

[ihatework]

In a riding schools defence, they will get lots of new clients who say they can ride but who can’t. It could be disaster if they gave them a buzzier horse without assessing them. So I suspect you got given the slow safe one just to test you out.

I know a good rider should be able to get any horse going, but slugs are no fun for anyone ?

I would most definitely not write them off immediately and give them another chance, but you do need to speak to them ASAP about what horses they have that might be suitable for you to progress on.

 

[w1bbler]

Chances are they put you on a rock steady horse to assess your riding.
I used to work at a riding stable & generally we did not trust peoples assessment of their own riding & would put any new rider on the very reliable models.
Did you discuss with them at the time, might be worth a chat on the phone when you book again.

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

It's your first lesson. I imagine they put you on something safe in case you'd over stated your ability.

I once had a friend who described his ability as 'Novice' which obviously means something else in the horse world as it does in the real world. I think he would have loved to have been given the horse you had.

 

[gallopingby]

Hi hope you’re feeling a bit better. I think it’s difficult to equate RS ponies to private yards although some RS will have a variety of horses to select from. The first priority is safety of the rider and some of the better schools may do as assessment lesson on a mechanical horse.
is the school approved and to what standard? Are they used to teaching a variety of standards or just a round in circles with bored horse? You need to work out what you want from the lessons, how much it’s going to cost you maybe including travel then visit a few other places. Once you e had a lesson it a couple more maybe decide which would suit you best.

 

[Miss_Millie]

In a riding schools defence, they will get lots of new clients who say they can ride but who can’t. It could be disaster if they gave them a buzzier horse without assessing them. So I suspect you got given the slow safe one just to test you out.

I know a good rider should be able to get any horse going, but slugs are no fun for anyone ?

I would most definitely not write them off immediately and give them another chance, but you do need to speak to them ASAP about what horses they have that might be suitable for you to progress on.

Yes I agree, I think they probably put me on him because it was my first time there. I think the instructor was aware of the situation and did say a couple of times that I should ride a different pony/horse next time. It seemed a lovely place and the instructor was very good and friendly, it's just a shame that I didn't benefit much from the lesson because my pony was such a plodder.

 

[Miss_Millie]

Chances are they put you on a rock steady horse to assess your riding.
I used to work at a riding stable & generally we did not trust peoples assessment of their own riding & would put any new rider on the very reliable models.
Did you discuss with them at the time, might be worth a chat on the phone when you book again.

Yes, I agree and that is fair enough. I'll ask them what they think when I call up The lessons are expensive so I just want to make sure that I am actually able to focus on the learning properly.

 

[gallopingby]

Was this a group lesson or private / semi private?

 

[Miss_Millie]

Hi hope you’re feeling a bit better. I think it’s difficult to equate RS ponies to private yards although some RS will have a variety of horses to select from. The first priority is safety of the rider and some of the better schools may do as assessment lesson on a mechanical horse.
is the school approved and to what standard? Are they used to teaching a variety of standards or just a round in circles with bored horse? You need to work out what you want from the lessons, how much it’s going to cost you maybe including travel then visit a few other places. Once you e had a lesson it a couple more maybe decide which would suit you best.

The riding school is Riding Club/Pony Club/ BHS approved I believe. They do cater to higher levels, and what I would like when I'm less rusty and back into it is to get back into jumping small courses like I used to when I was younger. The pony I rode today I would have struggled to get over ground poles, so I suppose it just left me feeling a bit deflated.

The riding school genuinely seems a lovely place, but I do think the pony I was riding was 1. unfit and 2. just a bit of a plodder with very low energy.

 

[Miss_Millie]

Was this a group lesson or private / semi private?

It was a private lesson - due to covid they are only doing private lessons right now.

 

[Miss_Millie]

It's your first lesson. I imagine they put you on something safe in case you'd over stated your ability.

I once had a friend who described his ability as 'Novice' which obviously means something else in the horse world as it does in the real world. I think he would have loved to have been given the horse you had.

Yeah, I do appreciate that they don't know me and want to make sure that I'm safe during my first lesson.

 

[Wishfilly]

If you liked the place generally, I would give it at least one more chance. As others have said, it's very likely they put you on a very safe pony for the first time so they could assess your ability (it's also possible that as they are bringing horses back into work, some will be more unpredictable than usual, which may limit their options). It sounds like the instructor felt you were capable of riding something more forward going, so hopefully they will give you something you like better next time!

Next time you go, I would discuss your experience and goals with your instructor and talk about the sorts of horses you would like to ride- this should help them match you with something suitable!

Alternatively, have you thought about looking for another share?

 

[Miss_Millie]

If you liked the place generally, I would give it at least one more chance. As others have said, it's very likely they put you on a very safe pony for the first time so they could assess your ability (it's also possible that as they are bringing horses back into work, some will be more unpredictable than usual, which may limit their options). It sounds like the instructor felt you were capable of riding something more forward going, so hopefully they will give you something you like better next time!

Next time you go, I would discuss your experience and goals with your instructor and talk about the sorts of horses you would like to ride- this should help them match you with something suitable!

Alternatively, have you thought about looking for another share?

This is great advice, thanks so much. When I call up I'll definitely ask to try a different horse and I'll be more direct with my instructor about what I hope to gain from my lessons. It was their first day re-opening after being closed for a long time due to covid, so no doubt quite a stressful and hectic day for them.

I would love another share, but have been looking around since March and have found nothing in my area, sadly. I figured that if I keep up my riding in the meantime then hopefully I'll be a better rider by the time that the opportunity arises again I was very very lucky with my last situation and only wish that I could have had longer with that outstanding mare.

 

[Wishfilly]

This is great advice, thanks so much. When I call up I'll definitely ask to try a different horse and I'll be more direct with my instructor about what I hope to gain from my lessons. It was their first day re-opening after being closed for a long time due to covid, so no doubt quite a stressful and hectic day for them.

I would love another share, but have been looking around since March and have found nothing in my area, sadly. I figured that if I keep up my riding in the meantime then hopefully I'll be a better rider by the time that the opportunity arises again I was very very lucky with my last situation and only wish that I could have had longer with that outstanding mare.

I think the first day reopening is always going to be tricky for a riding school, and that may have influenced the horses/ponies they used as well- I am sure the last thing anyone wants is an accident on the first day back open. Definitely be direct with your instructor and explain your goals- that's the only way they can help you achieve them.

I think more shares are starting to be advertised now- with Covid restrictions it's probably been hard for people to take on new sharers.

It's definitely a good idea to keep riding if you can.

I do wonder if it might be worth looking for a school that has been open for a bit longer- if they are back into the swing of things and their horses are fitter, they may be able to offer you more of what you want!

ETA: I am really sorry to hear about your old share horse. It sounds like you were very attached and it must have been a difficult time to lose her.

 

[Quigleyandme]

I can emphasise MM. You looked forward to your lesson, and they are expensive, especially private lessons, and you were put on a horse that took all your energy to make it put one hoof in front of the other and you’ve gained nothing from the lesson except frustration. As others have said, they have assessed your ability now and you seem determined to ensure you have a more rewarding and enjoyable lesson next time so go and knock their socks off with a bit of half-pass and a few steps of extended trot.

 

[Miss_Millie]

I can emphasise MM. You looked forward to your lesson, and they are expensive, especially private lessons, and you were put on a horse that took all your energy to make it put one hoof in front of the other and you’ve gained nothing from the lesson except frustration. As others have said, they have assessed your ability now and you seem determined to ensure you have a more rewarding and enjoyable lesson next time so go and knock their socks off with a bit of half-pass and a few steps of extended trot.

This summarises it perfectly, thank you. I was so very excited about finally getting to ride again and it was not a positive initial experience. But I'll make sure that next week I'm paired with a horse which I can spend more time learning on, rather than sweating to death on haha

 

[Miss_Millie]

I think the first day reopening is always going to be tricky for a riding school, and that may have influenced the horses/ponies they used as well- I am sure the last thing anyone wants is an accident on the first day back open. Definitely be direct with your instructor and explain your goals- that's the only way they can help you achieve them.

I think more shares are starting to be advertised now- with Covid restrictions it's probably been hard for people to take on new sharers.

It's definitely a good idea to keep riding if you can.

I do wonder if it might be worth looking for a school that has been open for a bit longer- if they are back into the swing of things and their horses are fitter, they may be able to offer you more of what you want!

ETA: I am really sorry to hear about your old share horse. It sounds like you were very attached and it must have been a difficult time to lose her.

I absolutely agree with you. Unfortunately the next closest riding school is almost an hours drive away, so I'm very limited by my options. The school I've just started at is just 15 mins away so is much more doable.

I was very lucky to have just over a year with my friend's mare, and only wish that it had lasted longer. I wasn't allowed to go to the livery yard as a non-owner during lockdown and she passed away one month after I last saw her She had an amazing life with her owner though, who had her for over 20 years. I was so priviledged that I got to be a part of her final year on earth.

 

[Wishfilly]

I absolutely agree with you. Unfortunately the next closest riding school is almost an hours drive away, so I'm very limited by my options. The school I've just started at is just 15 mins away so is much more doable.

I was very lucky to have just over a year with my friend's mare, and only wish that it had lasted longer. I wasn't allowed to go to the livery yard as a non-owner during lockdown and she passed away one month after I last saw her She had an amazing life with her owner though, who had her for over 20 years. I was so priviledged that I got to be a part of her final year on earth.

That must have been so difficult. It is really tough riding other people's horses sometimes (obviously tough for the owners too to lose her, but it's tough for you in different way).

Hopefully you can make things work with this riding school then! It's a shame to be that limited on options. I do think if it was their first day back open, you maybe didn't see them at their best, so I hope next time is better for you!

 

[AmyMay]

Yes, I agree and that is fair enough. I'll ask them what they think when I call up The lessons are expensive so I just want to make sure that I am actually able to focus on the learning properly.

I don’t own a horse any more, but do ride a few times a year at a wonderful place a couple of miles away. When I first rode there I was given a rock steady cob, who was a real bomb proof little guy. I went the following week and was given the owners hunter to ride. Still bomb proof but not anyone’s ride. I had told them them at the initial booking that I was an experienced rider who, until recently, had owned her own horse. But they have to assess you in the first instance.

I don’t go for lessons, I go on small group hacks, and tbh I don’t mind what I’m given to ride.

I last went four weeks ago and the horses were only really coming back in to work after their Covid holiday. I was asked if I minded riding something that was rather quiet, but needed the work - which I was very happy to do.

My point is (eventually ), that as they get to know you, hopefully you’ll be given horses that will better suit your abilities.

 

[teapot]

Standard first lesson experience I'm afraid. Centres have read between the lines too many times re people who say they're not novices/owned ten horses etc.

Give them a chance, especially if they've only just reoopened post lockdown. Sure people on here will have suggestions for places in your area if it doesn't work out. I travel a heck of a distance for my lessons for good reason.

 

[mossycup]

If the instructor was good and it seems on the whole a nice place, I'd give it another go. I returned to riding 2 years ago and while everything was still 'there', I was rusty. You do have to do a bit of riding of the ones who need a stronger application of the accelerator, before you get given the ones who need more brakes. Safe, solid, plodders are actually perfect for reawakening riding muscles, and when you can get them going nicely, there's a lovely sense of achievement. Good luck!

 

[HazuraJane]

The instructor straight up said you should ride a different horse next time.
Contact the facility and remind them of that.
You sound reasonable and competent.
Remind yourself of your reasonable-ness and competence before you get out of the car at your next lesson.
Then advocate for yourself if necessary.

 

[wren123]

As you are private why don't you ask for lunge lessons. The instructor controls the horse so the horses lack of energy is not your job and they can really work on your position.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

As you are private why don't you ask for lunge lessons. The instructor controls the horse so the horses lack of energy is not your job and they can really work on your position.

This, also be aware that if you go to a different RS, they will also want you to have an assessment lesson.

 

[Miss_Millie]

I don’t own a horse any more, but do ride a few times a year at a wonderful place a couple of miles away. When I first rode there I was given a rock steady cob, who was a real bomb proof little guy. I went the following week and was given the owners hunter to ride. Still bomb proof but not anyone’s ride. I had told them them at the initial booking that I was an experienced rider who, until recently, had owned her own horse. But they have to assess you in the first instance.

I don’t go for lessons, I go on small group hacks, and tbh I don’t mind what I’m given to ride.

I last went four weeks ago and the horses were only really coming back in to work after their Covid holiday. I was asked if I minded riding something that was rather quiet, but needed the work - which I was very happy to do.

My point is (eventually ), that as they get to know you, hopefully you’ll be given horses that will better suit your abilities.

This is a really good point, thank you so much. I hope that I'll be able to go on hacks eventually too, but right now they are only offering private lessons due to covid.

 

[Miss_Millie]

Standard first lesson experience I'm afraid. Centres have read between the lines too many times re people who say they're not novices/owned ten horses etc.

Give them a chance, especially if they've only just reoopened post lockdown. Sure people on here will have suggestions for places in your area if it doesn't work out. I travel a heck of a distance for my lessons for good reason.

That makes complete sense. Thanks so much for pointing this out to me. I think I may have been feeling overly sensitive yesterday because it was my first time since riding my share mare who passed away in March and it hit me how different things are going to be with riding now that she's gone.

 

[Miss_Millie]

As you are private why don't you ask for lunge lessons. The instructor controls the horse so the horses lack of energy is not your job and they can really work on your position.

This is a great idea, thank you! I'm going to ask her next week if she thinks it might be beneficial to go on the lunge.

 

[Miss_Millie]

The instructor straight up said you should ride a different horse next time.
Contact the facility and remind them of that.
You sound reasonable and competent.
Remind yourself of your reasonable-ness and competence before you get out of the car at your next lesson.
Then advocate for yourself if necessary.

This is a good point, thank you. I was probably a bit flustered from being in a new place tbh - I think I'll be more assertive next time

 

[Skib]

The first lesson in a new RS one always gets a slow safe horse and the first lesson always includes leg yield?
I dont think it helps to be assertive. It does help sometimes to ask for five minutes alone with the horse to get it moving.
It also helps to tell the school the things you want to learn. Or to improve.
If one picks on one's weakness and it isnt perfect, then one can ask the RI what he or she would do. One can seek advice too before one even attempts it. Coming up the centre line in active trot and getting a perfect square halt at X is not something I can guarantee to do in a first lesson on a horse I dont know. Trot halt rein back and trot off again is something else I like to get under my belt on a new RS horse.
I also have a favourite very easy dressage test which I can always ask to try. To be honest I have never yet succeeded in riding it through non stop. But in a way in a riding lesson one wants things to go wrong so one can pick the brains of the teacher.
With a qualified and experienced teacher, it is rare that the RI will not have ideas and advice that one can feed into one's repertoire.
I have in RS lessons had the experience of riding a 6 year old, I have ridden a horse that went hunting the previous day and seemed turbo charged. I have ridden a highly strung TB. But one does not want to be given a horse that will frighten one.