An instructor conundrum - looking for recommendations

Ludi-doodi

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I recently changed instructors for flat work as I felt I was going over the same ground lesson after lesson with the one I'd been using for last couple of years and needed a fresh pair of eyes on things. I've had 3 lessons with new person and whilst I think the basis of what I'm being told is right, I'm not thrilled about the approach to the solution.

I have a great jump instructor who has evented to 3* level. The conundrum I have is whether to try this instructor for flat work - for some reason I've only ever had jumping lessons with her - or try another flat/dressage specialist? If the latter, can anyone recommend an instructor who will travel to me - I'm based near Mirfield/Huddersfield in West Yorkshire

Sorry for the length of this, but felt back ground was important.
 

BBH

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FWIW I think anyone who jumps successfully must be good at their flatwork therefore i'd give your jump instructor a go.
 

TarrSteps

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No question, try the person you get on with for jumping first if they are suitable for the level you want. What have you got to lose?

It can be very useful to get different opinions and specialist help for different phases BUT it can also be very useful to have a coherent approach, at least for your basic work. If you find you need more specialised dressage help then speak to your jump instructor and ask who he/she recommends for an occasional lesson.
 

dollymix

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I'd definitely try your jump instructor for your flat lessons...afterall, if they have evented to 3* they will have needed to train their horses to a fairly decent dressage level too!

Plus, because she sees you jumping, she will be aware already of any little issues you have and hopefully they will be allow her to target your weaknesses right away, improving your flatwork and jumping!
 

racingdemon

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ditto the above re: your jump trainer.... you probably work on alot of 'flatwork' during your jumping lessons, so it's just a natural progression, i did this with my trainer, we spent the first 9ish months having 'jumping' lessons, but working on the in between the fence stuff alot, then progressed to proper intensive flat lessons once my horse was mentally ready to focus that bit more.... works well for me!
 

Renvers

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FWIW I think anyone who jumps successfully must be good at their flatwork therefore i'd give your jump instructor a go.

^^^This - also if you and she have clicked already you won't have to spend first few lessons getting to know them
 

Ludi-doodi

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Thank you all! My thinking is along the same lines as yours - if someone's evented to 3* their flatwork can't be that shabby! Recommendations still welcome, always useful to have alternatives!
 
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