Bad teacher or just a different style?

[brianh]

I've been riding for about six months now, and thought I was making good progress. However, I had a couple of minor accidents that for one reason or another made me try a different school. The new school has been very critical of what I was taught at the original school, and I really don't know what to think. It's as if I've been taught two completely different styles of riding!

The first school told me to keep my hands on the horse's neck, lean forward slightly in the trot, and to stand with a slight lean forward for canter, absorbing the shock through my knees. They didn't teach me any specific leg aids for the different paces, or anything about diagonals or leading leg.

The new school seemed horrified when I told them this. They are insisting I sit bolt upright for trot, shoulders back, and hold my hands off the neck as if I'm carrying two cups of tea with my thumb bent on top. They also say I'm not quite ready for cantering yet!

Now, the first school is one that has been established for decades, and I find it hard to believe they are rubbish.

What do you all think? Is it just a different style or what?

 

[ecb89]

I have ridden at several riding schools and taken my BHS stages 1 and 2 at an equine college and have never been told to do the things your first riding school has taught you.

I am a good rider and every now and again my instructor reminds me to carry my tray with my glasses of wine

 

[9tails]

Yes, it seems the first school are rubbish. Sorry.

May I ask if the small accidents were you coming out the front door? Because that style of riding would be a recipe for sailing over the horse's head if it stopped dead.

 

[Kathyt]

I think both schools have good and bad points.

 

[Myhorseeatsmoney]

I would not encourage you to go back to the first school. The second school is telling you the correct way to ride you should not lean forward over a horses neck at trot or canter, your back should be straight which puts you in a far safer position. if the horse bucks you will land on the ground in front of the horse and in severe danger of being trodden on. The owners of that riding school need to update their methods before a pupil s seriously hurt. There are many different ways of riding but most horses I know react to their rider leaning forward by increasing pace and it only takes a minute to achieve a flat out gallop. I would hope the second school assessed your riding whilst being lunged as that is the safest way.

 

[Kathyt]

The OP said SLIGHTLY forward in trot which to my mind is correct. To rise bolt upright in trot is difficult to balance and you will land heavy on the horses back unless you are extremely strong and well balanced. Canter sounds like they are teaching a forward seat. I don't agree it is good that the first school don't appear to be teaching any aids, but maybe the OP was on the lunge?

 

[brianh]

Yes, it seems the first school are rubbish. Sorry.

May I ask if the small accidents were you coming out the front door? Because that style of riding would be a recipe for sailing over the horse's head if it stopped dead.

Yes, funnily enough the accidents did involve a sudden stop!

 

[brianh]

The OP said SLIGHTLY forward in trot which to my mind is correct. To rise bolt upright in trot is difficult to balance and you will land heavy on the horses back unless you are extremely strong and well balanced. Canter sounds like they are teaching a forward seat. I don't agree it is good that the first school don't appear to be teaching any aids, but maybe the OP was on the lunge?

I wasn't on the lunge, and haven't been for many months.

 

[_GG_]

First school bad.
Second school good.

Stick with the second school and learn how to ride properly...you'll be very thankful in no time at all xx

 

[brianh]

Thanks so much for all the replies and advice.

This is my first H&H post, so I'm really pleased with the welcome!

 

[_GG_]

Thanks so much for all the replies and advice.i

This is my first H&H post, so I'm really pleased with the welcome!

We like to lure people in before we pounce

Seriously though, second school sounds good and I really hope you have fun. Xxx

 

[Mrs B]

Quite agree with the above! First school's method would be a bit like teaching you to drive with one foot on the brake, seatbelt off and the driver's side door open ready for a 'dismount' ...

Welcome to the forum