feel so crap and like i cant ride at all.

[EJ87]

Have had my mare for over a year now and i thought we were starting to get somewhere but obviously not. iv been riding for three years now two of which were at a riding school then i got my mare. Iv been having regular lessons and ride atleast three times a week. last year i had flat work lessons with a instructor and by the end we were doin ok so took advantage of having lessons with her again as she was in town and thought shed see an improvent in a year but definately not said i was sitting too straight toes were sticking out hands were all over the place and my horse was lazy! she was going as fast as she could i have a dressage whip and was using it but she just was being dead but normal if u know what i mean. i find my canter transition really difficult lose my balance a bit and raise my hands im trying so hard to correct this but dont know how all she says is imagine your holding a glass of water but that really dosnt help! just feel like im letting my wee mare down shes so good for putting up with me just feel like i should give her to someone who can ride her properly!

 

[joeanne]

Just sounds like you need a lesson or two to get out the bad habits you have picked up ( I know I certainly have a few!!).
Don't lose heart, get determined to improve!

 

[FfionWinnie]

If you are only riding 3 times a week I'd aim to ride 6 days a week and get someone to video you between lessons to help you improve yourself. I think it's harder to learn as an adult to be honest, I'd been riding for three years by the time I was 6 and 6 year old are used to being told to correct things all the time, where as adults aren't really. Don't be down on yourself, I'm sure you have improved but it does take years and there is always something to improve on even after years!

 

[JennBags]

Sounds like you need to get an instructor who will help you, not just criticise! It's definitely worth trying different instructors as you need to click with the right one.

Also you say you ride 3 times a week, do you practise what you've learnt in your lessons in that time? A good instructor should give you "homework" to do, something to concentrate on improving in between lessons

FWIW I've been riding for almost 40 years & still have times when I think I should just give it all up as I can't ride for toffee

 

[TrasaM]

Don't be too down on yourself EJ. I also started to ride as an adult and the process does not seem to follow a linear path so you will have days when 'nothing rhymes'. I would normally have two lessons a week (currently injured)- and was making good progress. I've had some great lessons where I started to think that 'by golly she's got it' then two days later I'd be back to the same ole me. I'm hoping that with time my numpty days will become fewer and further apart.
tomorrow will be better.

 

[Kathyt1]

Maybe someone can recommend a good instructor for you. Whereabouts are you?

 

[Kazza1]

Thats not good to feel like that after a lesson! You should look foreward to your lessons and finish feeling like youve made progress!

Try a few intstructors until you find one that suits you and you horse,

xx

 

[Pedantic]

Lots of hacking in between lessons to chill out, plus change instructor to one who suits you both best.

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

Don't lose heart, it will come, sounds like you need to relax your mind and body really, I am sure your mare does not mind in the slightest, but just try and relax your lower back and hands
Oh and I agree on getting a different instructor

 

[maresmaid]

Sorry you are feeling negative about your riding, but we all get that feeling sometimes! i agree that the right instructor is important and you may need to try a few before you find someone who can spot your shortcomings and help you improve without destroying your confidence or enjoyment. I also think it is possible to "try too hard" as i often find that when i try really hard i am rubbish, but when i relax and "allow" my horse to respond to something, and stay calm and unconcerned if it goes wrong, i often ride better and get better results. The other thing you might find helpful is some lunge lessons - very useful in developing an independant seat and better balance.