getting over a really bad lesson

[montevxcii]

There's nothing like having a truly terrible lesson that makes you feel like you can't ride at all to brighten up your day ! (in this case a bored, stale, pony (gets 5 year olds plonked on him for pony rides) and a riding instructor I really don't get on with - she is terribly patronising and makes me so nervous I get rigid as a plank! I don't think I've ever come out of a lesson with her feeling like it went well...)

I've become used to riding a very responsive pony whose personality gels much more with mine, (probably helps that we tend to jump which she loves and so she's never bored) and an instructor who doesn't scare the life out of me- but lessons like that make you wonder what the point is! i suppose you can't be perfect all the time.!

Does anyone else have days like these? Do share

 

[sport horse]

Why would you waste precious time and money having a lesson with an instructor who you know from experience does not help you?

 

[montevxcii]

True sport horse! This was an unfortunate change of schedule - didnt know it would be her, otherwise I wouldn't have !

 

[Hugo-Boy]

Had so many of those lessons I stopped counting. Horse and I really weren't suited for each other, she needed someone confident who knew what they were doing and I needed a horse I could trust.

I've tried for several years to make it work (in hindsight way too long but I loved the horse very much) until one day I decided I couldn't do it anymore.

Left the old place and now I'm super happy with my gorgeous boy at my own place. Tried a few instructors until I found one that suits me and my horse and brings the best out in me. Works so much better when your instructor is encouraging rather than making you feel like you're the worst rider in the world!

 

[Adonissaan]

I would definitely make sure you get a different instructor - I had an instructor like this when I was much younger and she only made me feel and ride worse than before lol - is it possible you can try and request your favourite horse sometimes too?

Although it is definitely good for you to ride different horses a bored riding school pony might be the exception...

Hope all gets better soon

 

[montevxcii]

thank you Hugo-Boy and Adonissaan

Yes I am following my favourite instructor to a different riding school- just as well for me because you can never be guaranteed to get the pony you request !

Yah its made me realise I've got a bit stuck on the one type of horse- my own fault- I got too used to the speedy warmblood I was sharing up at University - lovely lovely chestnut mare

 

[MagicMelon]

True sport horse! This was an unfortunate change of schedule - didnt know it would be her, otherwise I wouldn't have !

I think I would have made my excuses and left as soon as I found out it was her if she's that bad!

 

[Ceriann]

I would like to think I would leave in those circumstances but I wouldn't and I've had plenty of bad lessons! I think an instructor should make you think about how you ride and provoke a desire to be better - anyone who makes you feel rubbish is doing a bad job. Stick to your normal instructor!

 

[cymbeline]

Think we've all had some nightmare lessons at some point. If I felt that I wasn't benefiting from a certain instructor, I'd tell the YO that I'd prefer not to have them again. You don't have to say why, you're the paying customer. It could be that others are feeling the same way & the school has been losing clients & doesn't know why. If they don't accommodate your wishes, find somewhere that will. Like livery yards, some are friendly & helpful, others not so much. I don't feel I could make any progress if I didn't feel some kind of empathy with my instructor.

 

[Pinkvboots]

True sport horse! This was an unfortunate change of schedule - didnt know it would be her, otherwise I wouldn't have !

can you request which instructor you want if not I would find somewhere else to ride?

 

[Crazy_cat_lady]

Couldn't you ask to only have the instructor you like? I really like my instructor so only have her. May be slightly different as on my own horse but have lessons with one of the instructors at the rs I keep him at. However you are the paying client so should be able to request the instructor you'd like even if you have to fit a bit round their schedule (e.g. if she has a regular lesson already at say 6 You accept you can't have one then)
Obviously in the odd instance there may be an emergency where a change is unavoidable but I'd certainly have a chat with them and say you feel you much prefer x's style of teaching so please could you have her where possible.

 

[Flicker]

God yes. I had one instructor reduce me to tears once! I honestly nearly gave up after her.

Remember, if you’re not learning or finding it hard to learn, that’s not your fault. A good trainer in anything adjusts their style to suit the pupil - after all, you’re the reason they’re there!

 

[claret09]

totally agree. find someone else. horses are fun and so should a lesson.

Why would you waste precious time and money having a lesson with an instructor who you know from experience does not help you?

 

[montevxcii]

thank you so much for all your answers

I've made more progress in the last three years riding in Scotland whilst at University than I ever made at this stables- my chestnut was one of the horses the Uni A team used. London is definitely a difficult place to find good instruction.

- i have to say - having not having had a lesson like this for years, it's really put things in perspective ! I'd returned to this particular stable having outgrown it about 6 years ago (same instructor was there back then too...)- always thought I was a bit of a rubbish rider... went back a couple of months ago when I moved back down to London and rode with the most amazing instructor who is now leaving for another stables (which I am following her to) It was an eye opening experience ! Explains why even years as a PC member there I didnt ever feel like I'd learnt much.


Flicker - you have filled me with hope

i'd been lurking on this forum for about a year- rather i glad i decided to join

 

[LondonRoo]

Had a terrible lesson today on a horse I've ridden successfully once before. I ride different horses / in whatever riding school I can get to around my work and home committments. I don't have my own horse. Feeling confused about what was different today but she didn't want to move at all and I haven't experienced that to this degree before. I was wrung out after 45 mins of trying to get her to respond to my leg aids...onwards I guess, back at my regular school later this week on a different horse so hoping to do more canter transitions. I've been riding for over a year now.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I’ve had terrible lessons on my own horse! As horrible as it is put it behind you. You know you can ride better with a good instructor and pony you get on better with.