Group lessons?

[Jnhuk]

Went along for a group jumping lesson last night for the first time at an indoor venue. I have had one previous excellent group jumping lesson with the instructor so was keen to go to her regularly so found that she teaches at this venue some Friday evenings at a time that suits us with work.

However, the instructor was trying her best with the different levels in the group but I was getting slightly irritated by one of the other folks in the group.

This person was feeling that her horse was being strong and pulling when to me the horse was behind her leg, leaning on her hand, not straight and on it's forehand so probably felt very heavy in front but it certainly didn't look to be strong and the horse lacked the correct muscle development to carry itself properly. However, the rider kept repeatedly saying throughout the lesson that she needed a stronger bit in for jumping.

The instructor kept trying to explain what the horse was doing and what she needed to do to correct it as well as build up the correct muscle and explaining the difference between a strong horse and a horse heavy on their forehand but not sure if the girl was really listening or getting it despite the instructor's best efforts as she kept repeating about needing a stronger bit. With each repetition, I got the feeling that this girl was not interested in taking on board what the instructor she was saying. What topped it for me when the instructor had improved the canter by miles that the girl didn't seem to feel the difference or couldn't feel when her horse was straight or significantly bent to the inside. I am sure by the girl's attitude that she is not going to work on what the instructor said and just put a stronger bit in. What is the point of taking instruction if you are not going to listen?

I will go again but if it is the same folks in the lesson, I may have to see how I feel about continuing if the girl has the same attitude. May be I was just being grumpy last night as wasn't feeling that well!

So, my mini rant over - what annoys other folks in group lessons?

 

[Orls]

Unfortunately this is one of the negative aspects of group lessons! It's irritating but not really your problem. I don't play well with others D) which is one of the reasons I only have private lessons these days.

One thing that used to annoy the hell out of me is when other riders in the lesson have no regard for any one else's space. I used to have to ride with a guy regularly a few years ago who would spend the entire lesson (and I'm talking about a jumping lesson of a reasonably high level) staring at his hands! Never once would he look where he was going despite much yelling from the teacher. He would constantly cut other riders off on their way to or from a jump and several times almost caused a crash! It was suggested that if he couldn't listen and pay attention to what was going on around him that he switch to private lessons, which he did much to our relief! How he ever managed to navigate a collecting ring I'll never know!

 

[Jnhuk]

Unfortunately this is one of the negative aspects of group lessons! It's irritating but not really your problem. I don't play well with others D) which is one of the reasons I only have private lessons these days.

One thing that used to annoy the hell out of me is when other riders in the lesson have no regard for any one else's space. I used to have to ride with a guy regularly a few years ago who would spend the entire lesson (and I'm talking about a jumping lesson of a reasonably high level) staring at his hands! Never once would he look where he was going despite much yelling from the teacher. He would constantly cut other riders off on their way to or from a jump and several times almost caused a crash! It was suggested that if he couldn't listen and pay attention to what was going on around him that he switch to private lessons, which he did much to our relief! How he ever managed to navigate a collecting ring I'll never know!

I know group lessons are a mixed blessing but the venue is so good that I decided to put up with it! I much prefer private flatwork and individual or small group jumping but unfortunately there is not that option at that venue as it would be just too expensive as to hire the international indoor arena think it is just £70 per hour on its own.

My OH is a liability when he is jumping.... onlookers and other participants beware! Wonder if it is a bloke thing.... I blame it on the fact he wears glasses.....

 

[Orls]

to hire the international indoor arena think it is just £70 per hour on its own.

Yikes! That is expensive! Could you not get a group of you together to hire the school and hire the coach? You could then split the costs and get to ride with people who you get on with and are like minded. We did this last year with a place local to us that has a massive school and a much better course of jumps than we have at home. Got our preferred trainer to come along and it all worked out well money wise and company wise it was a bit of a logistical nightmare, but once we were all organised with a suitable date and time it was really good.