How did you choose your instructor?

[Vodkagirly]

As per title how did you choose your instuctor and why? on the yard I'm on people vary between mega expensive instructor and very cheap but not qualified yet instructor. I'm erring towards cheap instructor so I can have more lessons but would love to here others reasonings.

 

[LittleMac]

Because she worked with the horse for a long time before I got him, so she knows what he is like. She has been recommended to me so many times. Maybe it would be worth trying both the instructors then deciding which you like better? As an example, I could get my friend out, she is qualified but not to the same level. She would charge about half what the above lady does but I know I wouldn't get nearly as much out of it and her teaching style wouldn't be as effective for me and horsey. I'd rather have one lesson a month with this lady than weekly ones with the friend. But it would also depend on what mega expensive is - there's reasonable, i.e. paying big prices for big quality, and then there's charging big prices because you can, i.e. taking the mick.

 

[Lissa]

Did have one instructor for years and years as was at a riding school then bought my own but kept him there so continued having lessons with her as we got on, she knew the horse and the one I have now as bought both off her. Her style of riding and teaching suited me and my pony.

Changed a couple of years ago to having that instructor plus the one I use now. Found my current one through the local riding club, as she does all the clincs and organises a lot of it. Did a clinic with her and really enjoyed it and felt like we had improved a lot in just the one session. So started having lessons with her on and off for a while and now regularly for about a year or so. I decided to stick with just her instead of my old one as me and pony have progressed so much more in the past 8 or so months, than I had in a couple of years with my old one. As we seemed to hit a block and not get past it.

Maybe try both out and see who suits you and your horse better.

 

[Vixen Van Debz]

My instructor chose me! There's 3-4 at my yard, and combination of my (rusty) experience and almost immediate bond, she thought we were suited. I've found out since that she's very picky, and gets regular requests from people under the other instructors to get a lesson which she turns down... She's a great mix of fun, but with a great technical mind and sharpest of sharp eyes. I love her!

 

[ThePony]

I had watched him teach a couple of lessons so knew I liked his teaching style, v talented at not just flatwork but also sj with a great eye for both, is happy to come to the yard even for just one lesson, doesn't finish your lesson just when your time is up but will continue to work with you on something if you're having probs with it so you always finish on a good note, is v good value for an individual lesson, and is generally a happy cheery bloke so has a positive approach.

 

[Steorra]

I tried a few different ones until I found someone I really clicked with. His teaching style suited me, we really got on and could communicate well, and he was confident and experienced enough to work with my horse's various quirks (and mine!). I had regular lessons with him for 10 years, and still would be if I hadn't moved out of the area. To begin with I was a competent but novice kid and needed lots of instruction, but over time we developed more of a 'rider / trainer' relationship than 'instructor / pupil'. He would be my eyes on the ground, would suggest techniques and exercises, and we would discuss what would be most appropriate or beneficial to try next.

I think that a good rider / trainer partnership takes time and work, just the same as my partnership with my horse does. I did also have one off sessions and clinics with other trainers, but with my hot-headed warmblood consistency and patience were key, so it was a good thing for us to stick mainly to one person.

When looking for an instructor I would want to find someone fairly experienced at riding and teaching (not necessarily a top rider as I've found they don't always make the best teachers), who I get on with and whose teaching style suits me and my horse, who has the knowledge to suggest a range of possible solutions to a problem and the experience to suggest what will work best. I would rather pay more for good quality teaching than less for someone who can't help me improve!

I would be wary of anyone who talks down to me or makes me feel inadequate, or continually wants to ride my horse instead of helping me work through issues myself. I'm happy to take any constructive criticism or comments as I want to learn and improve, but equally lessons should be emjoyable and not make me feel terrible about myself and my riding. If I'm stressed then my horse gets stressed and neither of us will learn anything.