Instructors

[QuobAsti]

I haven’t had any lessons for over a year now what with one thing and another.

I would like to start having lessons again but I just don’t know what route I want to go down and what kind of instructor would best suit me and my horse. Either way I do want an instructor who will get on and ride so they can feel what is happening instead of just watching from the floor, but I also want someone who is quiet and works well with sensitive horses. Anyone ‘gun ho’ would soon be off like a flash!

I know everyone is different and has different requirements for what they want to do with their horse and what they need in an instructor.

My question is when you book lessons what is it you want to work on with your horse?

What do you look for in an instructor, why did you choose them?

 

[stencilface]

I go by recommendations from friends. One friend knows that I don't get on with mean instructors and recommended her instructor to me who is brilliant

She really picks up on all the little things I do wrong, and is going to have a sit on my lazy pony for the first time today. I don't get away with just dallying round and she will push me without being pushy. I felt with some instructors in the past that they were not picking up on my basic faults to start with, which is why I could never do what they were asking of me properly. But she does things with a sense of humour and will laugh at me, which I don't mind as I know that she is kind, and not really laughing at me if that makes sense?

I have had instructors before who told me I ride like sh*t (thats quoting them!) - erm yes, thats why I'm having lessons! Sure enough, didn't go back to them

 

[kezimac]

i wanted to improve my riding to improve my horses way of going - i felt most instructors just said things like ask with right rein now - yes got the horse going well in lesson but i couldnt replicate it - i looked at mary wanless and i went on her site and found one of her instructors - though would give it a go and she concentrates on me - and my position - the way i use my body to influence the horses way of going. i understand now and i feel my riding has improved loads.

 

[Kat]

A lot is trial and error, and personality.

It is also to do with your learning style, at our RS there is a really great BHSI but hubby can't bear her lessons, she is very very good but she likes to verbally explain things quite technically and he just can't get his head round it. He is much more about feel and trial and error. I have found that she has really helped me crack problems that other instructors haven't been able to as she has a slightly different approach. It is all about learning and communication style.

On the otherhand hubby's favourite instructor frequently used to have people moan that she didn't actually "teach" them. She was extremely good and was a finalist in young instructor of the year it was just her style of teaching wasn't as "instructional" as people expect in a riding school.

I've been lucky to have some really good instructors in recent years and it makes such a difference.

I'd suggest that you post your approximate location and some people on here might be able to suggest some instructors they have good experience of.

Alternatively look on the BHS register of instructors, and see who is in your area.

I think it is worth paying for a BHSI generally speaking you notice the difference in quality. It might be worth looking on the lists for approved BD or BE coaches too if you have a particular interest in one discipline.

If you can't find anyone who has experience of the instructors in your area then call a few up and chat to them before you book anything. You can always arrange lessons with a few different instructors and see which you like best.

 

[stencilface]

[ QUOTE ]
i wanted to improve my riding to improve my horses way of going - i felt most instructors just said things like ask with right rein now - yes got the horse going well in lesson but i couldnt replicate it - i looked at mary wanless and i went on her site and found one of her instructors - though would give it a go and she concentrates on me - and my position - the way i use my body to influence the horses way of going. i understand now and i feel my riding has improved loads.

[/ QUOTE ]

You said it better than me! My instructor was a pupil with Chris Bartle and is really very good

 

[vallin]

I wanted to work on my flatwork as it was definatly pulling our jumping down, but have a bit of fun along the way as I have the concentration span of a gnat, so I spoke to Tina Ure who I occasionally have XC lessons with (she's brilliant btw) and she suggested a couple of people, but said the Sarah Millard would probably be the best as she's a bit younger and a bit more jovial, so I booked a lesson with her and haven't looked back (I even sneak in a jumping lesson every now and again when I want to reward myself for working so hard on the flatwork )!
I think word of mouth is the best way to find an instructor IMO

 

[Sussexbythesea]

Word of mouth is a good start but you need to think about who is recommending them to you - what do you think about their riding and understanding of horses? Its important I think to talk to the instructor about their philosophies on riding and horses - do they think the well-being of the horse is paramount or do they focus only on getting results? Then it boils down to personality and what works for you - only trial and errror will determine this. Also I have found that certain instructors suit you at certain times of your development in both riding skill and where you want to go with your horse so it can change over time. Good luck.