Is it ok for an instructor to insist you dont have lessons with anyone else??

M

Morgan123

Well-Known Member
Joined
2 January 2008
Messages
1,405
Visit site
As in title?

I have a wonderful instructor who gives me private lessons at my yard, but lots of people at my yard hack 20 mins down the road to have lessons at a small local riding school. they have a great time and do lots of jumping etc. I don't want to stop having lessons with my great instructor (who wouldn't mind at all i think if i popped over there for some jumping lessons - she teaches me the dressage), but asked the RS if they wouldn't mind me joining in wiht the jumping, as my horse needs to learn that jumping is fun since he's v green, and this would be excellent for him. However they basically said no as long as i'm having lessons with someone else as it's too difficult to teach someone who's getting instruction from two people.

I've ridden at a lot of different places and don't remember this sort of thing ever before?? Seems really weird to me - i could see why if i was riding at either beginner or grand prix level but i'm just your bog standard novice/elem level rider and my horse jumps about 2'3 ish and that's all.... it's put me off going there, but not sure if i'm being unreasonable!
 
Could be way off the mark here (wouldn't be the first time) but is it possible the RS feels threatened by your private instructor, feels you may question their teaching too much, ask too many why's?
 
No, they def don't know the RI (and anyway, it applies to any RIs, not just mine) - glad it's not jsut me thinking this is weird. I think i'll avoid them then - they definitely would know if i went ahead and did both and the RS lady is lvoely but really not someone you would want to get on the wrong side of....!!!
 
Ditto the above - does not sound reasonable to me. It would put me off. (I am equally unimpressed with yards aimed at leisure riders don't allow outside instructors either hehe)

If you really want to go jumping with your friends, just disagree with her opinion - say you see her point but you would like to jump there anyway thanks as a supplement to your dressage lessons, and something along the lines of "see how it goes and may re-evaluate after you had a few lessons"?
 
No it isn't normal and I consider it highly unprofessional too.

Most instructors understand that different trainers can be a benefit, especially for different disciplines. I would be highly suspicious about one who wanted to restrict you.

Having said that I have come accross this sort of thing DH used to have lessons at a riding school that had a very funny attitude. He stopped riding with them because he lost his job and had no money for lessons and they refused to allow him to have lessons again or even set foot on the yard when he had got a new job and could afford lessons. :eek: :eek: bunch of weirdos! :eek: :eek:
 
Very odd! Don't they want the money? Saying that equally odd is the amount of livery yards which won't let you have your own instructor whether the YO or whoever gives lessons is qualified or not!
 
How strange?! You'd expect them to want the business?!

My daughter is has lessons/is taught by about (......tots up) a dozen different people both privately at home and at 3 or 4 RS locally over a year. This includes some special jumping clinics at one RS where they have a visiting instructor - actually that's all she goes to that particular RS for. Sometimes she queries methods of instructors with me (what do I know?!), but I always say take from the instructors the bits you feel work best for you/your mount. If I'm asked which RS would you recommend I actually have to clarify what sort of riding they're intending on doing as I do find locally it varies considerably from RS to RS what they have to offer/specialise in (eg tiny tots, adult beginners, hacking jumping etc) according to environment, facilities and instructors.

I think it's good to have a variety of input to become a good allround rider. Ditto it's good to ride a variety of ponies/horses, hence continuing with RS lessons despite having her own.
 
It's not uncommon actually but usually not from an RS I must admit. I find (usually dressage) instructors can be a bit precious at times about it which is very frustrating. In my book it is always helpful to get someone else's opinion on a horse or view point. You don't have to agree with them but it's all part of the learning process.

Go for it and don't tell them.
 
Very odd - and completely unreasonable. Most instructors I have had, have actively encouraged me to take lessons with other people, so that I can progress as much as possible. My current instructor is always finding clinics for me to take part in, as well as our regular lessons!

Maybe its just that my RI's are trying to get rid of me and my ginger whinger though.... :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top