Is this typical of riding school teaching these days?

I can't comment on what they are like now, as I've not ridden at a riding school for about 10 years. I had some amazing instructors when I was younger, in particular a yard that looked horrific, but she had great horses and was a fab teacher.
I did all the bareback, without stirrups, without reins - and she was never afraid to say that I wasn't ready for something. She also drilled stable management into me, and when I rode I was expected to catch, groom and tack up my own horse and afterwards to cool the horse down, groom again and tack clean before feeding and turning out. All with a background of her lecturing in stable management!
I had a lot of fun though being taught things like ride and lead and also going out to small local shows with her
 
So,to sum up :p
No it is not typical of the good ones but sadly there seem to be a lot more poor RS then there were years ago.

As I said,I think if you find a good one you need to suport it as much as you can and be sure to pass it's name on :)

ETA, Oh and I agree that knowledge of diagonals is not the be all and end all,but if someone has been trotting for a few months and pretty much has the hang of rising,them not understanding the concept reflects pretty badly on the RS and RI used.
A bit of canter work does no harm-it's fun and much easier to sit to then trot(or is that just me? :p ) poles are not evil either.
A taste of the next level is alays a good thing,gets the person excited about consoladating where they are at so they can move forward.
 
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I learn to ride in France, and find their system pretty good. You take your galop exams. You therefore learn to ride the basics that you need before you take your exams, and only jump etc the level to your exams. Hope that makes sense, but I think it really works as kids are not madly cantering around without knowing how to sit a trot properly or sit in canter properly. YOu also have certain ponies for different levels and would not get put on something above your level. You get pretty easy ponies etc until you take your galop 4 and you progress more. Also jump heights are related your level of galop. Also excursions go on your level as well. Of course its your choice if you do them or not, but haven't come across any kids yet that don't!!!
 
I have to admit I too think they 'push' beginners into progressing too quickly, when I was learning (many many moons ago - am old!) time was spent on developing a seat and hands, jumping was out of the question until you had balance. Once we were in control of the ponies we spent months hacking up and down hills in the borders, nothing better to teach you how to move with the horse. Seeing some of the novice riders jumping before they should it is no wonder that accidents happen.
 
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