Lesson report for today! *pics and videos*

[CalllyH]

Jess pickle thats the type of horse I was riding when I was 15/16 and having lessons - I started when I was about 12. They were fab horses and I was taught so much. I was seriously shocked when I went to nottingham and tried to find somewhere to ride and no where had what I would class as a semi decent horse and were charging stupid amounts to plod round a school on a lazy horse.

I agree with having another lesson on forward going horses and learning right seat/ aids etc - I am not the best rider out there and a bit rusty but will have a go on anything and normally get them going ok ish.

 

[CalllyH]

Ditto that one, not because im always working though just cause sometimes im nice like that

I can definatley vouch for that

 

[Thelwell_Girl]

I really like your attitude TG, I think it's brilliant. You're 16 right? Me too - and I see so many, some of my friends even, brattily pushing their parents around demanding stuff - but rarely being grateful for what they have and the experiances and oppourtunities they get.

Bonnie seems lazy but, we all have days when we don't perform at our best - this also extends to horses! Don't be worried about telling her who's boss

Cake, cookies and this weird but very yummy wintery mulled wine stuff that I made today (Sorry, got a teensy bit carried away with my cooking today and now have to much )

I would honestly chop my plaits off and give my right arm for a horse!

Nice to see another teen who likes cooking as much as I do xx

TG you remind me a bit of me on one particular pony and various small ones I have ridden since... in fact rode a lazy 13hander for a friend and prob looked the same as you a couple of weeks agod. I had all my formative years at a RS and also remember one pony and being told off for kicking lots and pushing hands at front end etc etc but it wouldn't go anywhere otherwise.

It took me a long long time to get canter properly... and several ponies.. one schoolmaster rocking horse later... much easier.. though I have to say I am not sure I lost my tendency to grip until I had my own... (age 22!) got a dressage saddle and finally stopped tensing up. I am having ankle problems atm so trying to sort them .. though I think they come from having a less than forwards pony and my legs being a bit long on him.

So I think my summary would be do what you can/ride what you can now, enjoy it and know that you have years to improve ahead of you.

That's what I've been trying to say all along, I have so many years of riding et al ahead of me, why rush now?

Just a thought and you may disagree with me but here goes. I agree with the others that although you have improved lots you have the potential to go much further on a different type of horse. I hear what you are saying that you are happy at your current riding school and don't want to stop going there and I agree with you riding is about having fun. Instead of leaving your current riding school would it be a possibility for you to try a different riding establishment (as a one off) just to see how you find it. If you are not happy then you have lost nothing by trying, however you may end up loving it and want to go back for more. At the end of the day its for you to decide and this suggestion may not be an option for you at present, however think it is worth considering.

I will consider it...

Hi, TG! I'm a lurker on here and don't post much at all, but I always really enjoy reading your threads, you obviously are very hard working and determined and always seem to be having fun whatever happens! Which is what horse riding is all about! If your ever in cardiff you can have a ride on Norman, he's only a fat fell pony but you'll definately have a fab time with him! Sorry I couldn't offer any helpful advice!

Hehe, thank you!

Ooh I LOVE Fells! Is he a properly fluffy one?

TG - I think the reason everyone is suggesting schoolmaster lessons etc is because you are clearly so dedicated to progressing your riding - it seems to me that it's almost a bit unfair for someone so determined to be held back by the horses they are riding in their weekly lesson.

I have a hairy, lazy pony, who bears quite a resemblance to Bonnie. Even the most experienced, neat riders on my yard will admit that they can't sit there and look pretty on Murphy because he needs a lot of leg. However, he is mine and therefore I can stuff him full of oats, spend time working on his schooling, user spurs, give him a mega crack on the arse when he ignores my leg, hack him out to give him a break etc, and all of this helps. You don't have the opportunity to work on Bonnie - your time riding should be spent working on you.

As a 'learner' you cannot be expected to maintain a canter or even a decent trot on a backward thinking pony, whilst also working on your seat and balance, especially without stirrups.

Often with riding school ponies (and this is the case with my own pony too) they are 'easy rides' in that you can put anyone on them and they'll plod around and won't do anything unexpected, but that are incredibly difficult rides if you start asking more of them. They also have a way of making you feel like the least effective rider in the world. I love my pony to bits, but he has driven me insane sometimes - but as I've said, I can work on him and change his way of going etc.

I guess what I am saying is these ponies are doing you a bit of a dis-service and you don't deserve that. If I were you I'd take up as many of these lovely offers of rides as you can get, and look out for somewhere local to you where you can go for occassional schoolmaster lessons, and if you're stying at your current RS make sure they give you the better horses.

I will talk to them about getting mire advanced horses in my lessons. I'm also trying to plan my weekends and see when I can fit in these visits! I'm off to Starzaans new yard at the end of the year to have some lessons and just play ponies, maybe even have a sit on hear Roy!

I'll give you that, if the pony has no idea that pressure aids from the rider's legs mean, then no, it isn't fair to give it a wallop. However, I think the pony does know and might be a bit more generous with a more assertive rider. There would be no point in TG smacking it as she can't maintain the balance, seat and aids after the upwards transition.

I think TG does well not to get very demoralised by the whole thing. I know she says she has only been making progress since February but that was eight months ago - or about forty hours of riding at one lesson a week!

Bonnie definitely does know better. Ive seen her jump over 1m, and do a decent SJ course at a nice forward and controlled canter.

With regards to the amount of time I have sent in the saddle... Half of that was probably with badly shot confidence (just starting now to get over it) and not everyone learns at the same pace!

Jess pickle thats the type of horse I was riding when I was 15/16 and having lessons - I started when I was about 12. They were fab horses and I was taught so much. I was seriously shocked when I went to nottingham and tried to find somewhere to ride and no where had what I would class as a semi decent horse and were charging stupid amounts to plod round a school on a lazy horse.

I agree with having another lesson on forward going horses and learning right seat/ aids etc - I am not the best rider out there and a bit rusty but will have a go on anything and normally get them going ok ish.

Maybe part if my downfall is that I will happily sit on whatever they give me, without a second thought!

 

[brighteyes]

You have many years of riding ahead of you BUT if you don't knock the bad habits and positional faults NOW, while muscle memory is still relatively open to suggestion and change, you will carry all your faults, problems and inabilities forward. I disagree. Get them sorted now or you will be forever working on the basics and never get that independent seat which enables you to enjoy the more exciting and adventurous stuff you have said you wish to try. The rest of us still have to work on maintaining what we have learned and done to the best of our (not always inborn) ability. I wouldn't like to have to try to correct the fundamentals now!

Either settle for a weekly trundle around or do it properly and find somewhere you will really progress. If fear and anxiety is no longer a problem, you are going to have to take a deep breath and find a better RS.

 

[spookypony]

I agree in principle that in this short canter clip, the pony isn't doing T_G any favours. I also agree that lunge lessons to work on her seat without worrying about the horse, and lessons on more forward-going horses, would all help. However, I'd like to caution that we are seeing a short clip out of a much longer session, and T_G did find the sitting trot work much more useful. T_G has also pointed out repeatedly that the RS does have more advanced animals available, that she can ask for lessons on. I think that there is a lot she can still learn at a good riding school, and I for one look forward to reading her reports on how the lessons with a less backward horse go!

 

[Thelwell_Girl]

You have many years of riding ahead of you BUT if you don't knock the bad habits and positional faults NOW, while muscle memory is still relatively open to suggestion and change, you will carry all your faults, problems and inabilities forward. I disagree. Get them sorted now or you will be forever working on the basics and never get that independent seat which enables you to enjoy the more exciting and adventurous stuff you have said you wish to try. The rest of us still have to work on maintaining what we have learned and done to the best of our (not always inborn) ability. I wouldn't like to have to try to correct the fundamentals now!

Either settle for a weekly trundle around or do it properly and find somewhere you will really progress. If fear and anxiety is no longer a problem, you are going to have to take a deep breath and find a better RS.

Fear and anxiety is still a problem for me. For the moment, I am happy where I am. I am working on the things I can change, and looking into the things I can't.

I know that my riding is full of flaws. But I am no way the worst rider that ever was.

I agree in principle that in this short canter clip, the pony isn't doing T_G any favours. I also agree that lunge lessons to work on her seat without worrying about the horse, and lessons on more forward-going horses, would all help. However, I'd like to caution that we are seeing a short clip out of a much longer session, and T_G did find the sitting trot work much more useful. T_G has also pointed out repeatedly that the RS does have more advanced animals available, that she can ask for lessons on. I think that there is a lot she can still learn at a good riding school, and I for one look forward to reading her reports on how the lessons with a less backward horse go!

Better than I could say it, Spookypony!

I really wish I could video a whole lesson one day. Only Timefort and Horsehead have seen me ride, I think.

(By the way, how did your BHS challenge ride go? How much did you raise in the end?)

 

[spookypony]

Hello T_G! I posted a report on the ride a while a go, but since posts fall off the bottom of the page so fast these days, you may well have missed it:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=400063

I think it's sometimes too easy to take some things out of context on a forum like this: we all sometimes have dodgy pics, and schooling sessions or lessons where nothing works and we feel like complete numpties...just many people aren't brave enough to post about them! So well done to you.

 

[only_me]

TG, ive skimmed through most of the replies and just wanted to add my share

I like you, the fact that you really really want to improve. Saddly, I agree with the others - a lazy pony is not good for your own position - trust me, I know!

You need the experience of riding, not kicking!

In my mind the saddle has moved forwards during the lesson, so maybe a crupper would be a good idea

In Ireland, when you were riding - how did that feel? I'll bet it felt a lot more enjoyable and worthwhile than a lesson on bonnie.

Personally, I would move riding schools - they really are not helping you, and as you are the CUSTOMER you should be ASKING for a different horse - and expecting to get it - after all, you are PAYING!!

If possible, could you find a dealers yard or the such and see if you could help exercise them once a week? Once you get the experience of riding "normal" horses, you will improve in shedloads

You are very welcome to travel over to Norn Iron to ride my horse (when I find one!) or at least go for a ride on some of the riding school ponies near me- not the typical ones you would find!

I am so glad you are ready to improve, but you need to speak up and get what you want - as I said above - you are PAYING them so you should be getting what you want

 

[NormandJ.J]

Hehe, thank you!

Ooh I LOVE Fells! Is he a properly fluffy one?

Practically a woolly mamouth!

 

[Steorra]

Hi T_G! I don't post on your threads that often but I always look out for them - you have such a refreshing attitude towards riding. I think people on here (or myself at least) are frustrated on your behalf, cos we want to see your physical riding abilities catch up with how you think.

You try so hard and obviously love horses - I can see the fab, sympathetic, thoughtful rider you are going to be one day and wish there was something I could say to make it happen faster.

I think the saddle situation is not helping either you or Bonnie in this lesson - you actually look like you are sitting on her shoulders and I'm a nit disappointed your instructor didn't stop you and re-adjust it. Leaving that aside, I'd still like to see you riding some schoolmaster / mistress type horses. Bonnie looks like a lovely cheeky character, but as has already been said on this thread, she is either a beginners ride (very safe) or an advanced ride (a challenge for a skilled rider to improve). You have improved at this rs, you are no longer a beginner, but you need a different kind of horse to help you take the next step up.

I think this is a conversation you need to have with you regular instructor to see if she agrees. After all, she will have a much better idea of your abilities than anyone on here. If she does, you also need to talk to whoever manages the lesson bookings. If your rs genuinely wants you to improve then they should be supportive and put you on horses that will help you - maybe not every week but most of the time.

I know LEC by reputation and I'm pretty sure they do have more responsive, well schooled horses. With your instructor backing you up, you need to make it clear that you should be riding them.

 

[aro]

If you do consider trying another riding school, even just for a one off lesson to see how you find it please let us know how you get on. You are so enthusiastic and have a great attitude. I think any future horse/pony you may own will be a lucky one. Your riding has definitely improved and it would be nice if you could continue to progress as you deserve to, especially as you try so hard.

The reason I suggest just trying somewhere else is that you may really enjoy it. I had a 14.2hh pony for many years. When he became older and arthritic all I was able to do was light work with him. I was unable to do the things I used to and really missed it. I am also only small and had always ridden ponies but I wanted to ride bigger horses and do more than just plodding about. I therefore found a really decent riding school with bigger schoolmasters and must say I absolutely loved it. My riding improved and I learnt loads. I still kept my old pony who eventually had to retire. Having had those lessons increased my confidence and riding loads and I now have a 15.2hh stroppy mare!

What I am trying to say is if you really love your riding school where you are now continue to go there and have fun. However you could maybe alternate this with going somewhere where they can develop your skills much more than at your current yard. This way you could still have the best of both worlds! Good luck with whatever you decide

 

[Thelwell_Girl]

Hello T_G! I posted a report on the ride a while a go, but since posts fall off the bottom of the page so fast these days, you may well have missed it:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=400063

I think it's sometimes too easy to take some things out of context on a forum like this: we all sometimes have dodgy pics, and schooling sessions or lessons where nothing works and we feel like complete numpties...just many people aren't brave enough to post about them! So well done to you.

Thanks for the link

I will still continue to post my lessons reports, criticisms or not. It hugely helps me to process what ive learnt in my lessons

TG, ive skimmed through most of the replies and just wanted to add my share

I like you, the fact that you really really want to improve. Saddly, I agree with the others - a lazy pony is not good for your own position - trust me, I know!

You need the experience of riding, not kicking!

In my mind the saddle has moved forwards during the lesson, so maybe a crupper would be a good idea

In Ireland, when you were riding - how did that feel? I'll bet it felt a lot more enjoyable and worthwhile than a lesson on bonnie.

Personally, I would move riding schools - they really are not helping you, and as you are the CUSTOMER you should be ASKING for a different horse - and expecting to get it - after all, you are PAYING!!

If possible, could you find a dealers yard or the such and see if you could help exercise them once a week? Once you get the experience of riding "normal" horses, you will improve in shedloads

You are very welcome to travel over to Norn Iron to ride my horse (when I find one!) or at least go for a ride on some of the riding school ponies near me- not the typical ones you would find!

I am so glad you are ready to improve, but you need to speak up and get what you want - as I said above - you are PAYING them so you should be getting what you want

I agree with you on a lot of this

Its not so easy for me to find a dealers yard as such though, being in London!

I LOVED my ride in Ireland, and would do it again in a heartbeat.

I will be having a talk with my instructor when I get back

Thank you for the offer! I might very well take you up on that

Practically a woolly mamouth!

He sounds divine! Any pics?

Hi T_G! I don't post on your threads that often but I always look out for them - you have such a refreshing attitude towards riding. I think people on here (or myself at least) are frustrated on your behalf, cos we want to see your physical riding abilities catch up with how you think.

You try so hard and obviously love horses - I can see the fab, sympathetic, thoughtful rider you are going to be one day and wish there was something I could say to make it happen faster.

I think the saddle situation is not helping either you or Bonnie in this lesson - you actually look like you are sitting on her shoulders and I'm a nit disappointed your instructor didn't stop you and re-adjust it. Leaving that aside, I'd still like to see you riding some schoolmaster / mistress type horses. Bonnie looks like a lovely cheeky character, but as has already been said on this thread, she is either a beginners ride (very safe) or an advanced ride (a challenge for a skilled rider to improve). You have improved at this rs, you are no longer a beginner, but you need a different kind of horse to help you take the next step up.

I think this is a conversation you need to have with you regular instructor to see if she agrees. After all, she will have a much better idea of your abilities than anyone on here. If she does, you also need to talk to whoever manages the lesson bookings. If your rs genuinely wants you to improve then they should be supportive and put you on horses that will help you - maybe not every week but most of the time.

I know LEC by reputation and I'm pretty sure they do have more responsive, well schooled horses. With your instructor backing you up, you need to make it clear that you should be riding them.

Thank you for this comment I agree with a lot of this, and I will be talking to my instructor and the YM.

 

[Saucisson]

Oh my, there are some Grumpity's around.

Riding school ponies are not the worst horses to learn on, they have to put up with allsorts and teach you that horses are as daft as all that.

I only got my first horse at 34 yrs old. He was 5 yrs old and had very little experience (and only just gelded, and then gelded again ). I am lucky to have my OH to basically train him for me but I am having to learn a whole new level of riding to basically keep up with my horse and it's not stuff you'd learn on a riding school horse or a horse over 10 yrs if it's been badly educated.

I have had to COMPLETELY re-learn how to ride but I tell you what, having fun on those naughty ponies all those years ago supplied me with a fine set of "bollox" which is very useful indeed

 

[Thelwell_Girl]

If you do consider trying another riding school, even just for a one off lesson to see how you find it please let us know how you get on. You are so enthusiastic and have a great attitude. I think any future horse/pony you may own will be a lucky one. Your riding has definitely improved and it would be nice if you could continue to progress as you deserve to, especially as you try so hard.

The reason I suggest just trying somewhere else is that you may really enjoy it. I had a 14.2hh pony for many years. When he became older and arthritic all I was able to do was light work with him. I was unable to do the things I used to and really missed it. I am also only small and had always ridden ponies but I wanted to ride bigger horses and do more than just plodding about. I therefore found a really decent riding school with bigger schoolmasters and must say I absolutely loved it. My riding improved and I learnt loads. I still kept my old pony who eventually had to retire. Having had those lessons increased my confidence and riding loads and I now have a 15.2hh stroppy mare!

What I am trying to say is if you really love your riding school where you are now continue to go there and have fun. However you could maybe alternate this with going somewhere where they can develop your skills much more than at your current yard. This way you could still have the best of both worlds! Good luck with whatever you decide

I do ride at other places when I can, mostly when I'm out of London. Maybe I should look into it more.

Oh my, there are some Grumpity's around.

Riding school ponies are not the worst horses to learn on, they have to put up with allsorts and teach you that horses are as daft as all that.

I only got my first horse at 34 yrs old. He was 5 yrs old and had very little experience (and only just gelded, and then gelded again ). I am lucky to have my OH to basically train him for me but I am having to learn a whole new level of riding to basically keep up with my horse and it's not stuff you'd learn on a riding school horse or a horse over 10 yrs if it's been badly educated.

I have had to COMPLETELY re-learn how to ride but I tell you what, having fun on those naughty ponies all those years ago supplied me with a fine set of "bollox" which is very useful indeed

If anything, the RS horses definitely have helped me grow a pair! Before I wouldn't have had the guts to get on a horse other than my beloved Gwen (RIP) and now I will get on whatever they give me, ranging from Albert the fatty cob, through to the likes of Dawi, Pally and even my instructors little horse Howie!

 

[4faults]

T_G for what its worth I think your coping very well with Bonnie, yes she looks lazy and I think your RI could be doing more to help you encourage her to go forward but I think your doing well and you are improving.
If your happy where you are then keep at it and keep enjoying it.
You will know when your ready for the next step because you will be frustrated with your lessons. I think too many people dismiss RS horses out of hand but if you think about it, if you can get Bonnie working nice and actively you can do it with any horse

 

[Ravenwood]

Hey TG

Just read the whole thread - phew!

And as much as I agree with a lot of what has been said - lets look at some positive things to cheer you up a bit

Firstly I think your position has improved massively from the last video I saw. I can see that you are really trying to bring your shoulders back and sit deeper in the saddle. Your hands are in a better position and you sat to the canter far better - I could see you were trying those exaggerated hip movements Well done

Also - fantastic that you did so much without stirrups, I am so glad you got this out of the lesson - you can never do enough of that (however much it nearly kills you! )

I am sure you will have a fantastic time with TheresaW - say hi to her from me please - I would love to meet her too one day

xxx

 

[Thelwell_Girl]

T_G for what its worth I think your coping very well with Bonnie, yes she looks lazy and I think your RI could be doing more to help you encourage her to go forward but I think your doing well and you are improving.
If your happy where you are then keep at it and keep enjoying it.
You will know when your ready for the next step because you will be frustrated with your lessons. I think too many people dismiss RS horses out of hand but if you think about it, if you can get Bonnie working nice and actively you can do it with any horse

See, thats what I think some people arent noticing. I am in no way frustrated with my lessons! I am still learning every step of the way, and loving it

Thank you for this! Cheered me up no end xx

Hey TG

Just read the whole thread - phew!

And as much as I agree with a lot of what has been said - lets look at some positive things to cheer you up a bit

Firstly I think your position has improved massively from the last video I saw. I can see that you are really trying to bring your shoulders back and sit deeper in the saddle. Your hands are in a better position and you sat to the canter far better - I could see you were trying those exaggerated hip movements Well done

Also - fantastic that you did so much without stirrups, I am so glad you got this out of the lesson - you can never do enough of that (however much it nearly kills you! )

I am sure you will have a fantastic time with TheresaW - say hi to her from me please - I would love to meet her too one day

xxx

Congrats on getting through the whole thing!

Im really chuffed that you can see an improvement, it means a lot to me

And I love love LOVED the no stirrups work!

Hehe, i will And of course take a ridiculous amount of pics! xxx

 

[maletto]

bless you TG!! your lesson reports are always such a joy to read

how fantastic is your instructor!! the commentary was brill!!

seems like you were working hard. possibly too hard I reckon (i think your thigh muscles will agree with me?!) agree with brighteyes - deffo better, and kinder, to give her a bl00dy good whack with the whip, and hang on to the nextstrap in preparation to suffer an almighty buck but let her know that that's how you're gonna be than to nag nag nag (not that you were but that's what she'll expect being an RS pony).

Also, even though I don't often comment (usually stuck at rubbish work), i must say that your position has improved massively, even in just the short time I've been on the forum - you are def more upright and look more in control of your body

 

[maletto]

can i also add that i have that yellow t shirt (you're wearing in your sig pics) with london stuff on it and am a massive fan!!

 

[Thelwell_Girl]

bless you TG!! your lesson reports are always such a joy to read

how fantastic is your instructor!! the commentary was brill!!

seems like you were working hard. possibly too hard I reckon (i think your thigh muscles will agree with me?!) agree with brighteyes - deffo better, and kinder, to give her a bl00dy good whack with the whip, and hang on to the nextstrap in preparation to suffer an almighty buck but let her know that that's how you're gonna be than to nag nag nag (not that you were but that's what she'll expect being an RS pony).

Also, even though I don't often comment (usually stuck at rubbish work), i must say that your position has improved massively, even in just the short time I've been on the forum - you are def more upright and look more in control of your body

Thank you!

Neckstrap - good idea, will pop one on next time

Heh, that means a lot to me that you can see that I've been really conscious that I lean forward (a lot!) but I felt that the work w/o stirrups really helped me sit upright and balanced! xx

can i also add that i have that yellow t shirt (you're wearing in your sig pics) with london stuff on it and am a massive fan!!

Hehe, great minds think alike, eh?! (I have tons of those shirts from new look )

 

[Ranyhyn]

Hey TG

You have had many kind offers here haven't you? its refreshing to see the forum getting together and looking out for it's own.

Don't be afraid to change yards and/or instructors - I have done so! My first ever lesson left me very demoralised and feeling PAP! I changed to a lady who uses this forum and I now feel much better! Keep going TG, you work so so hard and i for one reckon you are going to be a fab rider one day.

Reminds me, I need another lesson! x

 

[Thelwell_Girl]

Hey TG

You have had many kind offers here haven't you? its refreshing to see the forum getting together and looking out for it's own.

Don't be afraid to change yards and/or instructors - I have done so! My first ever lesson left me very demoralised and feeling PAP! I changed to a lady who uses this forum and I now feel much better! Keep going TG, you work so so hard and i for one reckon you are going to be a fab rider one day.

Reminds me, I need another lesson! x

Hiya Kitty

I have! Am off hacking with TheresaW this weekend too - SO excited!! Mac is absolutely divine, a proper suffolk x, if a little HUGE!

I am looking into other places, but for the moment I am very happu where I am

Aww thankyou!

xx