Lesson with new trainer - etiquette

Hornby

Hornby

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I have just booked a lesson with a trainer (get me!) proper dressage chap
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He will be coming to me for the lesson....what is the usual form (don't want to look an idiot). So questions : Do you offer him a drink - tea / coffee - when he arrives (not sure how far he will have travelled), biscuits? Do you pay before the lesson starts? Do you pay for travel too? (we didn't discuss that) Would you be tacked up and mounted when he arrives or expect him to want to look at tack? Are you mega smart or as normal with turnout? ...anything else I should be aware of? thanks
 
Personally - I would be ready when they arrive but not necessarily mounted as they may want to see you warm up for the first lesson. I usually pay at the end and expect them to have told me before hand if they want travelling expenses on top of the lesson price. Offer a drink if you have the facilities. I am as normal with turnout.

Think that's it really!
 
I am tacked up and ready to go when they arrive and depending on where the arena is would depend as to whether I am on board or not. If the arena is easy to find I would be ready and mounted but just walking round, normally mum is down at the time that I have a lesson.
If travel expenses were not discussed then I would presume they are already included in the lesson price. I normally pay at the end of the lesson
 
I would be tacked up, mounted and ready to go. but not necessarily warmed up as most trainers like to see you warm up at least the first time they see you.
For me it would be normal attire but I do try and make sure me and my neddies are clean and smart(ish) for a lesson - just out of respect really.
Tea-wise, if you have someone who can give them a cup of tea then its generally appreciated, but if the only person who can is you then it wouldn't be expected as you'll be riding! You could offer one afterwards if they don't have to rush off.
Enjoy it!
 
Thanks for the replies, I will be ready as suggested and not feeling such a clown now I have your advice
 
Id be tacked up, but not on when they arrive... If you can offer them a drink, then im sure its appreciated
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Quoted lesson prices usually take into account travel expenses and ive always paid at the end.

In terms of turnout i always make an effort because i think its a respect thing. Also be aware that the person may want to ride your horse so having clean tack and a clean horse is just polite imo! No need to go over the top, but i always made sure my tack was clean, bandages and numnahs were clean on and the horse was nice and clean
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I would be tacked up and on or about to get on. I only offer drinks if they are doing more ethan one lesson, otherwise I cant do it if I am on.

I would be smart
 
Tacked up and ready to get on when they arrive, i always makesure we're smart - clean tack, painted feet etc for lessons.
 
Thanks all...better get cleaning (not till 3rd August so no panic but I'm looking forward to it...all the more now I know "the form", thanks)
 
I would definatly make sure my horse is clean and tidy and that im not looking like a scruff.
I would have my horse tacked up or ready to just throw the tack on but I wouldnt get on until the instructor had arrived, just in case they were stuck in traffic or a bit behind.
I always pay after the lesson when having a little chat about how my horse has gone. I have the money on me and hand it over whilst I am still on board.
 
Agree with all the above. Clean and tidy but not turned out for a show! Tacked up and ready. Have money ready in an envelope to hand over after the lesson. Usually horse and me are so knac..... that he is relived to stop and I get off and have a little chat with the trainer.

They should have said if they want travel money on top, so it probably includes travel. It would be nice to offer a drink if it is quick and easy, but they will probably want to get off to the next lesson, or back to ride their own horses.
 
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