Lessons after so long...

[mrsk29]

I'm having my first lesson after many years but rather worried if I'm honest that Im going to be told im completely rubbish! I have my own lovely boy who is quite talented and happy to do everything loves jumping
( I've never done dressage) I'd like to be able to enter a few riding club things but I'm not the most confident person when people are watching and dont want to look like an idiot.. How does anyone overcome that and will lessons really help with that side if things..

 

[be positive]

Your instructor should work not only on your riding but also build your confidence to help prepare you to get out and enjoy whatever you want to do with your horse.
Tell them what your aims are, make some plans and build up to some competing when ready.
Possibly join a RC and go and help out, its a chance to get a feel for what goes on and get involved without the pressure of actually competing, you can learn a lot by watching others, most people feel much the same as you do some just hide it better than others

 

[rhino]

Any instructor who tells you that you are rubbish is a rubbish instructor Make sure you tell them before the lesson that you are lacking confidence and what you want to work on. Their job is to help you get better, not judge where you are now. It's a real mind over matter thing, but I'm sure you'll be fine!

I look forward to a lovely happy post saying how much you've enjoyed your lesson

 

[[59851]]

It will help - honest - you get so tuned in to the instructor that you take no notice of those watching. I hate people watching me too, so I book a school at another yard where we have the place to ourselves after 6pm.

 

[missmischief]

4 Years ago aged 47 I bought my first horse after barely sitting on a horses back for almost 30 years. I had ridden as a teenager but never jumped. I felt exactly the same as you, nervous, no confidence and thought everyone would think I was rubbish. I joined my local riding club and went along to their annual show, first time I had been to anything in my life!!! I done an Intro dressage test (walk & Trot ) I was shocked to find that Hey! There were loads of people like me, middle aged, nervous and doing stuff they had never done before. I really enjoyed it and now one year on I am having dressage lessons and kindergarden jumping lessons with loads of people just like me. Go for it!! You only live once and you will be surprised how many complete nervous wrecks there are out there. Ha! Good luck.

 

[dafthoss]

I'm like this with any new instructor (thanks to a bad one before). Any instructor thats worth your money will leave you feeling encouraged and wanting to do more at the end of the session. They wont be judging you and you certantly wont be the only nervous rider they have had turn up no matter how confident others appear on the outside.

 

[Ladydragon]

I'm having my first lesson after many years but rather worried if I'm honest that Im going to be told im completely rubbish!

I hadn't parked my backside in a saddle for 25yrs until fairly recently... I was bad, appallingly bad at my first lesson... My instructor still managed to make me feel remarkably positive - although I called her rotten when I could barely move the next day after all the stretching and standing exercises she had me doing...

I think the instructor's approach is far more important than your interpretation of your riding - I have lessons in the school and out on (very slow) hacks with her and each time I feel better and more confident and although I'm still very rough around the edges, I know I'm improving... She has that knack of pushing me and making me think I can actually do what she's asking - which if left to my own devices, just wouldn't happen...

Go for it and have fun...

 

[zaminda]

You may be a little rusty at first, but as long as you tell your instructor knows where you are at before you start she should help your confidence. It can be daunting riding in front of other people, but just think to yourself that you are there for you, and no one else, I always find it helps me.

 

[mrsk29]

Thanks for all your replies I feel a bit better about it all now after reading those... I will post again once I've had my lesson

 

[MrsMozart]

I was you

Now I love my lessons and me and the blonde bombshell get out and about when we can to dressage comps (can't jump due to slightly wonky horse).

I'll be fifty next year

 

[Ladydragon]

My instructor still managed to make me feel remarkably positive - although I called her rotten when I could barely move the next day after all the stretching and standing exercises she had me doing...

Errrm...not sure why you quoted a bit of my post but without any comment

 

[**Vanner**]

I felt exactly the same but it really was the best thing.

 

[TallulahBright]

I started lessons again recently after twenty year break. Had them on a friend's horse to get me going ready for when my girlie comes home. I too thought I'd be told I ride like a sack of potatoes and have no business having a youngster etc etc, but no! All very positive and reassured me (with some tweaks to lower leg position etc) that I am actually an ok rider and get get a decent tune out of a horse. Can't wait to have lessons with mine now!