Opinions needed... equine simulators.. who has tried one?

Done - I'm not currently riding due to injured horse but have had a few previous sessions on a simulator and found them really helpful.
 
Done, but you might want to add an option of 'none of the above' for the location - I know it allows you to submit without completing that bit, but it did throw me!
 
Done ,and to add that I am a firm believer that these do have a place .But they are only as good as the operator on the ground. As with all such simulators , if the rider watches the data outputs as they ride . The rider ends up reacting to the data rather than the "horse". My experience is that it is far better to have a good instructor watching the data output and coaching the rider and the rider unable to see the output.
 
I used a simulator (I assume you mean mechanical horse), a fair bit 3-4 years ago, alongside lunge lessons, when I was trying to improve the finer aspects of my seat & balance. I've moved out of the area now but would definitely be interested in doing more.

What I would say is two main things - it does not really replicate riding a horse and would be virtually useless IMO to teach high school movements on. It is also highly dependant on the instructor on the ground. I had one session at the RWYM place and I have to say got very little out of it. However a different simulator and different instructor were brilliant
 
I agree with others that for teaching actual riding, be it high school movements or general riding (even jumping now), it's not possibly the best way forwards. However, I found it helped with my wonkiness, as I could see which way I leaned/sat heavier on, which rein I subconsciously pulled on more etc. and especially useful being able to do all this with my own saddle so easier to transfer it to being on my horse. It did also help with confidence too as it showed I'm not as bad as I think I am!!
 
Heather Moffet in Devon has been using these for many years with great success. But I can't see how you could get one to do the high school movements. Or if you did it would be uneconomic.
 
Orangehorse said:
Heather Moffet in Devon has been using these for many years with great success. But I can't see how you could get one to do the high school movements. Or if you did it would be uneconomic.
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Racewood has all manner of simulators that enable people to have a go on something that resembles a Grand Prix horse. But yes, uneconomic for most as they are about £20k (I think!)

And I remember it being really, really difficult to ride some of the higher movements - far harder than on several horses capable of the same level.
 
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