Question for instructors

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marion95

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Hi,

My OH is learning to ride - well has been for a year now and we have a horse on loan for him. He actually rides really well, but isn't at all confident - can canter, but doesn't like to and is basically worried about not being in control.

His instructor has just told us she is stopping teaching, so until we find someone else, I want to give him some lessons (I have been teaching him on and off). My question is: what can I do to keep it interesting for him and the horse, but not push him too much and help him gain confidence? Any tips?

Thanks
 
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If cantering is the pace that alarms him, and he is confident in all others then i would simply leave that pace for now. You can show him schooling exercises in walk and trot that will continue to develop his balance, and progress to half halts so that he understands more subtle ways of controlling the pace and slowing everything down. Then introduce very short canter sections into the transitions. Progress to very small jumps, the horse may well canter away quite naturally without it being a big issue and he can get used to the feel of it without really having to think too hard about the pace and ocncentrating on steering.
When you go out, only do canter work on uphill sections to make it more controllable
 
hack out, endlessly, just walk and trot, go for miles, if horses are of the suitable kind, tie up outside a pub and have a swift half, enjoy life!
it'll do the horses good, and who needs to canter when there are sharp frosty landscapes and blue skies to amble around under?
 
Problem is he doesn't feel confident out on the roads either!! he isn't so much worried about what the horse will do as cars etc...but maybe I will try and get him out a bit more.

I'm not trying to get him to canter really - was just saying that to demonstrate his level of riding. I just don't want him to get bored trotting round in circles.
 
I'm not trying to get him to canter at the moment - was just saying that he can, but he isn't confident really in trot either -even though he trots very well and has done ever since he started. It's hard to explain really, he is capable, just very nervous.

I'm just trying to look for exercises that will help him feel more in control, strengthen his seat etc. Half halts sound good. I have been getting him to to halt to walk, walk to trot etc at specific places in the arena, and also trotting over poles which he enjoys. Also changing pace within a pace, so slow trot to faster and back. Just wanted some other ideas to keep it interesting really.
 
actually, depending on your situation, i am quite serious about hacking, pub rides etc - doing something that is fun takes your mind of trying to 'get better' or 'gain confidence' - there's a lot to be said for just being a pony trekker now and again, it can get dull being improved.
of course if you don't live in the right kind of area, it's no good, but if you do, i'd suggest forgetting the technicalities and enjoying life a little!
 
If he is happy to work on his seat , the horse is suitable and you know how to help him (i.e. have eye for the problem areas etc) I would give him lunge lessons. During those I would work on his balance, stretching the muscles and ligaments to deepen the seat and open the pelvis.
If he is a keen reader you could give him some good theory to browse through (never enough of understanding). If you PM me your email address I can email you some of the reading material I have as electronic copies (used them for RC rallies and people liked it)
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Failing that - ditto fun rides! Maybe a beach ride? Winter is great for those
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