Question for the professionals

[jackiepink]

Hi,
As a nervous novice rider myself, I often wonder is it possible to teach anyone to become a excellent capable rider or do you naturally need some confidence and ability ?.
As a professional trainer do you think you can train anyone to ride at a high standard, even someone who is very nervous and has no natural feel ?.
Can it be taught ?. Can you teach anyone ?.

 

[TableDancer]

Personally, I think it is possible, IF the rider really wants to do it. The key ingredients for success in the situation you describe are an excellent coaching relationship between rider and trainer, regular (frequent) lessons and the right horse. I presume by a high standard you don't mean olympic level, by the way . I think it is difficult for somebody nervous and lacking in feel to expect to be able to get on a variety of horses successfully, but to achieve a decent standard on the right horse which they trust, with frequent high-quality input from a trainer they trust, is eminently do-able

 

[Cortez]

I used to think so, but lately (perhaps I'm just getting old and tired....) I am prepared to admit that there are The Unteachables.

 

[Rowreach]

I used to think so, but lately (perhaps I'm just getting old and tired....) I am prepared to admit that there are The Unteachables.

Yup, I sent them to you after I gave up altogether

No seriously, while in theory it should be possible to teach someone who is novice and nervous to improve, there are so many variables in there that the extent of the improvement is nearly always going to be limited.

As TD says, the first thing you have to have is someone who really WANTS it, then a coach that they really gel with, then a really good horse - as in one that really suits the rider.

For most riders, even very good ones, there will be a certain type of horse that they get on with - not many people can literally "ride anything" and excel.

I teach a lot of nervous riders, and tbh their goals are usually to improve to the point that they can really enjoy their horses, mostly just hacking and schooling and a bit of RC competition. Sometimes once they've achieved that, they will carry on and do more, but by that time they aren't so nervous any more.

I also teach a lot of cocky young teenage types, who are often so up themselves that they are never going to learn anything because they simply don't want to/don't think they need to.

Teaching feel is altogether different again, but it is the willingness to learn that is the key to both things.

 

[louisem]

^^^^^
I like her answer.....
If someone wants to learn,then it is possible to teach them 'ergo' it is possible for them to improve....
If someone with No talent whatsoever,wants to go to the Olympics.....? Takes a bit longer... and LOTS of money. (And I'm not saying it never happens)

 

[LEC]

Interesting thoughts. I do wonder if fear will always hold someone back because there will always be an element of tension marring their learning?