Regular instructor?

Tabs34

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28 April 2015
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Hello all

My four year old started semi- private lessons late last year and is absolutely full of joy when riding. We had decided on him having lessons once a month to ensure it is something he really wants to do before looking into ownership/loans ect knowing that might come( though he's already making plans of his own lol.) this month we took a decision to go up to two a month as he seems to be progressing well and loves it.

I guess I have two questions I'd like to ask peoples options on; 1st off,is this enough time for him to be riding and see 'progress'? He's so happy on the pony that at the moment he's comfortable with what he's doing and I am not worried about it particularly but I know it's something hes aware of; how hes improving.

The second question is, is it normal to have a different instructor almost every lesson, and is that something to worry About? It's Been many years since I rode as a teenager and when I had lessons it was always the same instructor bar holiday or sickness. The School don't allow you to request a particular instructor which is a shame because there is one in particular that seems to be very good and definitely a favourite, and seems to take genuine delight in their progress.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
 

FestiveFuzz

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At 4 years old I'd really be focusing on his enjoyment and confidence around ponies rather than worrying too much about his progression. If it really is a concern of yours though and you want to be sure riding is something he wants to do long term I'd maybe look at upping his lessons to once a week.

With regard to instructors, I too always had the same instructor as a child but this admittedly was many years ago now. If this particular school won't let you stick with the one instructor could you perhaps look at other local riding schools?
 

Ormsweird

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My daughter is now five, does a weekly lesson but in a group session and has been doing so since she's four. I did go through the 'is this enough, is she making progress?' phase a little while back and then thought about it and realised she's happy. She loves what she's doing. She does a mix of hacking and lessons. So I'm happy.

And then the instructor came over and had a word. They've stopped putting her on the plods because she needs a pony with a bit of go (and she is still the smallest child physically in the class) they're about to get her cantering because she's ready for it. She's already popping over small jumps at trot.

I'd go with what's working for your son for now and worry about the rest later. It's certainly working for us on all fronts at the moment. I would add that she also enjoys the sociability of the group lessons. She's made friends there as well.
 
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