Should Riding instructors lead by example when 'off duty'

benson21

benson21

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I was driving down a country lane yesterday, quite narrow, doing around 30 mph, just a normal everyday thing, when I saw something just above car roof level, waving. It was 2 riders, both on dark bay horses, both wearing BP's, black jods, and dark tops. I truthfully did not see them until i saw one of them wave with an ungloved hand! As we passed I realized I knew one of them, she is a RI who teaches at our yard. I said to her, 'do you realise you are totally invisable with no hi vis on' and her reply was 'hey ho, such is life!!' I personally think that RI should be setting an example even when they are not teaching, am I wrong in thinking that?
 
Yes they should is the short answer

Totally irresponsible, how are clients supposed to learn if the teachers don't practice it. I would have words with yard owner and bring it to her attention and maybe names withheld unless you want to mention it. . Poor horses dying would not be a " hey ho such is life" :rolleyes:
 
No I think all adults should set an example. I've several times stopped near me and asked people I've only seen at the last minute on a 60mph lane to wear hi viz pointing out I hadn't seen them. They were unaware just how invisible they were. It's all our responsibilities to try and keep ourselves and our horses who we ask to be out there as safe as we can.
 
I had so much I could of said to her, but it happened so quickly. She knows me, she knows about my accident, and I know I can get quite aggrieved by seeing people not doing all they can to be seen. They both had BP's on. and hats, so if they got hit they would be protected, but its seems that the horses dont matter!
 
Imo it depends on the clientele, whether they should set an example. If for instance a top trainer, who's clients are very experienced rides without a hat, then their job is neither here nor there in that decision, the clients have enough experience to make up their own minds. Whereas if the local pc instructor did so, chances are the kids & teens would also copy. I'm not saying I think the former doing so is a great idea at all, but the fact they train doesn't make it any worse. I do plenty of incorrect things, but I'd never do them in front of anyone likely to be influenced by them.
 
I understand your argument but I think what anybody does "off duty" is their own business....
How ever, for their own safety and their horse's they should have been wearing some sort of hi-vis, common sense really...
 
Yes, her reputation doesn't stop being judged by others when she is off duty.

More fool her especially as more insurers are making the wearing of Hi-Vis whilst on roads a condition of insuring people.
 
Quote~Today | 09:05 AM
Nah
Personally, I would be shocked, especially by her response! I would think about finding myself a new teacher.~quote

I agree, this 'do as I say..not as I do' attitude sucks tbh
 
Its the horse and the car driver i feel sorry for in situations like this - i stopped last autumn and said exactly the same to two middle aged lady's - term used lightly - i was told to go forth and multiply and was told i was a stuck up thing - and they went all lardy dar sarky.

Would not care but the horses were lovelly
 
Gingerwitch said:
Its the horse and the car driver i feel sorry for in situations like this - i stopped last autumn and said exactly the same to two middle aged lady's - term used lightly - i was told to go forth and multiply and was told i was a stuck up thing - and they went all lardy dar sarky.

Would not care but the horses were lovelly
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People often forget about the car driver! I would never ever hit anything on purpose, but accidents happen. I would never ever ever ever forgive myself if I hit a horse, if I survived!!
 
My partner is an instructor, he is very easily recognised as he is a big coloured guy;)

When we moved to the latest yard, one of our friends is a local farmer. After a few weeks he reported to DK that many local people were asking who the big ----- bloke was who was so polite wearing high vis and always thanking and waving at drivers while out hacking.

So yes you do get noticed and as he has new clients that have contacted him after seeing him about it is really important.
 
alwaysbroke said:
My partner is an instructor, he is very easily recognised as he is a big coloured guy;)

When we moved to the latest yard, one of our friends is a local farmer. After a few weeks he reported to DK that many local people were asking who the big ----- bloke was who was so polite wearing high vis and always thanking and waving at drivers while out hacking.

So yes you do get noticed and as he has new clients that have contacted him after seeing him about it is really important.
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Like :D
 
Nah said:
People often forget about the car driver! I would never ever hit anything on purpose, but accidents happen. I would never ever ever ever forgive myself if I hit a horse, if I survived!!
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So much this! As a horse rider and a driver, it makes me really angry to see cyclists, walkers and horse riders doing their level best to get extinguished by me. I don't think it would be an over estimation to say that such an incident could ruin the drivers life. Yes, some need to be driving in a much more reasonable way for the roads, but equally if you go around invisible then you are at fault and negligent.

I do agree that instructors should always be doing as they say, but the also attitude of this person would put me off alot! Who wants to be taught by someone like that?
 
There is one such RI near us. She rides out without a hat. She has been known to accompany rides from her unlicensed RS without a hat, or hi-viz. The other riders always wear hi-viz and hats.

Apparently she is invincible because she used to work for a former Chef d'Equipe of the British SJ team. I'm afraid i just think that she is stupid.
 
littlelegs said:
If for instance a top trainer, who's clients are very experienced rides without a hat, then their job is neither here nor there in that decision.
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I really don't understand why anyone would ride without a hat. Totally agree it is up to them, but for some reason in the horse world, top riders seem to think they are immune from head injuries!

You don't see professional cyclists or motorcyclists riding without a helmet- and their mounts don't have a mind of their own!

IMO, there isn't any reason to not to wear a hat- fitted correctly, they are comfy, keep you warm and can save your life- same with Hi Viz.
 
Personally YES!

i remember i had just started to loan, we decieded it was a nice day. me and the owner were hacking out with her very sensative mare and a slightly green four year old, the mare if you got to close she wouldnt think twice about kicking out!

on our way to the woods, we heard three horses trotting right up the mares bum and the girl infront was apperently a riding instrutor:rolleyes:
the mare had her ears flat back, we asked them nicely not to trot up our arses (there wasn't anywhere to let them pass) she laughed and kept doing it, shouted back telling her that her horse would be kicked if she carried on as she was getting worked up.

as soon as we could we let her pass as she really wasnt listening to busy laughing kiciking the poor pony and laughing with her mates... great example...

then she banned me from the yard she worked at becuase apperently i called her a C.... and i was irrisponsable! i couldn't believe it!!!

x
 
Totally get what your saying littlelegs.

I've seen so many instructors (especially dressage) in real life and on tv who don't wear hats and it just amazes me- not even like they have great hair as an excuse :D
 
I would say yes, definitely. Since I qualified and started teaching I am MUCH more aware of how I come across. High viz and wearing a hat are total no brainers. My friend also teaches riding (uninsured and unqualified) and says she never wears high viz. I asked her how would you feel if a car narrowly missed you and the DRIVER died, or they hit someone else? Let alone the insurance implications of it all (not that she even has any) Completely crazy and I can only imagine the kind of clients you would attract by this kind of attitude.
 
ThePony said:
I don't think it would be an over estimation to say that such an incident could ruin the drivers life.?
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I was watching a show yesterday about dangerous roads etc.
There was a lorry driver who'd fallen asleep at the wheel and killed someone. He said he thinks about it every single day and he will never EVER forget. I think he had sleep apnea, he'd been to the Dr.'s 3 times to try and figure out why he was so tired, but they didn't take him seriously. He gets counselling now, but even then, I don't think he'll ever forgive himself.
 
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