Simulator Lessons

SaddlePsych'D

SaddlePsych'D

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My plans to get back into riding this year really have been scuppered by Covid - even now the riding schools are re-opening they don't seem to be taking on new clients as they don't have capacity or some also want you competent in canter (which I was but it has been at least 7 years since I was last riding regularly!). I also wanted to look into getting a share at some point down the line but at this point I think I need so much 'refreshing' around riding and horse handling/care I'd end up not being a great sharer.

One or two of the riding schools/centres near me have simulators and it looks like this might be more of a possibility (assuming they have space for these) so I'm wondering about this as an option. Is it something that is more beneficial for advance riders or can a novice benefit too? Is a one-off likely to be helpful or does it need to be in conjunction with real riding? I suppose I'm just trying to be creative and think a bit more widely about how I can re-engage with something I really loved doing in the past!
 
I found simulator sessions to be very helpful and beneficial when I’ve been getting back into riding after a break. IIRC I did a course of 6 sessions.

My session was just after one in which the pupils were GMP mounted police riders, and they were enthusing about what they’d learnt, too.
 
They were the best thing I ever did after I lost my confidence after a riding accident, I completely rode differently after the accident and I felt like I had no confidence at all, I was basically sitting completely wrong but didn't really realise I was doing it, after one lesson the penny dropped and I realised how crap I had been riding for months,and because I was sitting properly I felt so much more confident so totally worked for me. I still have them now but not as often .
 
Ooh this definitely sounds worth looking into then - I'd never considered it might help with confidence (I've never been the most confident rider) as well as the physical side of riding.
 
A simulator session might be a good step, and some schools will use a simulator session to assess your ability before moving you onto full lessons.
HOWEVER
Simulators tend to be housed inside, and the benefit of them is that the coach can get up close and adjust the rider. Inside exercise is not currently permitted - and therefore simulators may be off limits. Obviously the coaches cannot get up close at all.
 
When things get back to more of a normality, I am another who can reccommend simulator lessons. I have had 2x 6 weeks courses with an RI after injury and also physio-led simulator sessions sometimes.
 
ruth83 said:
A simulator session might be a good step, and some schools will use a simulator session to assess your ability before moving you onto full lessons.
HOWEVER
Simulators tend to be housed inside, and the benefit of them is that the coach can get up close and adjust the rider. Inside exercise is not currently permitted - and therefore simulators may be off limits. Obviously the coaches cannot get up close at all.
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Ah, yes I hadn't thought about that bit! Something to hold in mind for the future I guess :)
 
It is hard for us as coaches at the moment. I've had to turn away 3 prospective clients for the time being, with the message that I will be in touch when the situation changes.
I'm just not in a position to assess an unknown horse and rider combination when I cannot get close to them. I can't check the tack for safety, I can't offer assistance with difficult horses and I have no idea of the likelihood of me needing to scrape them off the floor. If someone with a very up to date pre lockdown competition record got in touch that might be a little different, but I have to safeguard myself and them at the moment.
 
ruth83 said:
It is hard for us as coaches at the moment. I've had to turn away 3 prospective clients for the time being, with the message that I will be in touch when the situation changes.
I'm just not in a position to assess an unknown horse and rider combination when I cannot get close to them. I can't check the tack for safety, I can't offer assistance with difficult horses and I have no idea of the likelihood of me needing to scrape them off the floor. If someone with a very up to date pre lockdown competition record got in touch that might be a little different, but I have to safeguard myself and them at the moment.
Click to expand...

I can imagine it being so tricky! I've got one RS that (I hope) are keeping me in mind for when they are able to take on new clients. I had a couple of lessons at the beginning of the year at another new RS but wasn't quite sure about it so am currently not on anyone's books as an existing client.
 
Simulator/mechanical lessons are worth the money, especially when first getting back on.

If you need centre recommendations please do pm me, think I saw from another thread you're close to where I am!
 
teapot said:
Simulator/mechanical lessons are worth the money, especially when first getting back on.

If you need centre recommendations please do pm me, think I saw from another thread you're close to where I am!
Click to expand...

Thank you, I will PM you now - got a couple of places in mind but a recommendation is always useful!
 
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