giggles mum
Well-Known Member
Those of you who teach, what do you think? are there some things you're either naturally good at or you're not?
What's the hardest thing to teach about riding?
- Thread starter giggles mum
- Start date
Tierra
Well-Known Member
Feel.
Some people can naturally feel whats going on underneath them... whether their horse is stepping through correctly, whether its using its back or just hollowing, whether its quarters are inlne with its shoulders or swinging inwards or outwards... whether the hind legs are coming through equally or one isnt stepping under as much... whether the horse has even contact into both reins or not this can go right through to knowing that exact moment to ask for a flying change or a half halt
Its all well and good "telling" someone how to ride x, y and z but without feeling its hopeless. Yes, i think people can learn it to a certain extent, but for some, its natural and these imo, are always the best riders.
Also empathy
Some people seem to have zero empathy with their horses and i dont think its possible to ever get 100% from a horse if you ride this way.
Some people can naturally feel whats going on underneath them... whether their horse is stepping through correctly, whether its using its back or just hollowing, whether its quarters are inlne with its shoulders or swinging inwards or outwards... whether the hind legs are coming through equally or one isnt stepping under as much... whether the horse has even contact into both reins or not this can go right through to knowing that exact moment to ask for a flying change or a half halt
Its all well and good "telling" someone how to ride x, y and z but without feeling its hopeless. Yes, i think people can learn it to a certain extent, but for some, its natural and these imo, are always the best riders.
Also empathy
airedale
Well-Known Member
what a good summation
I'd also add the use of legs first, hands second for both upwards and downwards transitions
too many people think that it's kick to go and pull to stop (even if they think they are more sophisticated riders than that !)
I'd also add the use of legs first, hands second for both upwards and downwards transitions
too many people think that it's kick to go and pull to stop (even if they think they are more sophisticated riders than that !)
emma69
Well-Known Member
Teaching people something that is opposite to how they naturally are - for example, teaching someone who has very hard heavy hands to be soft. Agree with the person who said feel as well, very hard to teach someone who can't visualise what is going on underneath them.
It's also very hard to teach someone who has been taught in the 'direct traffic' mode for years to think for themselves. It amazes me how many competent riders (WTCJ) can't tell me how their horse is going when they are warming up.
It's also very difficult to teach someone who thinks they are god's gift at something to do it correctly - e.g. someone who has hunted for years, one of those sticky bum people who stays on regardless, trying to teach them how to jump a XC course properly instead of hell for leather - usually takes a smash or someone else showing them up completely - neither of which I like, both of which are pretty effective.
It's also very hard to teach someone who has been taught in the 'direct traffic' mode for years to think for themselves. It amazes me how many competent riders (WTCJ) can't tell me how their horse is going when they are warming up.
It's also very difficult to teach someone who thinks they are god's gift at something to do it correctly - e.g. someone who has hunted for years, one of those sticky bum people who stays on regardless, trying to teach them how to jump a XC course properly instead of hell for leather - usually takes a smash or someone else showing them up completely - neither of which I like, both of which are pretty effective.
teapot
Well-Known Member
I think it's the lesson of learning to ride a forward going horse forward and not being afraid to use your leg.
I've had it mentioned and discussed with me so many times as I'm not brilliant on forward going horses, but it's just soooo true; the more you sit back, and brace yourself against something forward going, it makes it worse.
Was always quite hard getting the kids to understand it.
Having had regular lessons for 6 nearly 7 years now as well as being on the teaching side - some people are naturally good riders who are aware of what's happening underneath them and can apply the aids much quicker.
I've had it mentioned and discussed with me so many times as I'm not brilliant on forward going horses, but it's just soooo true; the more you sit back, and brace yourself against something forward going, it makes it worse.
Was always quite hard getting the kids to understand it.
Having had regular lessons for 6 nearly 7 years now as well as being on the teaching side - some people are naturally good riders who are aware of what's happening underneath them and can apply the aids much quicker.
FREESTYLER
Well-Known Member
Beginners that there are more paces than walk and gallop!!
horsegirl
Well-Known Member
Rising trot!!!!
Some people can't get the hang of it no matter how I try to explain
Some people can't get the hang of it no matter how I try to explain
cosmo_sam
Well-Known Member
What a good question!!
My hubby and I were discussing a similar thing last night.
I'm by no means an instructor, but I do teach him (in a fashion - more like I talk and he shouts I AAAAAAMMM!!!!
)
Anyway, my hubby is a very naturally sporty guy. Pretty much every sport he has a go at he's good at played football for Liverpool as a teenager, squash, golf etc.
The thing is though he just DOES it! he doesn't analyse where he puts his body etc, he just does it and it usually comes off (GIT!)
I'm the opposite. Very NONE sporty in the PE sense and I have always had to study how things are done and try and control my body very specifically.
This seems to be an advantage with flatwork, as I'm able to feel where I'm placing myself etc.
My hubby when he first started riding took to jumping like a duck to water. Just got on, had some lessons and within 8 mths was doing SJ classes and even did very well at a RC ODE.
The things is, the dressage bug has now well and truly bit him! He's lost interest in jumping to an extent, and really works hard at his flatwork.
Now though, this seems to be working against him! When he is told specifically to work on himself etc, it really gets very hard for him. He doesn't seem to be able to think about where specific body parts etc and the more he thinks the harder it gets!
He has very good natural balance, and natural feel for riding, but as he's trying to get more progressive and technical he's struggling.
I find it fascinating how our brains clearly control our bodies in different ways - and how things I find straight forward, he can't get his head around.
My hubby and I were discussing a similar thing last night.
I'm by no means an instructor, but I do teach him (in a fashion - more like I talk and he shouts I AAAAAAMMM!!!!
Anyway, my hubby is a very naturally sporty guy. Pretty much every sport he has a go at he's good at played football for Liverpool as a teenager, squash, golf etc.
The thing is though he just DOES it! he doesn't analyse where he puts his body etc, he just does it and it usually comes off (GIT!)
I'm the opposite. Very NONE sporty in the PE sense and I have always had to study how things are done and try and control my body very specifically.
This seems to be an advantage with flatwork, as I'm able to feel where I'm placing myself etc.
My hubby when he first started riding took to jumping like a duck to water. Just got on, had some lessons and within 8 mths was doing SJ classes and even did very well at a RC ODE.
The things is, the dressage bug has now well and truly bit him! He's lost interest in jumping to an extent, and really works hard at his flatwork.
Now though, this seems to be working against him! When he is told specifically to work on himself etc, it really gets very hard for him. He doesn't seem to be able to think about where specific body parts etc and the more he thinks the harder it gets!
He has very good natural balance, and natural feel for riding, but as he's trying to get more progressive and technical he's struggling.
I find it fascinating how our brains clearly control our bodies in different ways - and how things I find straight forward, he can't get his head around.
Judie
Well-Known Member
Working the horse from behind into a contact and not worrying about just the front end
1CTrenowath
Well-Known Member
Well I'm not a teacher , but am giving my 14yo niece lessons at the moment. She's very good to teach as years of being yelled at in her dancing classes have left her as a 'just do it and don't ask questions' sort of student!!
During last nights lesson, she followed all instructions given but..... I gave her a schooling whip to wave at the borrowed horse - doesn't really need to use it as long as hoss knows its there..... And she couldn't use it
- didn't matter how many times I explained how to give a gentle flick - no contact made!!! End result was me and her in fits and 1 very pleased - and slow- horse!!!
So apparently all manner of turns, leg yields and halts can be taught, but not how to use a whip.
So apparently all manner of turns, leg yields and halts can be taught, but not how to use a whip.