Swift08
Well-Known Member
Started at a local riding school aged 6, had a great instructor who really got me going! She spent time teaching me things to get my balance and position correct but making it lots of fun, never putting me on a lead rein (but happily took reins off me!) and I was trotting easily by the end of my first lesson. A few months later she left and was replaced by a horrible woman who just let me plod round the school for my lesson - more like a pony ride.
Moved to a holisitc riding school and spent 5 years there having a fab time! My instructor was like my first one and I was opened up to so much more, regularly hacking out, playing gymkhana games and learning the management side of things as well. I was also able to ride a variety of different ponies and horses, some were real good 'plodders' whilst others were only just broken. I owe so much to that place, yes it's not everyone's cup of tea but I was happy there, learnt so much and it has continued to benefit me. Compared to friends who spent years doing as I would have done if I stayed at the first riding school (i.e. nose to tail around a school for an hour, never learning about anything else), I was SO lucky and learnt so much more.
Moved to a holisitc riding school and spent 5 years there having a fab time! My instructor was like my first one and I was opened up to so much more, regularly hacking out, playing gymkhana games and learning the management side of things as well. I was also able to ride a variety of different ponies and horses, some were real good 'plodders' whilst others were only just broken. I owe so much to that place, yes it's not everyone's cup of tea but I was happy there, learnt so much and it has continued to benefit me. Compared to friends who spent years doing as I would have done if I stayed at the first riding school (i.e. nose to tail around a school for an hour, never learning about anything else), I was SO lucky and learnt so much more.