Which Dressage Instructor?

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Your biomechanics instructor is also a good competitive dressage rider and does good "straight" dressage lessons. Just because you've only focused on you so far she'd still be in the mix for me, and actually high on my list.
Honestly though, none of the 3 you've listed would be my choice. I'd want an actual dressage instructor. Novice tests arent especially difficult it's only about novice/elementary dressage.
Of the 3 you have discussed, I'd say if you're happy with your jump instructor use them though

The reason RI 1 changes her tack/contradicts herself could be in response to the way the rider is riding that day, i.e. sometimes you might need more hand, sometimes you might need to be softer in the hand.

If Toby went well in your biomechanics lesson, this is the instructor I would stick with. If the rider is doing the right thing, the horse will do so too. I think you will only be able to feel for yourself what you need to ask the horse to do when you are fully in control of your own body, which is what the biomechanics instructor is teaching you.

 

[Sam_J]

Who is the biomechanics instructor? (PM if you prefer.) If Solo comes right, I'll be looking for an someone to help us rebuild our basics.

 

[DressageCob]

I agree with this. It doesn’t sound like any of the 3 are really leaving their mark on you.

I’ve just started training with someone. I travel to their yard, but fortunately only 15-20 mins away and I pay £60. She has trained with some of the best in the world and I come away feeling inspired and full of things to work on that I understand and can replicate. Well worth every penny. More importantly, she seems to really have a lot of belief in Millie (more than I do, I think! Haha!) and is absolutely confident that there is an advanced horse in there.
Even my non-horsey Dad, who has always been an endless support to me, but doesn’t really know that much, enjoys watching the lessons. He’s even picked up on a few things and then told me when I’ve failed to replicate them at competitions...!

Sounds great! I have a feeling you're in my area...I seem to recall you posting about the Wynnstay. If you're in Cheshire/Shropshire could you please message me?

 

[LEC]

I go to an eventer for flat and frankly have never found anyone better. I have had lessons with loads of very good dressage riders/trainers as well but we click and have a very good relationship (they have been placed at 5*, train with someone very good and are a BE trainer). I am also very good at asking questions and they will get on the horse as well if its really hitting a brick wall to work through it and then teach me what I need to feel and do.

I use draw reins for a time on some horses (one has to hack and do their fast work in them as a nightmare). I don't get this puritanical thing about gadgets. Its a pragmatic option sometimes to help solve an issue. My preference is always a Harbridge though over draw reins as you can keep the neck out. They are brilliant at solving short term issues to get through an issue. Most typically I would maybe use it 3x for a horse which throws its head in the transition or wont stay soft in them. I could wait 2 years for everything to come together or I could get it fixed in a week as everything else is good and its a bit of a learned habit.

You need to choose the person you click with and sometimes just stick with it for a few months. Learning any system takes time.

 

[Leandy]

I agree that as you have reservations about all 3 I wouldn't use any of them regularly. You've had good results with the biomechanics one so focus on that for a bit. You will reap rewards without even thinking about it and it is a good investment. Then find a higher level instructor altogether. They are likely to be more ambitious for you and you will find that inspiring. A good instructor should give you enough to work on for a month at a time. I never used to have a lesson more than once a month. Too many people have them too often and never develop the ability to think for themselves how to work the horse because they always have someone to tell them at every step.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

None of them sound great for dressage and I wouldn't use number 1 can't stand rude instructors or draw reins, I would stick with the biomechanics instructor for now and look at a dressage instructor.