Why don't riding centres cater for older riders?

[olderridercg]

Hi. I have been having lessons at an excellent riding centre for several years but regretably had to stop having lessons. The main reasons being that as an older rider with a hearing impairment I had difficulty hearing what the RI was telling me to do in both group and private lessons. I did explain my hearing difficulty to the RIs and suggested ways to deal with this but their efforts were shortlived and they quickly reverted back to standing in the middle of the menage shouting advice and instructions.The second reason is that I felt lessons and other activities were designed for younger riders. I was aware that very few older riders booked onto the group lessons and wondered why this was. I acknowledge that a riding centres' clients (main source of income) may be predominantly younger riders but believe that if riding centres catered more for older riders this could be an important and reliable source of income. So am I missing something here? Maybe some forum members who are RIs or are invloved in riding centres could enlighten me about why riding centres don't promote lessons for older riders and undertake disability training.

 

[Red-1]

I would try a different centre and stick with private lessons. It doesn't sound like the current place is giving you a professional service. Private lessons would mean you'd start afresh with a person who is concentrating on you.

I have taught people with hearing impairment. I found it best to give instruction, then let them go do what they could, then we'd reconvene for a conflab about how it went. I took to taking an Ipad to film each section so we could look at it together. I found that so useful, instant visual feedback, that I took to using it for a wide variety of clients. Then I got someone to film my lessons and reviewed myself during the lesson as I decided that I too would like the benefit of instant visual feedback. I was jealous of the service I was giving, so arranged to have it for myself.

I have also discussed calling a client by mobile, so they could listen on their phone, which was connected to hearing aids. That was in lieu of me owning a comms system, and I know proper sets are quite common now, if a proper comms system would work for you. I never did do this method with a phone, as briefing and debriefing worked for us, but I have unlimited calling, and the client could have simply answered then put the phone in their pocket. I have used a dressage trainer who uses a professional comms set, it is weirdly comforting to have someone in my ear for my own benefit on my lessons. I think a phone would work the same though, without the need to buy specific equipment.

I have also used a loudspeaker! It was only a cheap one, microphone either hand held or head mounted. I used it mainly for demos but with one person with hearing impairment, they liked it as they could hear me loud and clear. I also grew to like it as I could simply talk rather then projecting and shouting. I think they sold it as a karaoke machine, but I didn't set the lessons to music LOL. Other people also liked it as the lesson would have a lovely calm atmosphere, with no shouting in a group lesson. Everyone could hear everything.

Mine was an old one (with a cassette tape LOL) but a modern version would probably be something like this...

Amazon.co.uk

If they are not coming up with solutions, and seeking your opinion as to which help is best, they are not the place for you. I would tell then why I was moving, in a gentle way too, for their learning.

Also, when I have come up with solutions for people with specific needs, I have often taken that into general usage. For example, a client had a tendency to shut down their aural system when stressed, although their ears worked fine. I would set a task and use a clicker when he had achieved it, or made an improvement towards it. I then used it for other specific situations, and found it had many benefits. For example, searching for the correct hand placement, or the correct amount of energy from the horse. It would be a specific goal, click for towards, multi click for achieved. People start to really strive for the correct movement or 'thing' when they are searching for the click. It also isn't critical when the click is only given for the correct thing or a step towards that.

 

[PeterNatt]

I think this would be a point to raise with both the Education Department of the British Horse Society and the Association of British Riding Schools. It is particularly important that they address the issue of hearing-impaired horse riders

 

[Red-1]

BTW, I would be interested in what solutions worked for you? Or, at least would have, if they'd consistently applied them!

 

[Red-1]

I gave up teaching as I believed I had nothing more to say. Sometimes I think I should start again!!! It seems that there is a lot of rubbish practice out there.

 

[Muddy unicorn]

You’ve been going to the wrong places! I’ve had fantastic lessons at two brilliant riding schools - one in Surrey and one in the Northeast. Both have thriving pony clubs and riding clubs and sessions for adults of all ages. I was in a riding club session at the weekend and at 60 was the youngest in the group. There are plenty of places catering for adults, but you might need to cast your net a bit wider.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

It sounds like overall not great teaching, and really not okay to make adjustments for your hearing needs!

There are good RS out there though, that do have a bit more for adult riders. The one I'm at now and the previous one I moved from actually only teach adults. There's pros and cons of that - smaller RS and perhaps less going on than the bigger centres. But I love my current RS and knowing that there is no question of who my instructor will be each lesson, having the chance to have teaching to meet me just where I need it to build my confidence.

As above though, I have travelled far and wide to find decent RS in the various places I've lived.

I gave up teaching as I believed I had nothing more to say. Sometimes I think I should start again!!! It seems that there is a lot of rubbish practice out there.

I think on another thread a while ago you or someone else mentioned the teaching you used to do and I thought 'hey, sign me up for Red Boot Camp!'

 

[Red-1]

It sounds like overall not great teaching, and really not okay to make adjustments for your hearing needs!

There are good RS out there though, that do have a bit more for adult riders. The one I'm at now and the previous one I moved from actually only teach adults. There's pros and cons of that - smaller RS and perhaps less going on than the bigger centres. But I love my current RS and knowing that there is no question of who my instructor will be each lesson, having the chance to have teaching to meet me just where I need it to build my confidence.

As above though, I have travelled far and wide to find decent RS in the various places I've lived.


I think on another thread a while ago you or someone else mentioned the teaching you used to do and I thought 'hey, sign me up for Red Boot Camp!'

I have a passion for helping people feel the same joy I do, whilst keeping them safe. I love finding new ways to explain stuff.

 

[Surbie]

I think on another thread a while ago you or someone else mentioned the teaching you used to do and I thought 'hey, sign me up for Red Boot Camp!'

I think a fair few of us would sign up!

 

[teapot]

As an ex ops manager for a riding school, two questions - 1) did you ever tell the RS in question what you need in order for someone to be heard, and 2) did the RS ever ask you about it if you put it on your riding registration form? As someone who has got stuff on their rider registration form health wise, I would be more than happy to say to a new coach 'btw you should know x,y,z' because frankly it could the most important info needed in event of an emergency. So while it is up to the coach to ask, sometimes being a bit forwards about what you need helps avoid situations like this.

Tech that amplifies a coach's voice can be expensive, but not unheard of in riding schools either. On the lesson content, you need to find somewhere that offers adult only lessons and clinics. Whereabouts are you? Sure someone on here will have a suggestion of where to try. Also consider somewhere with an indoor school.

 

[Surbie]

My deaf friend has a system that links into her hearing aids. Another friend does as Red-1 suggested and wears earbuds for her instructor to speak to her on the phone.

Both of those are for private instructors but it's becoming a lot more commonplace.

 

[Lucky Snowball]

I coach two separate clients both hard of hearing. Individually and in groups (people they know) I voice and use signs at the same time. For specific ‘instructions’ they come into me while the others work on their own. If someone goes the wrong way or gets lost it’s all taken in fun and we just explain again and repeat. You need a different coach.

 

[Skib]

I started riding aged 61 with private school lessons. I never ride in my hearing aids for fear of losing them . But I did take care to ride up to the teacher so I was near her when she gave me instructions.

 

[AthenesOwl]

I have a moderate unilateral hearing impairment, and can really struggle in a lesson situation, whether private or in a group. I’ve never thought of using some kind of Bluetooth device but it would be something to consider if I was having regular lessons again. I do make sure to let any coach know that I can’t hear well, and everyone has been reasonably good at taking it into account. If not, I’m not shy of being pushy about it.

I try to avoid riding in my hearing aid, particularly after losing one in a fall a few months ago. I really struggle to hear properly without it though, and my yard seems full of lovely people who speak very quietly indeed.

In terms of age, I used to ride at a riding school where there was an elderly client who was well into her 80s.

It’s inexcusable for reasonable adjustments not to be made for disabilities such as hearing impairments, and I’d have thought that places such as riding schools are required to make adaptations under disability discrimination legislation.

 

[KatieDM]

Could you try an RDA centre? I have a hearing impairment so I understand your frustration!

 

[pistolpete]

I’m older and have always found local riding schools to be inclusive. Problem I have with the exception of the place Teapot worked at is the state of the horses! Poor tack and very tired stale stiff horses. I’m so lucky I have my share ponies now. Which also come with some challenges!

 

[eahotson]

I gave up teaching as I believed I had nothing more to say. Sometimes I think I should start again!!! It seems that there is a lot of rubbish practice out there.

There is.I have a wonderful trainer but had to search very hard .

 

[JFTDWS]

Also, when I have come up with solutions for people with specific needs, I have often taken that into general usage. For example, a client had a tendency to shut down their aural system when stressed, although their ears worked fine. I would set a task and use a clicker when he had achieved it, or made an improvement towards it. I then used it for other specific situations, and found it had many benefits. For example, searching for the correct hand placement, or the correct amount of energy from the horse. It would be a specific goal, click for towards, multi click for achieved. People start to really strive for the correct movement or 'thing' when they are searching for the click. It also isn't critical when the click is only given for the correct thing or a step towards that.

I love that you clicker trained a client!

 

[Hackback]

It sounds like overall not great teaching, and really not okay to make adjustments for your hearing needs!

There are good RS out there though, that do have a bit more for adult riders. The one I'm at now and the previous one I moved from actually only teach adults. There's pros and cons of that - smaller RS and perhaps less going on than the bigger centres. But I love my current RS and knowing that there is no question of who my instructor will be each lesson, having the chance to have teaching to meet me just where I need it to build my confidence.

As above though, I have travelled far and wide to find decent RS in the various places I've lived.


I think on another thread a while ago you or someone else mentioned the teaching you used to do and I thought 'hey, sign me up for Red Boot Camp!'

Red-1 used to teach me back in the day, when I got my first horse. I can confirm that she is indeed a fab teacher. The thing she was really good at, for me, was confidence. She always had something positive to say.

One particular lesson springs to mind when I suffered complete steering failure. Brain was saying go in one direction and body was saying go the other, with the consequence that I locked up and horse obligingly steered straight into the arena fence. Unbeknown to us there was a strand of electrified fence running along the top rail, which my horse touched, did a horrified 180 and fled into the middle of the arena with me clinging on to his neck for dear life.

Red's comment on surveying the car crash in front of her was:

"What I liked about that (??!) was that he didn't finish you off. He could easily have decked you but he decided not to".

I didn't realise it was a confidence boost at the time, but subtle little suggestions like that worm their way into your head.

No idea how she would have phrased it if he had actually decked me

 

[olderridercg]

Hi. I have been having lessons at an excellent riding centre for several years but regretably had to stop having lessons. The main reasons being that as an older rider with a hearing impairment I had difficulty hearing what the RI was telling me to do in both group and private lessons. I did explain my hearing difficulty to the RIs and suggested ways to deal with this but their efforts were shortlived and they quickly reverted back to standing in the middle of the menage shouting advice and instructions.The second reason is that I felt lessons and other activities were designed for younger riders. I was aware that very few older riders booked onto the group lessons and wondered why this was. I acknowledge that a riding centres' clients (main source of income) may be predominantly younger riders but believe that if riding centres catered more for older riders this could be an important and reliable source of income. So am I missing something here? Maybe some forum members who are RIs or are invloved in riding centres could enlighten me about why riding centres don't promote lessons for older riders and undertake disability training.

Hi to all members who replied to my post. Such interesting and informative posts! This information that I didn't include in my original post should address most if not all the points you have made. My first lessons several years' ago were mainly private ones. As I was still working I could afford the fee for them. Most lessons were enjoyable. When I retired in 2017 my income fell so I booked mainly group lessons which were cheaper and also mostly enjoyable. Around this time my hearing became worse and I started wearing hearing aids. I updated my details on the Centre's systems and told the 3 instructors who worked at the Centre. My suggestion that the instructor stay near me and not spend so much time in the centre of the school was acceptable to them and they did try to do this. Unfortunately their good intentions didn't last long despite me giving them gentle reminders. My last few lessons were difficult and I felt that I was only hearing about 20% of what the instructor was advising me to do as I completed each exercise. I relied on watching the rider in front of me complete the exercise although I did have to check my understanding with the instructor before setting off round the school! A couple of years' ago one of the RIs starting wearing a portable amplification system which she said was mainly to avoid straining her voice. My lessons weren't always with this RI so I bought a similar system and made sure I took it to each lesson. However the RIs were reluctant to wear it during rainy weather because the RI with their own amplifier had got it wet and it stopped working. A lot of the time the weather at the riding centre was wet and windy so even when the RI was wearing the amplifier the high winds often reduced how much I could hear. Even with hearing aids I can't hear much using a mobile phone so the suggestion to use Bluetooth would not work. Riding centres in this area are few and far between. I did try to book lessons at another centre in the area which had an indoor school but they had a long waiting list. The only other Centre (with an outdoor school) that I could travel to was one I had attended many years' ago but left because I didn't feel I was progressing. As regards contacting the BHS Education Dept. about the Centre's inability to help me, I did have contact the BHS about the Centre's Assessment for Approval. I had read that the Centre was "proactive in giving feedback". I had never had feedback in all the years I had been having lessons and questioned the accuracy of their report. Whilst waiting for their reply I asked the Centre's main RI/owner for feedback. She gave me feedback in the car park 5 mins before her next lesson started! When I asked how a rider knows they are progressing she said "it's when the rider is allocated a more advanced horse to ride". I wanted to discuss my progress in more detail but she was desperate to join her lesson. I subsequently explained what she had said to the BHS. They replied saying that they were pleased I had got feedback but were unable to comment on any Centers' Approval Assessment. Head-in-the-sand attitude? Unbelievable. Since stopping going for riding lessons the Centre has increased their prices. Although this is understandable I would now find their fees unaffordable and would have stopped my riding lessons anyway.

 

[Vodkagirly]

I started riding aged 61 with private school lessons. I never ride in my hearing aids for fear of losing them . But I did take care to ride up to the teacher so I was near her when she gave me instructions.

Could you put a fine hairnet over your ears? Do if they fall, still secure. An instructor I know does that with her radio system

 

[teapot]

I’m older and have always found local riding schools to be inclusive. Problem I have with the exception of the place Teapot worked at is the state of the horses! Poor tack and very tired stale stiff horses. I’m so lucky I have my share ponies now. Which also come with some challenges!

That one's now closed! My previous 5 x the size place is still going, and actually helped a couple of deaf riders out thinking about it.

Hi to all members who replied to my post. Such interesting and informative posts! This information that I didn't include in my original post should address most if not all the points you have made. My first lessons several years' ago were mainly private ones. As I was still working I could afford the fee for them. Most lessons were enjoyable. When I retired in 2017 my income fell so I booked mainly group lessons which were cheaper and also mostly enjoyable. Around this time my hearing became worse and I started wearing hearing aids. I updated my details on the Centre's systems and told the 3 instructors who worked at the Centre. My suggestion that the instructor stay near me and not spend so much time in the centre of the school was acceptable to them and they did try to do this. Unfortunately their good intentions didn't last long despite me giving them gentle reminders. My last few lessons were difficult and I felt that I was only hearing about 20% of what the instructor was advising me to do as I completed each exercise. I relied on watching the rider in front of me complete the exercise although I did have to check my understanding with the instructor before setting off round the school! A couple of years' ago one of the RIs starting wearing a portable amplification system which she said was mainly to avoid straining her voice. My lessons weren't always with this RI so I bought a similar system and made sure I took it to each lesson. However the RIs were reluctant to wear it during rainy weather because the RI with their own amplifier had got it wet and it stopped working. A lot of the time the weather at the riding centre was wet and windy so even when the RI was wearing the amplifier the high winds often reduced how much I could hear. Even with hearing aids I can't hear much using a mobile phone so the suggestion to use Bluetooth would not work. Riding centres in this area are few and far between. I did try to book lessons at another centre in the area which had an indoor school but they had a long waiting list. The only other Centre (with an outdoor school) that I could travel to was one I had attended many years' ago but left because I didn't feel I was progressing. As regards contacting the BHS Education Dept. about the Centre's inability to help me, I did have contact the BHS about the Centre's Assessment for Approval. I had read that the Centre was "proactive in giving feedback". I had never had feedback in all the years I had been having lessons and questioned the accuracy of their report. Whilst waiting for their reply I asked the Centre's main RI/owner for feedback. She gave me feedback in the car park 5 mins before her next lesson started! When I asked how a rider knows they are progressing she said "it's when the rider is allocated a more advanced horse to ride". I wanted to discuss my progress in more detail but she was desperate to join her lesson. I subsequently explained what she had said to the BHS. They replied saying that they were pleased I had got feedback but were unable to comment on any Centers' Approval Assessment. Head-in-the-sand attitude? Unbelievable. Since stopping going for riding lessons the Centre has increased their prices. Although this is understandable I would now find their fees unaffordable and would have stopped my riding lessons anyway.

Sounds like you've done everything you can and hit a few brick walls, such a shame. I would throughly recomemnd trying to find somewhere bigger and better, and consider maybe riding less but getting more from it if it gets too expensive.

 

[Skib]

I dont hack in my hearing aids because I mostly hack on my own. If I go out accompanied (which I do sometimes so as not to be scared of riding in company) the YM is usually on her phone.

 

[suestowford]

Could you try an RDA centre? I have a hearing impairment so I understand your frustration!

This is what I have been doing. Private lessons at first, now there is a small group of us of similar age who have lessons together. The instructors are very patient and never mind repeating themselves if I don't hear what's been said.

 

[Red-1]

I love that you clicker trained a client!

I know, he got some ribbing about it. I tried it with him training me first, so he wasn't the first. It was actually really effective and I was desperately trying to perfect my hand positioning and looking up, searching for the click!

Red-1 used to teach me back in the day, when I got my first horse. I can confirm that she is indeed a fab teacher. The thing she was really good at, for me, was confidence. She always had something positive to say.

One particular lesson springs to mind when I suffered complete steering failure. Brain was saying go in one direction and body was saying go the other, with the consequence that I locked up and horse obligingly steered straight into the arena fence. Unbeknown to us there was a strand of electrified fence running along the top rail, which my horse touched, did a horrified 180 and fled into the middle of the arena with me clinging on to his neck for dear life.

Red's comment on surveying the car crash in front of her was:

"What I liked about that (??!) was that he didn't finish you off. He could easily have decked you but he decided not to".

I didn't realise it was a confidence boost at the time, but subtle little suggestions like that worm their way into your head.

No idea how she would have phrased it if he had actually decked me

I was mortified, truth be told. It was an arena not well known to either of us and the electric was a very fine wire that was not easily noticeable. I certainly had not noticed it, or it would have been turned off!

I recollect that your balance was gone but your lovely horse did what he had to, to escape the surprise zap, but no more, allowing you to get back into balance, no harm done.

TBH, that should be a confidence boost, as a horse who has no ill intent, when when stung on the nose and the rider loses balance, is a gem! You and he had a lot of trust in each other. I remember you coming initially lacking confidence, and by the end you were off doing all sorts of high paced and high power stuff.

You tried everything and became an inspiration to all!

 

[I'm Dun]

I coach two separate clients both hard of hearing. Individually and in groups (people they know) I voice and use signs at the same time. For specific ‘instructions’ they come into me while the others work on their own. If someone goes the wrong way or gets lost it’s all taken in fun and we just explain again and repeat. You need a different coach.

Same. Back when I was teaching I used to be given the clients who needed a bit extra support. I enjoyed it and they seemed to as well. Definitely try another riding school.

 

[Hackback]

I know, he got some ribbing about it. I tried it with him training me first, so he wasn't the first. It was actually really effective and I was desperately trying to perfect my hand positioning and looking up, searching for the click!

I was mortified, truth be told. It was an arena not well known to either of us and the electric was a very fine wire that was not easily noticeable. I certainly had not noticed it, or it would have been turned off!

I recollect that your balance was gone but your lovely horse did what he had to, to escape the surprise zap, but no more, allowing you to get back into balance, no harm done.

TBH, that should be a confidence boost, as a horse who has no ill intent, when when stung on the nose and the rider loses balance, is a gem! You and he had a lot of trust in each other. I remember you coming initially lacking confidence, and by the end you were off doing all sorts of high paced and high power stuff.

You tried everything and became an inspiration to all!

Aw thanks Red, that made me a bit emotional lol. My horse is indeed a saint, although currently fat and slightly lame. I did have absolute trust in him, it's true. Not sure about the high paced stuff, I mean we tried a lot of things at a very low level but we did do 'extreme hacking' - day trips on our own with an OS map, that often involved a missed turning or two, being surrounded by cows or having to set a capsized sheep back on it's feet. I miss that.

 

[Red-1]

Aw thanks Red, that made me a bit emotional lol. My horse is indeed a saint, although currently fat and slightly lame. I did have absolute trust in him, it's true. Not sure about the high paced stuff, I mean we tried a lot of things at a very low level but we did do 'extreme hacking' - day trips on our own with an OS map, that often involved a missed turning or two, being surrounded by cows or having to set a capsized sheep back on it's feet. I miss that.

You are too modest. I recollect the day you asked how I thought a day with bloodhounds would go? And I replied that no one would know until you went, and that often the first time or two is calmer than the third, but that you were both equipped to try that as an adventure, if it lit your fire. And it did! Regularly!

Plus, there was the small matter of turning the TV on one morning to find you on the news, for completing the oldest horse race in England!!! Footage of you, doing something very high paced and rather special!

Then, when I was admiring those achievements, you, rather modestly, commented that both of those things were really just extreme hacking Love it!

Not to mention your current project, which I won't comment on, but is equally admirable!

 

[teacups]

You rode the Kiplingcotes Derby? Wow, that is quite a thing to do - must have been amazing!

 

[Hackback]

You rode the Kiplingcotes Derby? Wow, that is quite a thing to do - must have been amazing!

It was amazing, but it's not that big a deal really - anyone can enter and you can trot the whole thing if you want. I knew we wouldn't win (there are some serious contestants on their point to pointers) but I wanted to give a good account of ourselves so I did train, which turns out to be difficult in winter, especially when you live in an area with no hills and nowhere suitable to canter. We came 5th out of 12 but what a fab day. I'd love to do it again.