To
the Student
You have choosen your riding instructor, now It is time
to consider how to get the most benefit from your riding
lessons.
It is important that you be a physically comfortable as
possible. Clothing should be appropriate to the discipline,
Western or English and should include an ASTM/SEI approved
helmet, hard soled boots or lace-up shoes with at least
a half inch heel, riding pants or jeans, if the latter,
snug ones with some stretch are best, gloves, and a riding
shirt that tucks in. Outer clothing should not flap or
be so long as to catch on the back of the saddle. Clothing
made specifically for riding will either be waist-length
or have slits to allow for the saddle. Above all, IT MUST
BE COMFORTABLE, because if it isn't you will be miserable
and will sit and move to accommodate your clothing.
You should be in a positive frame of mind and be prepared
to learn. There is no reason to feel embarrassed because
of perceived inadequacies. After all, if you knew all
the information already, you would not be taking the lessons.
You should be ready to start from the beginning without
being offended because only then can the instructor know
exactly where you are and what your individual strengths
and weaknesses are. Experience with horses does not necessarily
mean you have mastered all the skills that your chosen
instructor deems necessary. While you need to be alert
and prepared to learn you should still be relaxed. You
are doing this because you enjoy it and have made the
decision to learn more and improve your skills.
Most students take lessons once a week. More lessons will
probably allow you to progress more quickly especially
if you are using a "school horse." However,
more lessons per week are more expensive. A once a week
schedule requires that you only miss your lesson when
absolutely necessary. Missing lessons is a principal cause
of problems for many adult riders. Everyone is busy and
there are many demands on time what with work and parenting
responsibilities. Be sure to schedule your lessons at
your most convenient time and if you foresee problems
check on the instructor's make-up policy. When the student
is a young person, it is up to the parent to prevent over
scheduling.
Riding is an athletic discipline and is such is more easily
learned by the young. If you are not a child you will
find it helpful to do some stretching before each lesson.
Stretches that emphasize the legs, inner and outer thighs,
front of thighs, buttocks and back. Be sure to check with
your doctor before beginning any new exercise regime.
Your instructor should begin each lesson with some appropriate
stretches, but you will still benefit by doing some on
your own before you mount up.
When in class, be attentive and if you do not understand
something ask that it be explained further. Children spend
many hours a day in school and are accustomed to being
taught. Adults have often forgotten how to be students.
They have also forgotten how to make a mistake since they
usually arrange things so they stay out of areas of doubt.
Be prepared to flub-up and don't worry about it. It is
all part of the process.
Riding is a discipline so remember that while your instructor
is explaining something she or he is not intending to
give you an opportunity to sit sloppily out of position
and let your mind wander. Get your money's worth by listening.
Parents should pay attention to the younger student's
attitude in a lesson because if the student is not attentive,
not only is the youngster not safe but the parent is buying
an expensive pony ride. Sometimes it is better to put
off riding lessons until the child has matured sufficiently
to remain attentive throughout the lesson.
During the lesson whether it is private, semi-private,
or a group lesson; whether you are experienced or not,
and even if the student is a child, it is important that
the student attempts to do what the instructor asks. Maybe
it is not the way you have always done it. or maybe the
instruction doesn't seem to make sense; if you understand
the instruction and you see no safety reason not to, follow
the instruction. The instructor needs your cooperation
to get you where she or he is trying to go with the lesson.
Kids are used to following instructions all day, adults,
well, not so much.
After the lesson, as soon as possible, maybe in the car
before you leave the stable, make notes. Did the review
of the previous lesson go well? Were there any weaknesses?
What was the subject of this day's lesson? What skills
were involved; what sub-skills? Were you able to master
them? What problem did you have? What do you need to think
about for next time? If you ride your own horse what do
you need to practice? You might even consider keeping
a journal. If possible, clarify any questions you discover
while making your notes with your instructor before leaving
the barn. If the student is a child, this is a good activity
for a parent after each lesson. Remember, be interested
and supportive, and proud, not an interrogator.
Many adults are quick to be disappointed if progress is
not perceived to come quickly. We live in an environment
where overachieving is rewarded. We are taught that the
harder we work, the better we do. If we just push harder
we'll see more progress. This is not necessarily so with
riding. Our bodies don't cooperate and the horse has not
read the book. Usually the more you push the worse it
gets. This can also be true for kids but remember, they
take instruction all day long for nine months out of the
year. A lesson is seldom as stressful as for child as
for the adult professional who wants progress, lots of
it, and now.
