How did you learn to ride? Are your skills built on a solid foundation of correct posture and seat? Building blocks that have been with you for years since your childhood summer camp or did you just wing it and say forget the lessons I can do this just fine by myself, hopped on, and went! Everyone... can benefit from lessons. Today’s horseback riding techniques and skills have greatly improved. There is a visible difference between a “True horseman/woman” and just someone that rides. Today’s horsemen and woman have learned to embellish the fundamentals of classical Dressage and incorporate them into just about every riding discipline there is within the equine community. There are so many things “You” can do to help your horse’s balance and drive from the rear by learning how to properly ride your horse’s gaits. Posture, proper hand and leg contact and lightness will make every ride more comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your horse. Have you ever thought to ask someone riding behind you, am I sitting up straight? Heavier to the left or right? Is it my hip? shoulder?, or am I collapsed in the rib cage! Do you know enough about your self- carriage while riding to pinpoint which of theses areas have issues? More than likely you are unaware of these common riding faults within yourself unless a more educated person is overseeing your riding. Why should I spend the money and take riding lessons? I haven’t fallen off yet and don’t intend to! One can certainly entertain that train of thought and logic, however, why not invest in yourself and your horse. Let advancement and enhancement of your existing skills carry you to the next level. Wouldn’t it be nice to communicate with “Old Dobber” in such a manner that he is so willing to do what you want he gladly does it and quickly! Do you think your horse has a rent string mentality and doesn’t listen to your commands? Well then, it sounds to me like you could benefit from some lessons. Here are some simple guidelines to follow: What to look for in a riding instructor? First and foremost, someone that practices and preaches SAFETY AROUND HORSES! You are dealing with 800-1200 lbs sometimes more, of raw power so you better learn how to posture yourself for safety around that. Does that person have to be a “certified instructor” by an accredited school or program to be a good instructor? Not necessarily. Word of mouth reputation speaks volumes because those people that can readily recommend someone are already satisfied customers. Watch and ask people with riding skills and techniques you admire where they learned what they know and see if it is a local instructor. Set up a meeting with that individual and ask for references from them. Most instructors will gladly give you names of satisfied customers they are either currently helping or have helped. Find out what the instructor’s accomplishments and disciplines are and how long they have been instructing. Does that instructor need to have World Champion accolades to be a good instructor? Not necessarily. After meeting this instructor what is your gut feeling about your meeting.

What constitutes a “Good” Riding Instructor? Someone that has the ability to clearly and concisely explain to you, a specific point, process, or technique, in such a manner that it easily shows how that point, process, or technique should be applied effectively, & how it benefits you and your horse as the end result! This instructor should have the ability to watch the horse you are riding, read their body language and notify you when to accurately apply and execute a specific technique to either eliminate a bad situation (buck or spin) or enhance the horses performance. With horses, getting what you want is all about good timing on the rider’s behalf. Any riding instructor you choose should have the patience, patience, patience, to work with both horse and rider as each learns at different levels for different applications A forthright instructor will educate you and your horse to the best of their ability and be honest enough to tell you when you have gone as far as they can help and when it’s time to move on..
Secondly, you need to be able to identify your problem areas. What it is that you would like to learn for yourself, or learn how to teach your horse. Not everyone or horse learns at the same speed and your instructor must be flexible enough to find a comfort zone at which you can learn new skills and have patience with the horse you own. If you are happy with your horse and he is suited to you for what you want to do with him (show, pleasure, trail) then don’t be pressured into buying a horse that your riding instructor has because he is “trained”. Your horse is not disposable like tissue after you blow your nose! Give him or her a chance. You chose him for a reason so stick with it unless it becomes too dangerous! Any good instructor should be able to develop a foundation of building blocks for you & your horse that challenges you to continually grow & succeed. They should be able to help you pinpoint a starting, mid-point, and graduation from that goal. Foremost, remember that your horse could be learning new things as well so expect that you will both have ups and downs but the end result will benefit both from taking lessons and just have fun with it!