Riding lessons - feelings of nausea!

[hilarydawn]

A friend of mine who has a green pony is a very nice rider but has a mental block about cantering in a school. I recently took her to a local riding school for a private lesson and it was a complete waste of money. Although instructor was a very nice friendly man he was a terrible teacher. The last winding down part of the lesson, which I feel is an important time to discuss what you have/have not achieved he just left my friend meandering about while he took a call on his mobile. Sounded like he was trying to sell a horse. She felt like she'd learnt nothing.
Took her to another school on the way home and booked a lunge lesson. Although I couldn't go with her I rang her afterwards and what a difference. She had instructors full attention, felt that she'd learnt something and it actually cost her £3.00 LESS than the first lesson.
I have a young nursing student in mind to give me some lessons during her summer break if I can persuade her. Not a qualification to her name but a very good rider and a great way with people.

[JoM]

My instructor is qualified and is an absolute diamond! She charges me £10 for 40 minutes, which is a bargain in the great scheme of things! Even if we have had a pants lesson, I always come out of it feeling like I have achieved something.

It is really important to get someone that you gel with. I think a lot of it is down to trust and understanding! I trust what she tells me is right and she understands that most of what I do is wrong!! ;D

In all seriousness, you should never come out of that arena feeling disheartened. We have a laugh (usually at my expense! ) but again, that is because we have a good relationship and now know each other quite well!

You will know when you find the right person. You will be sat up there smiling! Even if the lesson has been a total disaster - you will still be beaming!!!

[The Moo]

Blooming 'eck £10 for 40 mins that really is good!!
It is at least £20 for most instructors near me and £30 for the ones who have decent reputation and £35 for the ones that everybody wants and that is usually just for 30 mins.

No wonder you are laughing LOL

[chickflick1066]

Wow, wish my lessons were that cheap..and decent!

[JoM]

You all know I am a tight hectar and like a bargain!!! ROFL ;D

I do have to work around her schedule and she can on occasion cancel at the last minute due to work (she trains racehorses). Summer can be difficult to pin her down due to racing, but for what i get out of it, I am more that willing to accept a bit of inconvenience.

[alberta]

Now don't you go worrying about your horrid lessons. You obviously know what you are seeking and in that past experience you didn't find it. That is all. I agree with Sarah and all your other supportive contacts here. Go and find the instructor for you and find one that knows a thing or two about good horsemanship, on the ground and on top. Generally it is people like that who will care very much about you and your pony and help you develop the relationship you can build on. You and your pony deserve it. Also keep your eyes and ears open for horsemanship type clinics/workshops. Often just attending as an auditor (spectator) can help you decide what type of teaching etc would suit you. I agree also with Sarah that a lot of instructors in the UK have a lot to answer for. But things are improving. This thing about 'coming round' is not the most important thing either . It tends to be the focus of people who do nothing but ride in circles asking a horse to carry itself in a false form of collection. Far too much accent is placed on teaching this to people before they learn about the whole horse experience, what the horse feels and needs from his rider to do the best job possible.
Years ago, I went to see a big wig trainer and said at the beginning of my lesson that if he expected me to pull on one end and push with the other like most other people wanted me to do then I would turn around and leave. He taught me a wonderful way to connect with my horse without either of these things occuring. It took about a month of practice before my horse and i became really proficient with it. I never saw this instructor teach another person what he taught me. It made me wonder what motivated other people. The will that the horse must do it perhaps? Impatience to just wait and practice and let mind, body and soul link up, probably not.
Follow your heart and don't let any bad experience put you off. You are only sorting thro the long grasses just now. it will get better.
All the best
Alberta