Time to change stables?

Question

I have been taking riding lessons at a stable for 3 years now. However, lessons keep getting less and less fun. Everytime I have a problem, my trainer just tells me to do it again and then if I keep messing up she automaticly assumes I'm not listening instead of trying to help me work through it.

For example:
I was riding a horse that kept refusing, and my instructor said to use my heels more. Now I'm using my heels as much as I can and when I mess up she gets mad and says to i'm not using my heels.

Should I just get over it or is it time to change stables?

And she gets very confusing. Like today she said walk to another rider but I thought she meant for all of us to walk. So whenever I walked and didn't do the excercise she got mad at me and was just like "wake up". How was I supposed to know?

Answer 1

The exact same thing happened to me: My instructor was nice and showed me how to do things, but as time went on, she became different. I had to ride this horse that spooked at nearly everything and she blamed me everytime he spooked. Then she got really impaitent even though I tried as hard as I could and said things like " When I got this job I didn't think I had to babysit" and, of course, "wake up!", and made me ride a beginner pony! Needless to say, I changed stables. My answer: You should definately change stables.

Answer 2

I would consider a change of stable and hope that with it also would come a change of attitude. Horses are so much fun, but it sounds like your lessons have become more of a chore. Riding around and around and around is boring for both you and your horse. How about getting your friends together for a "trail ride" or just a day of fun riding. You may have outgrown your instructors skill level, or just need a fresh approach. Take all the good things you've learned from your present instructor and move forward. Happy riding. Have FUN.

Answer 3

Enjoyment is a key essential for both you and the horse in the lesson, by being shouted and in not going through helping you to correct your problem will not take you any further. I used to go to a riding school, and loved it beging with but thn the instructer began to become more and more dissintrested and never seemed to assist us in breaking down our problems, and like you shouted at untill it was right. Try another stables and rediscouver you enjoyment. With an instructor that is willing to help you. Good luck and have fun

Answer 4

Riding is hard work - as you well know - and sometimes advancing to the next step can mean more and more drills in the "basics." After your class, talk with the teacher and find out why you and she are suddenly having difficulty communicating.

That said, if she is critical - that's her job - to see to it that you learn to ride properly. But again, she shouldn't be mean or harsh - and you shouldn't whine either. Be businesslike and sincere.

If she brushes you off or is rude, then change stables and tell the stable owner and/or business manager why. Riding lessons are not cheap - and you're not paying good money to be brushed off or treated rudely.

Answer 5

Yep, I would change stables or instructors. Riding instructors who can't or won't work with their students to find out what the problem is, are not much good as instructors, in my opinion. She should be giving you pointers or tips on how to do a certain thing differently.

Answer 6

http://www.justhorses.com/ is a great website if you are in CT, NY , RI or MA....

if your not you can check out the bigger stables in your area... type in horsetraining in yahooo and your area and see what you get. Usually a bigger stable can steer you to a smaller one. in my expierence when you start riding you can stick with your trainer for about 3 years... then you kindof plateu and get stuck... either you get thru it or not. I usually switch around every 4 years or so... ridings supposed to be fun!

Also you can ask at a bigger barn if anyone is holding a clinic in the area... if they are you can go ( without horse if you dont own one) and audit for usually 1/2 the cost. Id reccomend doing this, because its a great way to hook up with a new barn, look around and politely ask after the clinic is done where people ride, if you like their particular style and way they handle their horse.

Answer 7

Well it may be time to switch but you have to remeber that lessons aren't always fun.... However I do think that maybe you have out grown your instructors experience? Has she ever had to train advanced jumpers? Does she even do jumping herself? Putting heels down has a lot to do with balance but not refusals-- remeber that whole IM convo we had about how to circle back and etc...? Well thats what she should be teaching you... I gues you could ask her to be more clear, even have your mom or dad do it (although-- knowing your mom and dad idk if thats such a good idea...) but I think that it's time to switch to a barn that can keep up with you and act more mature and professional. When you go to that other barn when you are leasing Dakota- see if there are any trainers there =)

Answer 8

hmmm, maybe you should ask for another instructor? She doesn't sound very experienced, and lessons should be fun, not toiling. I'm an intermediate, and I really have to work on trying and trying again and again to get it right. However, my instructor is really great and she reminds us of the proper aids, so its not so bad. If I mess up, I know it's something I forgot to do, so I just do it again.

Answer 9

It may be time to go. Instructors can be rough sometimes, but if you don't feel that you can expand your skills with this trainer any further it may be time to move on! You don't want learning how to ride turn you off from the sport! Best of luck and I hope you find your passion again!

Answer 10

Sounds like the instructor is focused on something else other then her job and your not happy
Change Stables