Things Your Riding Instructor Wants You to Know:

This Sport is Hard. Every good rider has faced the same challenges. Progress comes in waves: you improve, you plateau, and then you improve again. Your instructor can guide you, but they cannot make it easy. You’ll Ride Horses You Don’t Want to Ride. If you’re open to learning, every horse has something to teach you. Embrace the lessons each horse offers. You Must Be Teachable. Success in this sport requires a teachable attitude. This often means revisiting the basics repeatedly. If you find basics boring, you’re missing an opportunity to learn. This Sport is a Commitment. Riding isn’t just a hobby; it’s a serious commitment. Your teammate is a 1200 lb animal who speaks a different language. Improvement comes from prioritizing riding and practicing regularly. Every Ride is an Opportunity. Every ride, even the difficult ones, is a chance to learn. Enjoy the process and find joy in just being able to ride. Focusing on what you aren’t doing can take the fun out of the experience for you, your horse, and your instructor. Riding Should Be Fun. While riding is hard work, it should also be enjoyable. If you consistently choose other activities or dread lessons, consider taking a break. Horses can sense your reluctance, which can set you up for failure. You’ll Learn More from the Ground. Ground lessons are crucial. If you skip them, you miss out on essential learning experiences. You spend more time on the ground with horses than in the saddle. Ask Questions and Communicate. If you’re unsure why you’re riding a particular horse or doing a specific exercise, ask your coach. Listen to their answer and stay open to learning. We Are Human Beings. Instructors make important decisions daily, balancing student learning with horse workloads. A little courtesy goes a long way. Among the sports your child may try, riding is one of the few they might continue as adults, along with golf and skiing. Riding coaches dedicate much of their free time and income to improving their skills and caring for the horses. They love the sport and teaching others, but everyone has limits. Remember, the journey to becoming a good rider is not an easy one, but good coaches are there to support you every step of the way. .