Tips for a Successful Lesson

One of the most difficult aspects of parenting is watching a child’s world expand in an activity that is not always easy, and remainders are given consistently, depicting their child as not paying attention or slow and clumsy.

Because the parents of most young equestrian students are not involved with horses themselves, it is usually a question of not knowing what is sensible when the child is mounted in the ring. There are some basic tenets, however, you should observe to make the time your child spends with his teacher more productive.

Lessons for Parents

Please don’t speak or coach your child during any part of their lesson.  Let the instructor do the teaching.  Don’t issue reminders to keep heels down, check diagonals or pay attention.  That is why you pay the instructor.

Please don’t wander in and out of the arena area when your child is taking a lesson.  It’s distracting to the student, the teacher and the horse.  It is certainly permissible for you to watch the lesson, even videotape it if you like, but don’t enter the arena to “chat” with the instructor unless he or she invites you.

If you bring other children to the barn with you, keep them under control and with you at all times.  Do not let them run, yell, jump, bounce balls, rollerblade or the like, in or around the stable area.  School horses can be frightened, and may take exception to the sight of a tiny screaming siblings or friend.

Refrain from bringing objects such as umbrellas to the riding lesson, for the same reason. If you don’t want to get wet, watch from the car.

When your child falls off the horse – and they will – don’t panic.  Most children will take their cue from the parent. If you are calm, usually the child will be calm.  It is important after falling from a horse to remount immediately, if there is no injury.  The instructor will evaluate the situation and request your presence in the ring if it’s necessary.  Otherwise, he or she will encourage the child to remount the horse, even if it’s just to walk around a bit to begin rebuilding confidence.

Even if you are a trained professional, do not race into the ring when you see someone fall.  If there is an injury that requires treatment, the instructor will ask for assistance.  Frequently, people trying to “help” only make the situation worse.  Most falls are more injurious to the ego than the body and are better served by a little encouragement to try again.

If your child is having a problem with her horse, please do not scream, clap your hands, or yell, “Stop that horse!” This will serve to excite the horse further and make matters worse.  A competent instructor knows how to deal with recalcitrant mounts.

It should go without saying, but deliver your child on time for lessons. Whether lessons are in a group or private situation, most stables run on a schedule, and if your lesson is 15 minutes late, so is everyone else’s. There are times when life or traffic gets in the way and it can’t be avoided, but it shouldn’t be a regular occurrence.

If you are not going to keep a lesson appointment, call.  And give the instructor as much notice as possible.

Teach Your Children to be Patient with Themselves-
By showing patience with them as they learn to ride safely, you will be their example. 

Finally, learning to ride, like learning any sport, requires time, patience and practice.  Your son or daughter won’t be ready to jump the second time in the saddle.  Everyone learns on a different curve.  Some children require more practice and time than others. 

One of the most wonderful things about riding is that it is a partnership between human and horse, and what matters is that synergy, not whether your child canters before someone else's. Riding is a life sport and can bring great peace and relaxation to one’s life if allowed to do so.

The best way you to encourage a successful partnership is to provide a supportive and safe learning environment. Trust your child’s instructor to do the rest.

How to Find a Good Riding Instructor

Finding a good riding instructor is not as simple as a trot through the yellow pages. The two most important rules for riding lessons are that they should be safe and fun. If either of these is missing, you’re in the wrong barn.

Before you begin, determine what type of riding you want to do. There are a variety of disciplines, divided into two types: Western and English. There are more choices within those two styles.  For instance, English includes Dressage, Saddleseat, Jumpers, Hunt Seat, Eventing. Western offers Gymkana, Pleasure, Reining and more.

The easiest way to choose type is to evaluate your particular interest.  Do you want to jump?  Then you should take English instruction. If galloping through the woods over stone walls appeals to you, go to an Event instructor or a Dressage trainer if you like the idea of “ballet” on horseback.  Do you think you’d enjoy games like barrel racing?  Then you want to ride Western.  Many people learn more than one discipline before finding their niche. The more you learn, the better a rider you become.

Look for a Good Facility

Once you’ve decided what style you’d like to ride, look for a good facility. It’s important to do a little legwork. Don’t just telephone barns – visit them. Look at the horses used in the riding program. Ask questions about the mounts available for lessons.

If you’re shopping for lessons for a child, don’t assume that because the barn is stocked with ponies, they’re all good beginner horses. 
Ponies can be unruly, and don’t necessarily make the best rides.  Many children have begun their riding careers on 16 and 17-hand former police horses or well trained drafts who are some of the gentlest creatures you'll ever met.  This is definitely an area where size doesn’t count – temperament and experience do.

When you visit barns, make sure safety is paramount.  A good teaching facility will have a firm helmet rule.  This means everyone is required to wear a helmet when mounted.  Don’t accept the excuse that, because he or she is a “professional,” they don’t need a helmet. This is like saying that a good driver doesn’t need a seatbelt.  And it’s certainly not the message to send to students.

Observe the Teachers

Now it’s time to search out instructors.  Spend a few hours observing a teacher you are considering and you can save considerable time and money in the long run.  An instructor who screams at students, berates them or is condescending is not the one you want.  Talk with the instructors about the lesson program, riding style and student goals.  Then, make arrangements to watch a lesson or two with someone at your riding level before signing on.

Don’t assume that a good rider automatically makes a good teacher.  I’ve seen some Olympians who can ride like they were part of the horse but couldn’t impart how they do it.  A good instructor doesn’t just shout directions; he or she explains why it is important to keep your heels down or your eyes up.  It’s much easier to do something when you know the reason for it. And there are some very basic riding rules that do not come naturally to us physically but are vital to correct riding.

Question Instructor's Experience

Don’t be afraid to question the instructor’s experience or background when you research lessons.  Some states, such as Massachusetts, require instructors to be certified.  Check that out.  Ask for referrals from an instructor’s students before you hire the person.

If you are considering riding lessons for a child, avoid group lessons if the child is under the age of seven.  No matter how good the instructor may be, it only takes a moment when she turns away to observe another student for the one behind her to get into trouble. 
Although private lessons may be slightly more expensive, it’s well worth it from a safety standpoint for this age group. 

Between seven and ten, semi-private lessons are good for children with some experience.

In general, taking the time to choose a suitable riding instructor can help you enjoy a lifetime with horses.