If you want to take horseback riding lessons, then choosing the right instructor is an important decision. It will affect how you ride, your relationship with your horse, and your safety. But, it is not necessarily an easy one. There are some certifications available, but no definitive standard in the field (i.e. anyone can offer horseback riding lessons). The pros of this is that there are lots of instructors to choose from in almost any location, price point, or style of riding, the con is that it may be difficult to distinguish the quality or qualities you are looking for. From my experiences as a student and as an instructor, I have found 3 criteria to be particularly important when choosing from whom to take horseback riding lessons: Professional behavior, the ability to teach a “Theory of Mind” about horses? (i.e. how horses make sense of what you are doing up there!), and an effective Teaching style. This post will address professionalism in a horseback riding instructor, why and what to look for!
Professionalism. You want someone who takes the work seriously. This will generally translate into a person who will also take your safety, your goals, and the experience of the horse seriously.
1) Assess your instructor: does he/she return your phone calls, dress appropriately, is on time as much as possible (it is hard when working with horses), has either certifications, internships, or show experience to demonstrate competence.
2) Assess the facility: is the facility well maintained, is the tack and equipment well made and in good shape, are the fences in good repair, are aisle ways clear of clutter?
3) Finally, assess the horses, are the horses health in appearance, feet are maintained, good weight, horses appear calm and confident and are overall cooperative?
A horseback riding instructor who is a professional will conduct him/herself as such, will maintain a clean and safe facility, and will have happy and healthy horses AND humans.
Happy Trails!!! (see our other posts as we continue this discussion and review the importance of “theory of mind”/how to interact with your horse, and effective teaching styles). Thank you.