This post is the third in a series of three on the topic of “How to Choose a Horseback Riding Instructor in San Diego”. The first two cover the importance of professionalism, and the ability to teach about how horses think. This post finishes the series with the concept of finding a “good teacher”. From my experience as an instructor and lifelong student of equestrian sports, good horseback riding instructors often have two basic criteria; first,good riding skills, and second, good teaching skills. I recommend assessing for both when trying to choose an instructor.
To assess good riding skills, look for an instructor who has a solid foundation and years of experience in their personal riding. It is helpful if your instructor has been riding or teaching for over 10 years, if he or she is currently in training with another professional, or if he or she has had show experience. Go out and watch different instructors to develop an eye for good riding and teaching skills. Look to see if your instructor is relaxed and comfortable appearing on and with the horse. Watch the horse your instructor is working with, is the horse relaxed (e.g. relaxed head position, rhythmical gait, limited tail swishing or ear pinning) is the horse able to learn or demonstrate the skills the instructor is teaching about?
To assess effective teaching methods, I recommend looking for the following:
a) an explanation of what to do and how to do it, not just what not to do. For example, an instructor should not just tell you that your heels are up, he/she should explain how to successfully put or keep your heels down.
b) A successful instructor can often break things down into “doable” pieces. Riding is a whole bodied/whole minded experience. You have to listen to instruction, process it into your body, all the while staying balanced and in tune with your horse. Having an instructor that can break skills down into discrete pieces or sequences can be very helpful in this process.
c) Successful instruction also often includes a good rational. Riding is not rocket science; you do not need an advanced degree to understand the concepts. The explanation for your lessons should make sense and it should feel “right” when you have successfully accomplished the task.
d) Finally, a good riding instructor should have a clear and positive relationship with you and your horse, remember this should be fun!
Finding the right horseback riding instructor to take lessons with can be a very pleasant experience. This series is an outline intended to address some of the main criteria I have observed to be present in great horseback riding instructors, it is not exhaustive list. A rider’s needs often grow and change with time, riding with several instructors as well as riding several different horses is often part of your “horsey” education.
Happy Trails!!! and thank you.