From: Michael Wallis
Hi, I think I've found an instructor. I went today to a stable to watch a lesson. A husband and wife both teach and own their own stable with four horses and others they board. A plus is that it is very close to where I live. They only teach english riding. I watched the lesson. I'm not sure how a lesson is supposed to go but he would call out things for her to do, then shout out what she was doing wrong and how to correct them. He would also ask her questions while she was riding like the three beat of a canter or what lead she was on without her looking down to see. It seemed kind of I guess military like. But he wasn't mean about it and the student took it well. He seemed like a nice guy. He's had his stable for 25 years and used to teach at the university here when they had an equine program. It's a one on one private lesson which is about 45 minutes long. He said it would end up being about an hour to an hour and a half because I would have to (and this part I really like because I don't have any experience in it) tack up the horse and then take it off at the end. But the 45 minute lesson is only 25 dollars. It sound s good to me. What do you think??? are there any other questions I should ask??? I'm getting as much imput on this as I can. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated.
I am also interested in your article that was in Practical Horseman. i am going to go look for it but I doubt it will still be out. If you have a copy you could e-mail me that would be great!!
Thanks for the help!!!
8)
Every instructor has a personal style -- some instructors are chatty, some are more formal and military, some are almost silent, some make comments every few seconds, some ask questions constantly. Some offer constant verbal encouragement; some will rarely say anything more positive than "That's not too bad."
There are a lot of different ways of getting the message across -- the important thing is for the message to be a true one. If your instructor is qualified, is good at what he/she does, and you like what you see, then the only thing that matters about the instructor's personal style is whether YOU are comfortable with it.
Lesson fees vary according to where you live and how much interest there is in riding -- you can't tell anything by how much a lesson costs. You can get a good lesson for $15 -- you can get a bad lesson for $100. If you value the substance and style of a particular instructor's lessons, they will cost what they cost -- the question will be whether the amount, whatever it is, can be worked into your budget.
I prefer one-on-one lessons myself, because it's easier to give full attention to the rider. Group lessons can be a very effective way to make money, but the quality of the instruction often suffers, especially if the riders are not similarly able, similarly mounted, and riding at the same level.
If you like the looks of the facility -- not necessarily because it looks fancy and expensive, but because it looks clean and tidy, that's a plus. If the tack is simple and clean and well-maintained, that's a plus. If the horses are sound, healthy, and cheerful, that's a BIG plus. If the students are dressed suitably -- comfortable clothing that won't damage the tack or interfere with their riding (NOT necessarily show clothes) and wearing suitable footgear for riding, and ASTM/SEI approved, properly-fastened safety helmets, that's another big plus -- safety is essential. If the students are quiet, respectful, attentive, ride quietly, and seem to be improving, that's another plus. If any of those things are obviously lacking, that should be enough of a minus to keep you away. If you enjoy watching this instructor teach, and feel that you could learn a lot if you were in the student's place, sign up for five lessons or so, and see how you enjoy them.
The Practical Horseman article you refer to was published in January 1996; it was actually an excerpted chapter from my book, RIDING FOR THE REST OF US. It's probably still possible to purchase a back issue from the publishers of Practical Horseman -- and thanks for the interest!
Jessica
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