Horseback Riding Lessons
How to take a Lesson
You've done the homework and think you've found the perfect instructor. They have the horses you need or like your horse and are willing to teach you. They have a good safety records (though keep in mind, accidents happen. If you ride you will fall off, it's inevitable.) Your time is set, you're ready to go - now what?
When to Arrive:
Be sure you show up in plenty of time to get your horse tacked up and ready to go. Take some extra time to make sure your horse - even if it's a lesson horse - has a nice glow from a little elbow grease. It's a nice way to show a little courtesy and respect to your instructor that costs you nothing.
If you are able to, you should get ready in time to take ten to fifteen minutes to warm up your horse under saddle before your lesson. That means riding in the ring at the walk, trot and canter enough to warm you and your horse's muscles up.
What to wear, what to wear?
You're paying your instructor a good amount of money, either in cash or in exchange for work, so get the most out of it by wearing appropriate clothes. Your shirt should be fairly fitted to make it easy for your instructor to see if your back is too arched or you're dropping your shoulder, for instance. Wearing a big baggy shirt may make you feel more comfortable, especially if you're not used to riding clothes, but won't help you really learn how to ride. Besides, hang around barns long enough and you'll see that people in baggy clothing actually stick out more than the ones in fitted gear.
If possible, wear breeches if you're riding English. Jeans tend to wear saddles out more quickly than necessary and unless they are tight fitted, you're going to get rub marks in places you don't want them. Trust me. Roomy may seem like a good idea but it really just gives your jeans more places to fold, wad or basically become a pain in the neck. If you're serious about riding, wear breeches; they may seem odd and too revealing at first but they really do help you ride better. If you're riding Western, jeans are just fine but you'll still want to make sure they are relatively fitted - those tight Wranglers aren't just to look good, they cut down on rubs as much as breeches.
Be sure to wear boots that are safe for riding - short heel, smooth sole and NO STEEL TOES. For English riders, where the stirrup leather pinches the inside of your leg, half chaps will move from a good idea to a necessity in about six months so just get them now.
Gloves are a good idea in cold weather and warm weather alike. They can prevent your hands from getting blisters or chafed by pulling on the reins too much. You shouldn't be pulling on the reins enough to get blisters but that may not happen at first. Gloves give sweaty hands more gripping power to keep the reins from slipping through your fingers.
A helmet goes without saying. If you're instructor doesn't insist that you wear a helmet you may want to rethink your choice or instructors. Unless you have a spare brain in your closet, WEAR A HELMET.
What to do in your lesson?
Pay attention to what your instructor is telling you and listen. You chose them for a reason, give them the respect due and try things their way. Especially if you're a beginner some things may seem strange but they're the experts so give it a shot. (By the way, if it doesn't hurt, you're probably not doing it right.)
It's key to your growth as a rider to ASK QUESTIONS. Don't go through your lessons like a robot rider, mindlessly doing what your instructor tells you without learning why you're doing it or what you should be feeling. Developing the correct feel takes a long time but it will take even longer if you don't ask questions.
Again, it may be time to rethink your choice if your instructor can't answer your questions, refuses to, or gets defensive. An open line of communication is essential not just for your lessons but also for your overall growth as a horseperson. You must feel comfortable asking questions, it's the only way to learn. On the other hand, don't be petulant, challenging, or randomly throw out "but why?" just to avoid doing work.
If you need to take a break during your lesson, SPEAK UP. Your instructor is a talented horse person, not the Amazing Kreskin. They can't know that you're prone to heat stroke or have asthma. Don't let it go until you're ash grey and ready to keel over. Just politely ask if you can take a break; if you're instructor gives you a hard time about it, again, perhaps it's time to look for a new teacher.
Cleaning up after your lesson:
If there's any way you can take care of your horse afterwards, untacking him and cooling him off rather than handing him to a groom or working student, do it. You'll learn a lot, it will give you a chance to cool off as well, and it will help you build your confidence handling horses.
Take the time to clean your tack. At the very least, wipe it down with a damp sponge to get the sweat and dirt off. In hot, dry climates out west, that's usually enough. For damper climates, you may need to use saddle soap once in a while. If it's your tack and it feels dry, oil it after wiping it down. If it belongs to your instructor or a riding school, ask permission first. They will probably LOVE to have someone take care of their tack but may want to talk you through it first to make sure you do it in the manner they prefer.
