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HOW TO CHOOSE A RIDING INSTRUCTOR
By Lori
Hall-McNary No matter what the discipline, choosing the right riding instructor will help you or your child to become a safe, confident rider. The popularity of the book and Robert Redford’s movie The Horse Whisper has people crawling out of the pastures claiming to be “Horse Whispers”. Buyer beware—where were these guys a year ago? Unlike Europe the United States does not require a national certification for equine trainers and instructors. Anyone and their cousin can hang a shingle claiming Trainer/Instructor status. Before you begin your search for a trainer decide what your goals are for you and your horse. Your goals may be general “I want to improve my balance.” Or more specific, “I want to de-spook my horse for trail riding and compete in an endurance race.” Goals can change, but it’s important to know what you want to accomplish before you start your search. Where do you find a trainer? Ask family, friends, local horse clubs, your vet and farriers for referrals. Go to Certified Horsemanship Association website at www.cha-ahse.org for a certified instructor in your area. You may also try the Yellow Pages or Horsemen’s Directory. Call you list of names. Ask the trainer to describe their experience and training programs. Ask for current references and fees. Fees:
Next, meet with the trainer/instructor to discuss your goals and expectations. Is there two-way communication between you? Do you feel comfortable with the trainer and her riding program? Just because a person can ride doesn’t mean they can teach. A trainer may be an ace riding your horse but if she can’t transfer her equine communication skills to you, then keep looking. Watch the trainer give a lesson. Does he treat people and horses as individuals and with respect or does he teach them all the same regardless? Does he use force or beat his mounts into submission? Does he promise to “fix” you or your horse in a week? If you answer yes to any of these questions keep looking. Personality Mesh: If your children thrive under positive reinforcement and conversational type of instruction then steer clear of drill sergeants who bark out orders from ringside. Experience: Trainers aren’t born they are made through years of experience. If the instructor/trainer is a professional they will keep updated in their field of specialty and continue to learn. Showing: If showing is your goal then choose a trainer who has current wins on the circuit, not just the local shows. Why? Trainers who show in the ring retain an edge over non-show trainers. They know what it feels like to win and lose in tough competition therefore they can help you with your mental performance. The true test of a professional trainer is not on their blue ribbon days, but when they have an off day (yes, even world champions have slumps). How does the trainer react? Does he throw a tantrum? Behave in an unsportsman-like fashion—slapping and cussing their horse out? Or does the professional trainer congratulate the winners of their classes, then map out a plan of attack on how to improve their own performance by the next show. You need a trainer/coach who will cheer you on and pick you up from the dust if you perform poorly by giving you the tools you need to improve your performance. Switching Instructors: A good instructor/trainer knows her strengths and weaknesses, she also knows she can’t be everything to everybody. If a rider wants to switch disciplines and the trainer is not schooled in that discipline then she should help the student find a new instructor. What if you’ve had the same instructor for three years, but you feel your riding skills are stagnant or worse—regressing, what should you do? Talk to your instructor, explain your concerns. If she becomes defensive, blames you or your horse for lack of progress (the trainer should have noticed your riding skills were not improving—she should have been setting challenging enough goals for your skill level) then it is time to look for another instructor as painful as that may seem. That said, make sure you did follow your trainer’s instruction, did not skip the foundation building skills even they are boring at times. The lack of progress may be you not communicating to your horse as directed. Take a hard look at your own skill level. If you ride one hour a week you are setting yourself up for failure if expect to compete with the riders that ride ten hours a week and take two or three weekly lessons. Excellence in horsemanship and winning championships doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right trainer, long range goal planning, you and your horse can become the team you want to be. |
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