Competitive riding v. pleasure riding?

Question

Is there anyone out there that regularly takes riding lessons with a trainer for the purpose of bettering themselves as a rider, and not for competiton? I have never been interested in competing since I began riding with a trainer 18 years ago, but I still want to be the best rider I can be. Some of my horsey peers think that's weird/dumb/a waste of lesson money. I disagree! I don't like the show world too much and have no desire to enter it, regardless of my riding level. Anyone else?

Answer 1

I agree, i don't do shows but i take lessons in Reining and for the purpose of  improving  myself and my horse.

It is good to have an objective person looking on to tell you where you can improve.

D.

Answer 2

I ride 2 make myself a better rider. And it's not a waste of money if you dont have a horse, cant afford 1, or just like riding. I am always riding at K.J. R.S. just 2 make myself a better rider and learn new things. As long as it's something you love 2 do then go 4 it! Tell your friends to just back off, true friends wouldnt make you stop doing something that you love. So just go and ride 4 fun!

Answer 3

Do what makes you happy. If you enjoy riding and bettering yourself and your horsemanship skills, good for you. There is no law that says you have to show.

Answer 4

I take my lessons mostly for pleasure Ill compete once in a whil but not often. Only like 2 time a year at the most though.

Answer 5

I ride my 5 year old arab, and yes I do compete, but I am very careful about it, and sometimes, I will just go out there to ride, not for a formal lesson or a competition. I think that sometimes you want to get a good balance of competition and fun. Yes, I think that it's great that you want to take lessons to better your riding skill, but not compete! That's great! I'm always careful about competing on my horse, because I don't want it to be about that blue ribbon, I want it to be about me and my horse having fun together and being safe. I love your ideas, and it's not a stupid idea. It's great!

Answer 6

I just work towards the goal of some day having the money and the experience to buy a horse of my own. Each riding lesson I have, I learn something new. Competitions are at the back of my mind. During competitions, I have seen little girls throw fits because their expensive show pony didn't win them a first. I get a sixth place, who cares? I had fun. My horse had fun. Thats all that matters.

Answer 7

I agree with you completely! I would never want to ride in a competition, but I would like to be the best I could be.