I'm scared of my lessons?

Question

I've been riding since April at a barn where it wasen't so great, there were 5 other people in a small ring, and i didn't learn much. So i switched into a new and closer barn. It's more strict and better. Way better.. The horse I ride had a faster trot. There are only two other people ( younger then me) who ride with me. There better then me. It's so hard! My legs and feet hurt so much after.

Theres one thing where you have to keep your feet out of the stirrups, and trot. It's so hard, and i seriously almost fell off. Any advice? Also, when I trot my feet go to far IN the stirrups.

There are two girls that work there and ride after my lesson, they always watch me tack up and everything. There better then me, there already jumping and stuff.. I'm really shy and there not, they always touch the horse when I tack up, and they always watch me ride. It's uncomforable.

Any advice about this? I'm 16, and this will be my third lesson at that barn.

Thanks alot!

Answer 1

I don't think this is the barn for you. You need to feel comfortable in your learning environment in order to get the most from it. If you can, speak to your instructor about private lessons, or moving into a different group. Just say you are worried the other girls are better than you. Don't worry though - everyone has to start somewhere! Chances are, the girls you talk about are probably looking at another set of girls thinking "I wish I was that good" - there will always be someone better than you! (This is the same for everyone!) Don't feel pressurised, take some time out to talk to your instructor and if it isn't resolved, find another barn. Good luck!

Answer 2

ask if you could take some private lessons before going back to the group

Answer 3

I would talk to your riding instructor after your lesson one day. Tell them your problems and I'm sure he/she will have an idea. Maybe they have a horse that trots slower or maybe they have some suggestions. The horse also may be trotting fast because it can sense your nervousness and is trying to run away from its problem. With the two girls you just need to ignore them and pretend there not there. If you cannot do that then try to talk to them about it or ask your riding instructor to talk to them about it. I bet there not laughing at your probably just assuming they are....don't be intimidated by them just because they are better riders they were in the same boat one day when they were learning how to ride.

I hope this helps.

Answer 4

take private lessons. or take lessons with a friend, itll make you feel alot more comfortable

Answer 5

Girlfriend, you are learning an important life lesson--nothing worth doing is easy.  As previously said,there is always someone better.  Right now these girls seem fabulous, but with serious work and committment, you could be doing what they are doing in a couple of years.  Also, it can be annoying when people are checking behind you.  If they get too annoying, I would just flatter them and beat them to the punch.  Before they even have a chance to check, say, "Hi girls!  How are you guys doing today?  Hey, could you just check behind me?"...ect.  Oh, trust me, these types of personalities just love flattery like that.  They'll probably think you are just so "sweet" and "wonderful."  I work with attorneys, they are the same way...hehe.

As far as the hard work, as I said and others have said, stick with it.  When I was on my college team, our coach was seriously the toughest instructor ever.  LOTS of no stirrup work with paper under each of our calves--we had to keep it there--and trotting with a frisbee with a ping-pong ball in it in our hands.  I mean, after her, I could post a trot bareback with a dinner tray...haha!  I know it's hard, but you it will make you an excellent rider!

Honestly, it sound like you are at a great place.

P.S.--If the girls ever say anything mean or bully you, then you should tell your trainer, but if they are just kind of checking behind you...again, I'd try to meet them and flatter them.  : )

Answer 6

It's not good to be scared of something that you should be enjoying. When the other riders watch you you shouldn't feel uncomfortable or intimidated. Just pretend they aren't there and consentrate on your horse, that's very important. Even if you aren't as advanced as them it's OK, everyone goes at their own rate. As for the pain in your legs after riding, well there is not much you can do about that. I would suggest using advil or another pain reliever. When you are riding your horse it is important that you don't overthink anything, if you do you may get nervous and the horse will notice this and become nervous. Just act calm and things will get easier. I hope this helped :)

Answer 7

to help you keep out of the stirrups so much, try to put your heel down more. also, if you are so uncomfortable there, try to take private lessons, or move to a different barn. the point of riding is to learn and have fun, and if that isn't happening, there isn't a point to be doing it.

Answer 8

go for it and have fun and don't think about the bad things

Answer 9

Though you almost fell off doing a trot without stirrups, keep at it! It will help improve your balance and seat. If you keep getting your stirrups too far forward, they might be too long. Also, try talking to the girls who are better than you. They migh be really nice!

P.S. If you don't like doing a trot without stirrups, I'm going to guess that you definitly will not like jumping. I have fallen off many time doing it (7 to be exact), and had a few concussions (2). Why don't you give dressage a shot? Its really fun and not as boaring as people seem to think. It is harder but safer than jumping, and you can go up in levels rather than learn to jump higher!

Good luck!

Answer 10

first off, it's always hard to have everyone watching you ride...but it will always happen so you have to get used to it.

The girls who are more advanced could be a source of help if you aren't too shy to ask...if you do, they will become more like a part of your lessons and less like the scary enemies.Engage them in what you are doing so they aren't standing back watching when you tack up....ask how they do this or that.  Tell them how much better this barn is and how you are glad to be learning more, but how hard it is...invite them to tell you their stories.

You almost fell off...but didn't...that's a part of learning to ride.  Hve you been taught how to fall?  I always taught my kids that one right up front...ask your instructor how to properly fall off of a horse!!  Then, just look at it as part of the process of learning....most times you'll bounce!

Answer 11

3rd lesson there? Don't worry about if you just need some confidence and if you try harder and don't give up someday they'll be wishing they had the skills you do! Don't even look at them just focus on your lesson and act like their not there. Also they might just want to see someoe else ride. I love to watch anyone ride better or worse then me it is fun to just watch.

Answer 12

keep trying

i found it easy to do rising trot, but was really slow at it, it comes eventually, nearly 4 years ago now i went over my first jump, the other day i jumped a 4ft by 5ft 6in spread,

i love  eventing, especially the cross country, i have jumped into and  out of water, down banks, over bushes, over tyres, over barrels ect. i have jumped about a 2ft by 4ft jump cross country.

i hate dressage, but i have to do it, it the basics of everything else, i don't have the best position with my legs but i manage.

keep trying, its hard, but well worth it.

if my instructor says jump that, even if i think,

oh my god

i do it anyway because i  know she wouldn't make me do anything i wasn't able to.

Answer 13

The more you ride the easier everything gets - honest. Your leg muscles and balance will get better and your riding will improve. the people at your yard have probably been riding longer than you so their bound to be better riders than you.

Your feet are going to far into your stirrups because your not putting the weight into your feet.

Trust me, everything will get better as you ride and learn more.

Answer 14

Stick with this barn for a few lessons more you will grow to like it! I know when I switched it was strange but I was also excited! When I started at age 17 I thought I was too old to learn how to ride/jump... I'm 18 now and I am doing quite well!! You won't be jumping on your first month of riding it takes a while. About your legs hurting my trainer says that if my legs don't hurt at the end of the lesson I wasn't doing something right! lol Maybe take some pain killers and stretch before or after, riding uses a different set of muscles then any other activity.  Riding without stirrups also makes you a better rider it helps with leg strength and balance. Just keep at it and you will get better and so will the pain. Maybe talk to the girls and try to become friends with them... Just because they are younger doesn't mean you can't be friendly. Remember to try and have fun too!

Answer 15

hey were like de same!! im 16 nd have recently started back to riding..( have been riding since i was 7 but never did alot of lessons..) anyways my legs were killing me yesterday after the lesson still are!! nd i thought i would fall of without the stirrups but we didnt!! wel get there it all takes getting used to.. i fell of twice jumpin yesterday but i was told to get back on i did nd now im happy i did!! just keep at it the more fit u are the easier u will find the lessons and try talking to the others there pretend ur not shy and are a cctually carazy they wont know!!!! Gu Luck!!!

Answer 16

Oh man, I hated trotting without stirrups! It's to teach you balance, and to get you to keep your heels down.

Maybe ask your instructor if it would be possible if you could be switched to another lesson time, one where you would be with people of the same ability as you.

Good luck!

Answer 17

ok, if you havent been riding long, this is all normal.

Just remember when your feet are out of the stirrups make sure to sit properly and use your legs for support. This method is used to teach you balance.

Also, as for when your feet are in the stirrups, make sure to keep your heels down and toes in. When your heel is up, the stirrups have the perfect opportunity to slide up, which could end up being dangerous should you fall.

And dont be nervous, they know what it is like. Just remember, someone is always better than another, but that can always change. In other words, they might have more experience and talent as of now, but in a year from now you might have surpassed.

As for being sore. .. good. Your body will get over eventually.

Answer 18

when you trot keep your weight in your heels.. that'll keep you from putting your feet too much in your stirrups...

riding without stirrups is very hard... ive been riding for 6 years and jump 2'6" at a training/show stable and i still have a lot of trouble with that...

a key to help you not fall off when you do no stirrups is that you have to find your balance with and without stirrups... id suggest asking your trainer if you can ride on a lunge line for a few lessons and do that privately... that'll help you with your balance in your seat so that you dont have to control and steer your horse...

dont worry a lot of people who have ridden for a long time have trouble with that, especially when they haven't done it in awhile (meaning like a week)...

i still ask my friends or my trainer if i can ride my horse on a lunge like once a month so that i can help myself with gaining an independent seat and ride without reins to gain confidence and because if i dont have a really good independent seat my horse is a total spaz... but aside from that...

i think it's really great that you are starting to take lessons at 16...

~There are two girls that work there and ride after my lesson, they always watch me tack up and everything. There better then me, there already jumping and stuff.. I'm really shy and there not, they always touch the horse when I tack up, and they always watch me ride. It's uncomforable.~

i am guilty of this... if you talk to them and like ask them how long they've been riding or which horse they ride they'll open up and be your friends... unless theyre real jerks... but at every barn ive been at ive expected everyone who is better than me to be mean to me and theyre all really nice!

im guessing they just want to help and support you... if theyre hanging around when you tack up theyre probably just seeing if you want or need any help since you seem to be a beginner... i know im asked for help all the time to bridle or help tighten a girth for kids who dont know how or are too small or have a particularly difficult horse...

anyway, aside from my ranting, i would guess they just want to assess your riding level... or just be your friend and help you if youre having trouble with something...

anyways best wishes with your new horsey life!

i hope my advice helps!

Answer 19

Take on the challenge! It seems that you'll grow a lot more here. When I was younger, I first worked with a trainer who was pretty easy on me, and I didn't progress much. Then I switched over to a lady who was known by many to be very strict and worked with a lot of upper level people and horses.

It was the best experience ever--you are going to become a better rider! Riding without stirrups will greatly increase your balance and confidence over time. I'd suggest talking to the other riders and making some friends, don't be scared! They might end up being very helpful and friendly.

Good luck! :)

EDIT: A lot of people are saying if you are uncomfortable, then switch barns. Perhaps this might be a move you could make, but I urge you to take a couple more lessons and interact more with the people there.

I can't tell you the number of times I've started a new job or club or anything, and initially hated it, then grew to love it and had an awesome time. Just give it a chance, it might turn into something great. But if you really do have that bad vibe and have really tried to talk to those girls and make yourself comfortable but it's not working, then another barn might be a better choice!

Answer 20

Firstly before you do anything else, TALK TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR. Tell her how you feel about the two other girls and about the level you are doing. He/she should accomodate properly to your level and recommend you another lesson time.

I, like you, hate being watched under pressure. It causes you to mess up even more because you are more aware and worried about what you are doing.

Please please tell your instructor how you feel. This is what your instructor is for. If he/she helps you with this, great! If not, I'd change barns.

I changed lots of stables too when I was younger. Good Luck

p.s. Riding without stirrups is great for your balance. I prefer it to stirrups myself. Keep on at it - it will benefit you in the long run.

Answer 21

HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT THIS?   Block out the negative and concentrate on what your instructor is trying to get through to you...for one thing, you are not being asked to ride without stirrups so that you will know how to ride without stirrups...it accomplishes basic skills that hurt at the beginning and when you master that task, you don't need to ride without them...I know that when you begin at a new stables, you think that all eyes are on you, some are, some are not, they are just trying to help.  Keep your eyes on your personal goal and listen to your instructor...yes, this and that will hurt, as you will be using and developing muscles that you are not used to using...that is not the end result, the end result is what you are taught to do with those muscles...if you don't have  trust and faith in your instructor, get another one, otherwise, give your instructor your ALL.  Don't sweat the small stuff, and you know what????  It's ALL small stuff.

Answer 22

Try not to be scared of your lessons, the girls probably just want to help you. They have been there longer, so of course they are not as shy as you. They are more comfortable there because they know the place, and you just got there! Don't worry....I know it's awkward when people watch your lesson, but just feel confident and try your best and they will be happy with your performance.

With sitting trot (which is what i am assuming your are doing without stirrups) just move with the horses movement, relax. You want your core to be relaxed, and don't lean forward! That throws you and your horse off balance, and causes you to grip with your legs! That is bad. Never grip with your legs when you ride. And also try to keep your hands still so you aren't banging your horse in the mouth!

It's good that you are sore! That probably means you are using those muscles that equestrians use. Over time you won't be sore anymore, once you have developed your seat and muscle memory (just like any other sport). Sounds like you are having fun!! Continue horseback riding!

Answer 23

My horse is very bouncy and has to go pretty fast keep up with the horses i take lessons with (they're both over 17 hands and mine is 15 hands). I had trouble trotting and cantering without my stirrups until i started riding bareback. If you can, you should try it. It's hard the first couple of times, but the longer u do it the easier it is. Practice stretching your legs down and relaxing. Dont grip too much with your legs. If you tense up, it'll be harder to move with the horse.

When you ride with your stirriups, only put the ball of ur foot in the stirrup and force ur heels as far down as u can. Keep ur feet under you, dont bend them back too much. Its easy to forget and let ur feet slip out or in without realizing it. Just keep thinking about shoving ur heels down as far as u can. They should be almost straight down.

Hope I helped. If you need anything else just ask (: