Lessons problems?

Question

Alright, I was in horseback lessons when i was 11 untill i was 12, then quit. I started up agian for two months then went to a better barn. It's way more under control and nicer then the other barn i went too, it's also waay closer to my house.

I have two problems.

The teacher is great, it's been my second lesson. I'm with two other girls ages 11 and 12. The've been riding there longer then I have. It's way to remember, and i'm not just fallowing horses like the other barn. (it had 6 people to a group and a small ring) this one is bigger.

The horses trot is waay faster and bumper? I think it might be the saddle? Anyway, it way alot to remember. One pont we have to trot with no striupps!! I almost fell off. My legs hurt and bruised. I have new rubber riding boots, should I get new ones. And when I sit trot my foot goes to far into the striupps. There are these two girls that work there and go for a lesson and help around the barn. There better thenme..They always watch the lesson

Answer 1

just keep doing like you are.

youll learn it just takes time

Answer 2

Horses have a variety of different speeds and bumpiness so do't worry about too bumpy.

Answer 3

Hi...in my opinion, you are a paying customer with these lessons. Since you took a break from riding, your leg muscles aren't what they were...I think it would be totally reasonable to ask for a variety of school horses for your lessons, instead of having to use the school horse with the gait that is more difficult to sit. You could do this at least until you've developed your leg and seat a bit more. Eventually, you will want to tackle this horse, and others, to gain a variety of experience.

Also, if you are referring to those tall riding boots made of PVC, i think those boots are the worst for promoting good leg contact (assuming you're riding English). Maybe switch to some paddock boots, or buy some half-chaps and leave rubber boots for mucking and such.

Again, you're a paying customer. You have every right to try other horses in your lessons, assuming they have a few school horses to choose from. You can always tackle the more complicated rides later. Good luck, kozzz

Answer 4

The best thing for you to do is to ask to speak with your instructor to express your concerns. You might want to schedule a private lesson to straighten all of this out before proceding with another group lesson.

Answer 5

As others have said, this is all part of the learnming experience and conditioning experience.  I didn't ride for about a year and started riding again 2 months ago.  Any good rider has posted trot without stirrups too many times to count.  When I was in IHSA (college level showing), our coach made us post with papers under each calf without stirrups.  I mean, I could hardly walk after that.  You know what though?  I placed 4th out of 15 for my first ever college team show.  

If the horses trot is fast...do some check releases/half-halt.  Basically you just squeeze the reigns a little bit.  Keep your leg on some so that he knows you don't want a down transition.

As far as the gait goes, as others suggested, ask if you can try another horse with smoother gaits. Horses "walk and run" different, just like people.  Have you ever watched all the people in your gym class run?  Some look elegant and natural like dear, others plod along.  It is the same with horses.

For you, I reccommend paddock boots with half chaps.  I rode in those for years.  Now, I only ride in tall leather boots.  When I was younger, I lived in zip-up jod boots and suede ZIP (not velcro) half-chaps.  They are totally worth it.  I just bought some half-chaps for my little sister.  She loves them!  They will really help you grip better for those no stirrup lessons.  Also, if you are in real pain, don't be afraid to stop.  When I started a couple months ago, I could only post trot for a short bit, as all of my horseback riding muscles were gone.  Now, today, I think I went around like 10 times or more without a down transition.  It takes a while to build back up.  Tell this to your instructor.  I know it may seem a little embarrassing, but don't be afraid to respectfully stand up to her or say, NOT in a whiny way, that your muscles are getting better all the time but that you may need more breaks than the others.  

At age 25--it doesn't bother me to do that, but when I was your age, I would have probably rode until I died before I quit or said something.  Don't overdo it.  You can end up pulling a muscle or hurting yourself.

Oh...remember...take an advil or 2 after your lesson...this will help a little.  I just finished a torturous dressage lesson, and I am taking an advil as I type this.

Good luck, don't be afraid to respectfully stand up for yourself, and don't quit!  Enjoy yourself...you'll catch up and probably pass them... : )

Answer 6

Sweety, its just part of learning. Ive been there. Thres no

problem with the horse, saddle, or your boots. Im 13 and ive

been riding for 10 years. Its all the muscle in your legs. When

you trot without stirrups, you keep you legs up just like you

would if you had your stirrups heels down and squeeze the

heck out of em. then post. But, if you wanna be a rider you

can't quit your going to have to get over the fact that you cant

do it right away and learn how to do it. youll get better. i

promise. =]

Answer 7

okay well these are typical beginner problems and its completly normal :D i think your trainer is pushing to too hard for your level, you need to be on the lunge line for the first six months of riding, getting your posting and sitting trot and canter rythm down and devloping your feel. then and only then should you move up to learn stearing and slowing and speeding up because being off the lunge line a totally different ball game that i dont think any beginner/novice rider is ready for. You have to worry about the horse being in a frame and having impulsion and being able to be an active rider and mastering your traisistions and your rythm/gaits should be habbit by then. So just tell your trainer you want to be on the lunge line for now until you are comfterable w/ ur paces :D

Answer 8

It all takes time and personally I think your trainer should wait until you have a bit more experience before taking your stirrups off you! Its hard enough to learn in stirrups let alone without when you don't have the leg strength yet.

Just remember to keep your heels down, that will stop our feet going through the stirrup.

Best of luck!