I teach horseback riding lessons because I love teaching and I love horses – the perfect combo! Our horses are not lesson ponies that give endless lessons each day with multiple different riders. So our horses are able to get to know our students and recognize them when they arrive. Students develop trust for the horse they are assigned to and in turn that horse also develops trust for the student. I watch all my students and horses carefully to intervene if there is ever confusion, fear, or unsafe practices. We have some amazing advanced students that are now helping our younger more inexperienced students. The best way to learn a skill is to be able to teach a skill! Students are encouraged to learn to read their horses non verbal communication, and respond to it accordingly. Students are also encouraged to help fellow students and assist with new skills/tasks.
Our horses are trained to listen to their riders – first their body, then their voice, and if no response – then a correction with a pull to the reins or a kick until the appropriate response is achieved. There are some days when the responses are not successful, we make accomodations and try to understand why this maybe the case. Many farms drill their horses over and over with many lessons, I feel this can break their spirit and personality. Our mares have a tendency to state their opinions, so I also teach my students to encourage their horse and to catch them doing something right with encouraging praise and a scratch or stroke on the neck. This way the mares are less likely to become uncooperative or decide they are “done” before the lesson is over. I also limit each horse to no more than 2 consecutive lessons/day, most days they only have 1 or none.
A regular weekly lesson student will gain skills steadily but unique to the individual. Horseback riding is not easy – it requires the integration of many muscle groups, strength, senses, coordination, courage, kindness, empathy and gratitude for the horses as well as significant forethought. When 1st starting out – I highly recommend weekly lessons or more if possible. Over time as a student you will be given more autonomy and earn certain freedoms and responsibilities with the goal of 100% independence one day!