For the aspiring equestrian, few things are as important as finding the right riding instructor. The right instructor can not only coach you to reach your riding goals, but can also instill self confidence, fitness, and a wealth of knowledge about horses and riding. Unfortunately, working with an instructor that is not a good fit for your personality can inhibit your riding progress and even cause you to give up riding altogether.
While the choice of instructor is obviously an important issue, many beginning riders do not know how to evaluate an instructor to find a good match. If you live in an area with several prospective riding instructors, here are five questions to ask in finding the right coach for you.
1. Which discipline? Your choice of riding instructor begins with knowing what you want to accomplish. The most common English riding disciplines are dressage, hunter, jumper, and eventing. Many instructors specialize in certain disciplines, and their teaching often leans toward preparing a beginner rider for that area. If you do not have a real preference, that is alright for now. You may choose to pursue several, or find one that becomes your passion. Once you have learned the basics of safe, effective riding, the nuances of these disciplines are easier to understand.
2. Who is safe? Choose an instructor that places a strong emphasis on safety. While there are inherent risks involved with horseback riding, the risk can be minimized by a program of careful instruction, barn rules, and upkeep of grounds and equipment. Tack and other equipment should be checked on a regular basis, helmets well-fitted to each rider and replaced as necessary, and safety rules enforced to protect both the rider and the horse. If the instructor isn’t concerned about your safety, they do not deserve your business.
3. Can you teach me? Each instructor is an individual, just like each rider. Teaching style is generally acquired through experience, both as a student and as a teacher. An instructor who has had a lot of riding lessons usually has a good grasp of how to break down concepts very well, as they have studied it, heard it, and eventually mastered it. An exceptional rider who is ‘a natural’ may have a harder time explaining concepts, as they have always been a part of their repertoire. You should find one whose teaching style matches your personality. Ask questions to see if your prospective instructor can explain the answers clearly, completely, and competently. If not, they may not be able to guide your riding effectively. If possible, observe a lesson to see how the instructor communicates with other riders. In general, you want to see constructive criticism, clear directives, and an open line of communication.
4. Are they knowledgeable? Observing a lesson is the first part of the criteria here. You also want to take a look at the lesson horses in the instructor’s program. Do they appear to be in good health? A healthy horse generally has a shiny coat, a clear and bright eye, well trimmed hooves, and good body condition. While there are reasons that a horse may not look so grand but be healthy enough for lessons, if more than a few of the horses look neglected, they might be. Steer clear of any farm with signs of neglect, abuse, or illness that cannot be explained.
5. Are they successful? Perhaps the best measure of an instructor’s success is the success of their students. Ask to speak with one or more of them to get their opinions. Do they ride well? Are they happy with their abilities, progress, and instruction? If so, there is a good chance that you will be happy with them as well. If you have an opportunity to attend a horse show, watch the riders that you think have good form. Where do they take lessons? Lastly, your instructor should be as excited about your progress and successes as you are. Your success = their success.
Your choice of an instructor is the first step on your journey to realizing your riding goals. Keep searching until you find a teacher that you are comfortable with. Best of luck on your new adventure, and happy riding!
