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Post by horseless on Nov 13, 2016 0:48:54 GMT
I wasn't planning on starting to ride again until after I was done with nursing school. But I really could use something other than studying in my life. I have decided to start looking into lessons in my area. One thing I would appreciate opinions on is what type of lessons to take. Ive always ridden English, but not sure if I should continue in that direction or start riding western. As far as lessons go, my main goal would be to gain my confidence back, and ultimately just ride for enjoyment. Any thoughts?
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Post by horselady on Nov 13, 2016 1:00:46 GMT
This is my perspective on lessons as i have taught hundreds of kids and also helped people gain their confidence after hard falls. or lapse of time between lessons.
go with english.. get that balance and use of your seat and legs and learn how to feel what your horse is doing when you are asking that question.. let us walk. let us trot.. or turn or stop..
than if yo want to go for just fun stuff. western saddle on trail rides or fun gymkana ,, sounds like you do need an outlet and horses are the best therapy for the heart and soul.
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Post by horseless on Nov 13, 2016 1:23:16 GMT
Thank you that does make sense. I'm searching through the websites for barns in my area, seems to be a lot of dressage barns...found one that offers English and western, sent an email regarding prices. Hopefully I can find something in my price range.
Yes you couldn't be more right, all I really do is study, and go to school, it would be nice to have a peice of myself back.
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Post by horselover4life on Nov 13, 2016 2:06:00 GMT
Totally agree with hl....
Go with English lessons. Stay with that discipline to get your feet into the sport again.
My parents were told when I was a little girl...
"Have her take English lessons. When you learn English you will be able to ride any seat, any saddle with confidence, balance and ease."
It is true....
I have sat on many horses, in many saddles and always had a instant sense of balance and ability to ride softly or with aggression as was needed and dictated by the horse.
Check your local Craigslist for more riding places and lessons....
Many "Horse For Sale" ads are from riding establishments....maybe that will give you some other places to check into as not all advertise in published media anymore.
mini-graphics-miscellaneous-219682 ...
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Post by horselady on Nov 13, 2016 2:33:29 GMT
Check with local tractor supply bulletin board.. and tack shops.. and try the local rescues and barns.. you never know what you might find.. happy looking.. oh and sometimes. price is higher cause they offer quality lessons/training and make them an offer to either groom or clean some stalls.. barter in other words.. smart horse
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Post by horseless on Nov 13, 2016 3:07:16 GMT
Hl4l, that is true, I didnt think of it that way. Thanks for the idea, never thought about craigslist.
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Post by horseless on Nov 13, 2016 3:10:14 GMT
Horselady, great idea. There is a bulletin board at my feed store, I'll check next time I go pick up chicken feed. Never thought of bartering, that's a great idea! I might post something in some of the local groups I'm in on Facebook as well!
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Lipizzan
Junior Member
Europe, Croatia
Posts: 2,572 
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Post by Lipizzan on Nov 13, 2016 9:11:41 GMT
I dont have much of advice other then have fun and enjoy.  |
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Post by mistersmom on Nov 14, 2016 15:58:51 GMT
I think it is great you are wanting to take some lessons again. I got back into a lesson program a little over a year ago and I am really enjoying my time in the saddle. I rode hunter/jumper as a teen then switched to western through college and most of my 20s and 30s. I am now back in an English saddle and loving it. Good luck finding a great place to ride and have some time away from school and studying.
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Post by horseless on Nov 14, 2016 21:26:47 GMT
I think it is great you are wanting to take some lessons again. I got back into a lesson program a little over a year ago and I am really enjoying my time in the saddle. I rode hunter/jumper as a teen then switched to western through college and most of my 20s and 30s. I am now back in an English saddle and loving it. Good luck finding a great place to ride and have some time away from school and studying. Thank you! I'm really looking forward to it |
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Post by horseless on Nov 14, 2016 21:32:09 GMT
So one barn got back to me today, going to call the trainer tomorrow. It looks like all I can afford right now is 1/2 hour lessons. But I feel a half hour is better than not riding at all at this point, going to ask if I get to groom, tack up warmup/cool down as part of the lesson. I don't want to ride somewhere that I just show up to ride if that makes sense. One more barn I'm interested in that I'll be calling as well.
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Post by horselady on Nov 15, 2016 1:28:31 GMT
The best part of riding is tacking up and warming up and cooling down.. not oh here is the saddled horse, hope on and ride and get off and go home.. yikes no interaction with the horse or barn or instructor..
hope you find the right situation .. and one place is a start. and not happy move on..
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Post by horselover4life on Nov 15, 2016 1:30:44 GMT
Are you looking at "private" lessons or semi-private or small group lessons?
I would try to take a semi-private while you search out a instructor for some individual attention then do group lessons so you get more saddle time as you again gain your riding legs, confidence and stamina.
Many barns offer packages of groups of lessons pre-paid at a savings....something to look into.
If you do that grooming, tacking, warm-up and cool-down make sure it is not included in your lesson time.
Lesson time is constructive riding time not the prep or clean-up afterward.
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Post by horseless on Nov 16, 2016 18:15:56 GMT
Hl4l I would definitely be interested in group lessons. Just got off the phone with one of my options, I asked the rates for lessons but she said that they do not have any openings right now... Left a message with the trainer from the other barn. When I messaged them on Facebook they actually invited me down to see the barn and meet, they seem pretty welcoming. Hopefully the trainer calla me back soon, might try and visit this weekend |
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Post by horselady on Nov 16, 2016 20:06:32 GMT
Good luck.. as an instructor.. i want to give his advice,, go for some private lessons to get your legs back and the feel of being in the saddle again. and that way. the instructor is yours only... not sharing her attention... after a few lessons ask for semi private.. by this time you and the trainer and some of the other students are making acquaintance..... than.. ask for semi private. and than group... and leave your options open.. the more you ask about other places the more contacts you make you will be surprised at how many facilities are around... and do not forget to ask at local feed dealers.. yet petco.. petsmart. etc.. and ask the sales staff if they know of anyone.  |
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Post by horseless on Nov 16, 2016 22:34:36 GMT
Thanks for the tips HL!
Actually just got off the phone with the instructor, she sounded a little surprised that the lessons were for me...lol.
I'm meeting the BO Friday at the barn to check it out, then set up my first lesson for the Sunday after thanksgiving....I'm so nervous. And I don't have any boots...any ideas where I can get some inexpensive riding boots?
And is my 10+ year old riding helmet unsafe to use?
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Post by mistersmom on Nov 17, 2016 1:15:38 GMT
horseless - when I started back, I bought a less expensive pair of paddock boots and half chaps to take lessons in. Try horseloverz.com, doversaddlery.com or ridingwarehouse.com (if you place your first order with ridingwarehouse, mention my name and we both will get $10 off - www.ridingwarehouse.com/referralprogram.html). I like ridingwarehouse because shipping is free both ways - if the item doesn't fit or whatever, you can ship it back free - not the case with dover or horseloverz. Smartpak does the same thing but I find them to be overly pricey. As for your helmet, technically you should replace them every few years (I think 5 is the suggested time period) even without a fall. Again, those websites will have some lower priced helmets. As long as it is ASTM/SEI certified it doesn't really matter how expensive the helmet is. I bought my Ovation helmet for less than $65 from ridingwarehouse (lol, can you tell they are one of my favs for horse shopping?). |
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Post by horseless on Nov 17, 2016 1:47:53 GMT
MM thank you for the suggestions! I'll head over and check out what they have.
Oh Im glad I asked about the helmet, I'll be looking for one of those as well it looks like.
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Post by horseless on Nov 18, 2016 20:23:10 GMT
So kind of an update, I went to the barn met the BO, and horses looked around. Left and bought some riding boots....and on my way home just felt a ton of guilt and regret. I don't know why, I think I feel like I'm being selfish and doing this one thing for myself is not what I should be doing. I should just focus on my family and school right now.
I canceled my lesson shortly after coming home. Part of me feels like I'll never ride again. Ugh...I can't even explain or understand why I feel this way, and it stinks.
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Post by horselover4life on Nov 18, 2016 23:12:29 GMT
No one but you can figure out why you feel guilt for having something that gives you some pleasure in life...
You are in school for nursing studies....not simple education...
A place to just go to enjoy, have some recreation and exercise, yes exercise for your body and mind to me is a necessary outlet you need...
You can not work and study with no anything else either, it is unhealthy for you.
So, maybe not take a lesson every week if you have that much guilt, maybe bi-weekly instead?
You need an a outlet though to release some of that stress building inside you....
jmo...
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