I had my first lesson yesterday and was told to get on, with absolutely no instructions. There was no block and I lifted my leg as high as I could, but struggled to get it into the stirrup. I asked if most people get on alone-I meant beginners, and the trainer said yes in a slightly condescending manner. Is a block normally used for beginners to get on? I loved the riding and would go again, although probably somewhere different, but am put off by my inability to get on myself.
You need to find another riding instructor/riding school facility. This is no way to handle a beginner, or in fact anyone that is taking lessons.
Most beginners do have some difficulty mounting on their own. That is why there are mounting blocks provided for anyone, actually, who has a problem getting on. Of course we do need to know how to mount a horse on our own, should we be "dismounted" on a trail ride. But beginners taking lessons, this should be provided.
A good riding instructor will be supportive to their students. They will not be condescending or aloof.
What I did, since I am a short person, was to lower my left stirrup leather several notches so I could get aboard, and then shortened it to the correct level once I was on. But this is something that your instructor should have suggested as well. If there was no convenient mounting block, I would also get on board using the fence surrounding the riding ring! My horse was very cooperative about such things!
So unless there is another instructor at the facility you are using, go find a more supportive place to learn. Lessons should be fun and helpful, not in any way defeatest, especially in the beginning. The first lessons one takes are the most important, as you are learning the basics of riding and those are the cornerstone to learning the correct way.
In fact, your instructor should have even offered you a "Leg up" by helping to boost you up. Of course, learning to land in the saddle without stressing your horse is most important. Keeping your weight off the horse’s back is very kind to them when you get on!
Hope this helps and don’t get discouraged.
Troublesniffer
Plenty of experience with lessons and also taught beginners
July 31st, 2010 at 9:19 am
You are paying these people to teach you how to ride a horse, starting from the ground up. Some people need blocks to mount a horse, but others do not. It sounds like this horse was very tall, and in that case, it would certainly be difficult to mount him. Ask them to provide a shorter horse for you. They should know better than to just tell you to get on. Ask them to demonstrate the proper way to mount a horse. You are paying them to teach you, and if they are not willing to do what they are paid to do, go elsewhere to someone who is willing to work for their pay. I am sorry you had this experience, but there are places that will teach you the proper way. Good luck to you
References :
Lifelong horse racing enthusiast
July 31st, 2010 at 9:45 am
From what you have said your instructor doesn’t seem to be doing much instructing. Since you are a beginner they should be explaining everything to you. Some people can hoist themselves on to any horse big or small, other however find it easier to use a mounting block. If you are having difficulties suggest that you use a mounting block. Don’t be put off about your mounting difficulties, you are a beginner and it is assumed that it will take a while for you to get used to things. Your instructor shouldn’t be making it more difficult for you though. If you find that they aren’t doing a good job of teaching you or are being rude find a new place to ride.
References :
July 31st, 2010 at 10:00 am
Don`t let go of its ears! (lol).
References :
July 31st, 2010 at 10:19 am
You need to find another riding instructor/riding school facility. This is no way to handle a beginner, or in fact anyone that is taking lessons.
Most beginners do have some difficulty mounting on their own. That is why there are mounting blocks provided for anyone, actually, who has a problem getting on. Of course we do need to know how to mount a horse on our own, should we be "dismounted" on a trail ride. But beginners taking lessons, this should be provided.
A good riding instructor will be supportive to their students. They will not be condescending or aloof.
What I did, since I am a short person, was to lower my left stirrup leather several notches so I could get aboard, and then shortened it to the correct level once I was on. But this is something that your instructor should have suggested as well. If there was no convenient mounting block, I would also get on board using the fence surrounding the riding ring! My horse was very cooperative about such things!
So unless there is another instructor at the facility you are using, go find a more supportive place to learn. Lessons should be fun and helpful, not in any way defeatest, especially in the beginning. The first lessons one takes are the most important, as you are learning the basics of riding and those are the cornerstone to learning the correct way.
In fact, your instructor should have even offered you a "Leg up" by helping to boost you up. Of course, learning to land in the saddle without stressing your horse is most important. Keeping your weight off the horse’s back is very kind to them when you get on!
Hope this helps and don’t get discouraged.
Troublesniffer
Plenty of experience with lessons and also taught beginners
References :