You're Never to Old to Take Lessons

Whether you're changing disciplines, showing or just feel a need to fine-tune your horsemanship skills, you are never to old to take lessons. Working with a good instructor will build your confidence and help you to enjoy the equine world even more.

Scott Martins sat on his first horse at age ten and didn't ride again until age 29. Scott's wife owned horses and he wanted to have something in common they both enjoyed. Scott could muscle a horse around, but after attending various shows he observed there were many different types of riding styles. He decided he needed help. Scott found his instructor at a local horse club's show.

"I talked with her a bit and she answered all my questions with confidence." Scott states. "She explained that basic dressage is the foundation for riding all disciplines. I ride trail so I thought lessons could help me in that area too." Scott currently takes lessons once a week and rides his instructor's horse twice a week to reinforce what he's learned. He also rides his wife's horses. His goals are to show at Introductory Level Dressage by next summer and continue to improve his overall horsemanship. Scott's glad he found an instructor that is demanding. He indicated if he had a more relaxed instructor, he would have a tendency to slack off during the lesson.

In deciding to take lessons, there are many factors to consider. Personality mix of student and instructor is one of the most important factors. You need to feel comfortable enough with the person to ask questions. Knowing your personality and how you learn best is the first step in choosing the right instructor.

Rose owned a horse in her teens and is a horse owner again in her fifties. She now sees a need for lessons. "Lots of things have changed. I want to improve my riding skills, my seat, my sense of balance and my hands." Rose knows what type of instructor she needs, "I'm a visual person, so don't hand me a detailed instruction book. I want someone who is very knowledgeable to explain things to me. Like why I'm giving a certain cue. I don't want to be told by the instructor, 'because this is the way I teach that's why'." Video taping of sessions and handouts of a lesson are also important to Rose who rides western, trail, and gymkhana. "Fortunately" Rose says, "I have a great instructor who encompasses what I'm looking for in an instructor." Rose's eyes crinkles and she laughs. "She also happens to be my daughter."

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