As some of you know I set out to book six lessons at different yards, with different teachers and different horses, expressly to canter round a school.
So far I have cantered three horses in three different schools.
My fourth lesson was booked with a highly qualified and experienced BHS teacher, who knew exactly what I wanted to do and chose the pony I was to ride.
I rode off the lunge (rejoice).
Boy, it was windy. After four steps of walk, the pony spooked. Never had that happen before. We continued at a brisk walk but Instructor decided pony was too lively after being stabled all day, made me dismount, and sent for a member of staff to trot and canter him round. Watching, I felt I could have done that.
Instructor knew I had hacked for years, but taught me as if this was my first ever lesson in a school. She taught me as if I was six and knew nothing. When I replied correctly that I was on the right rein, she asked "Why is it the right rein?" Same with trotting diagonals.
I tried to tell her, I understood footfall, and canter leads. I have had school lessons every week for the last four years. It made no difference; she must have a set lesson she gives all new pupils, and I got it. With an included warning that because I was ageing, I must accept that I might not ride as well as I did three years ago.
Horse got jumpy each time round at spooky plastic jump stuff at one end of the school and a fluttering garden parasol the opposite corner. I couldnt believe it when a white sheet of plastic blew across the school towards us, un-noticed by instructor. Had to turn the quivering horse away and ask her to remove it.
Because it was so windy and the horse was so jumpy, I agree it was probably a sensible decision that I would not canter after all.
Afterwards she said I should have a different pony next time. And seemed surprised that it was she who had chosen the horse for the purpose.
I felt let down. According to the BHS, I had done everything a client could do to ensure a brilliant lesson. I did not think it is value for money to be given a spooky pony, get treated like a child by this very senior woman and have it pretty much rammed home that you are not competent to ride it.
I guess this shows how important it is for older learners to try out different teachers. And how narrow the dividing line is between a lesson in a new place where the horse canters like a dream. And one where he is too spooky for it to be safe to try.
So far I have cantered three horses in three different schools.
My fourth lesson was booked with a highly qualified and experienced BHS teacher, who knew exactly what I wanted to do and chose the pony I was to ride.
I rode off the lunge (rejoice).
Boy, it was windy. After four steps of walk, the pony spooked. Never had that happen before. We continued at a brisk walk but Instructor decided pony was too lively after being stabled all day, made me dismount, and sent for a member of staff to trot and canter him round. Watching, I felt I could have done that.
Instructor knew I had hacked for years, but taught me as if this was my first ever lesson in a school. She taught me as if I was six and knew nothing. When I replied correctly that I was on the right rein, she asked "Why is it the right rein?" Same with trotting diagonals.
I tried to tell her, I understood footfall, and canter leads. I have had school lessons every week for the last four years. It made no difference; she must have a set lesson she gives all new pupils, and I got it. With an included warning that because I was ageing, I must accept that I might not ride as well as I did three years ago.
Horse got jumpy each time round at spooky plastic jump stuff at one end of the school and a fluttering garden parasol the opposite corner. I couldnt believe it when a white sheet of plastic blew across the school towards us, un-noticed by instructor. Had to turn the quivering horse away and ask her to remove it.
Because it was so windy and the horse was so jumpy, I agree it was probably a sensible decision that I would not canter after all.
Afterwards she said I should have a different pony next time. And seemed surprised that it was she who had chosen the horse for the purpose.
I felt let down. According to the BHS, I had done everything a client could do to ensure a brilliant lesson. I did not think it is value for money to be given a spooky pony, get treated like a child by this very senior woman and have it pretty much rammed home that you are not competent to ride it.
I guess this shows how important it is for older learners to try out different teachers. And how narrow the dividing line is between a lesson in a new place where the horse canters like a dream. And one where he is too spooky for it to be safe to try.