bicycle helmets 2013 image
Morgan
Before someone flies off the their handle with that "you don't know if you like horses your a beginner don't waste your money!" stuff, just chill. I've been looking to get into horse riding sense I was 7 or so (now 15 so its not just a faze), I have been on horse back without someone leading me around before (1hour trail rides), and I have done a crapload of reading on the topic of horses and riding. I'm 99% sure I really do have an interest in horses.
Which do you think is better for a beginner: group lessons or one on one?
What's the average price for WESTERN lessons? There's only a few places that offer western lessons close by, and most are about 50$ per lesson, is that roughly normal?
What are things to look for in lessons and at the stable? Besides the obvious things: health horses, everything looks fairly clean, happy students, trainer isn't being to easy or harsh, people behaving around the horses, nothing dangerous laying around (glass, metal, toxic plants), has the type of lessons I'm looking for ect.
I'm aware I should thank a lesson to make sure I think the teaching style, thanks.
How often a week should I take lessons? I'm thinking once a week to start with, and that's probably all I have the time for unless I go on weekends.
What do I need to bring beside myself and a pair of boots with a 1" or so heal and a helmet?
Because I do not own my own horse, is it likely I will be put on the same lesson horse each week?
I'm in fairly good shape, but I know horse riding uses different muscles, so is it necessary for me to work on them or should I be okay? And if so what are ways to get those muscles in shape for riding?
What are the very basics I should know before going to lessons? I'm fairly sure at 15 years old I'm not going to do anything too stupid (like stand behind the horse, play with its eyes, or walk under it).
Would I still call myself a beginner? I'm not 100% sure on what's counts as a beginner, but I do know how to mount, steer on a lose rein, what the basic gaits are (walk, trot, canter/lope, gallop, non of the fancy ones for gaited horses though), the basic parts of the saddle, bridle and the horse and just some random info about horses. I'm guessing I'm still in the beginner, just not the 'uhh what's a hoof?' beginner.
And lastly, is there any big questions I should have asked but didn't, or anything else that I really should just know?
Thanks a lot guys.
Oh, thought of another question:
What should I wear for lessons? I don't have riding breeches or jodhpurs, so I'm guessing a loose pair of pants and a comfy Tshirt, because shorts would allow my legs to get beat to hell and back haha.
Answer
1) Since lessons are typically about an hour, I think you would find GROUP lessons (small group; no more than 4-5 riders) to be more rewarding. It can be hard to fill an hour-long individual lesson with the very basic skills you will be mastering first, and you will learn a lot by watching the other students. Individual lessons are better for more experienced riders who have a specific goal.
2) Unfortunately, there is no such thing as "average;" it depends on where you live. I would find $50 to be reasonable for an hour-long INDIVIDUAL lesson, but rather steep for a group lesson. If they really ARE that expensive, see if you can get a discount by working a few hours at the barn. It's the rare establishment that wouldn't welcome a helping hand with stall mucking!
3) You've already listed the primary things to look for. As a teenager, you might also want to consider whether you think you fit in with the other students. I realize you're there to ride, not socialize. But riding CAN be a very social activity, and you want to ENJOY your time at the stable. Trust your gut; if you don't like the feel of a place, look elsewhere.
4) Once a week is a great way to start (and easier on your pocket book.) As you progress, see if you can trade stable chores for either additional lessons or independent riding time to practice your new skills.
5) You probably won't need much more than a pair of boots with a 1" heel and a helmet for your initial lessons; the instructor will tell you if there are other items s/he would like you to supply. Some people recommend gloves for riding; I personally hate them and use them only at shows. ASK before you bring treats for the horses; some stables frown on them.
6) Most stables will put you on a different horse each week. This is partly "luck-of-the-draw" and partly to give you experience riding as many different horses as possible that suit your ability. Some stables will assign you a particular horse for several lessons in a row, then switch you to another. I like that system because it gives you the opportunity to get to know each horse a bit better before learning a new one's personality quirks. However the stable handles it, you can be assured that they WILL put you on a horse that is suitable for YOU.
7) According to a recent study cited by Julie Goodnight in the July 2013 issue of AMERICA'S HORSE, BEGINNERS get quite fit using muscles unfamiliar to them, but as riders become more skilled, it takes less and less muscle strength to do the job. Most upper level riders do additional exercise to keep fit enough to ride. I personally have found that bicycling, skating, walking, and hula-hooping use many of the same muscles, so if you pursue these activities in between your lessons, you will be in great shape to ride.
8) As a beginner, you're not expected to know ANYTHING; it is the job of the instructors at the stable to teach you. You are, however, expected to listen, follow directions, and exercise basic common sense. The fact that you've been proactively reading up on horsemanship and horsecare definitely helps.
9) Although you've apparently educated yourself quite a bit on theory, your actual time with horses has been quite limited, and you've never had a lesson before. You are therefore a beginner.
10) Since you're riding Western, you won't need breeches or jods. A comfortable pair of jeans and shirt of your choice will do fine. After you've been riding a while, you might want to invest in some chaps and nice boots.
Lastly, I don't know why anyone ought to discourage you from getting into riding just because you've never done it before. It's good to try new things -- especially horseback riding, and EVERYONE was a beginner at something at least once in his or her life. Also, the fact that you've taken the time to read up on horseback riding ahead of time and have asked intelligent questions about what you're getting yourself into shows considerable maturity. And even if you choose not to pursue it further after you've had a few lessons, so what?! That's no reason not to give it a try. I hope you have a GREAT time out there! Good luck.
1) Since lessons are typically about an hour, I think you would find GROUP lessons (small group; no more than 4-5 riders) to be more rewarding. It can be hard to fill an hour-long individual lesson with the very basic skills you will be mastering first, and you will learn a lot by watching the other students. Individual lessons are better for more experienced riders who have a specific goal.
2) Unfortunately, there is no such thing as "average;" it depends on where you live. I would find $50 to be reasonable for an hour-long INDIVIDUAL lesson, but rather steep for a group lesson. If they really ARE that expensive, see if you can get a discount by working a few hours at the barn. It's the rare establishment that wouldn't welcome a helping hand with stall mucking!
3) You've already listed the primary things to look for. As a teenager, you might also want to consider whether you think you fit in with the other students. I realize you're there to ride, not socialize. But riding CAN be a very social activity, and you want to ENJOY your time at the stable. Trust your gut; if you don't like the feel of a place, look elsewhere.
4) Once a week is a great way to start (and easier on your pocket book.) As you progress, see if you can trade stable chores for either additional lessons or independent riding time to practice your new skills.
5) You probably won't need much more than a pair of boots with a 1" heel and a helmet for your initial lessons; the instructor will tell you if there are other items s/he would like you to supply. Some people recommend gloves for riding; I personally hate them and use them only at shows. ASK before you bring treats for the horses; some stables frown on them.
6) Most stables will put you on a different horse each week. This is partly "luck-of-the-draw" and partly to give you experience riding as many different horses as possible that suit your ability. Some stables will assign you a particular horse for several lessons in a row, then switch you to another. I like that system because it gives you the opportunity to get to know each horse a bit better before learning a new one's personality quirks. However the stable handles it, you can be assured that they WILL put you on a horse that is suitable for YOU.
7) According to a recent study cited by Julie Goodnight in the July 2013 issue of AMERICA'S HORSE, BEGINNERS get quite fit using muscles unfamiliar to them, but as riders become more skilled, it takes less and less muscle strength to do the job. Most upper level riders do additional exercise to keep fit enough to ride. I personally have found that bicycling, skating, walking, and hula-hooping use many of the same muscles, so if you pursue these activities in between your lessons, you will be in great shape to ride.
8) As a beginner, you're not expected to know ANYTHING; it is the job of the instructors at the stable to teach you. You are, however, expected to listen, follow directions, and exercise basic common sense. The fact that you've been proactively reading up on horsemanship and horsecare definitely helps.
9) Although you've apparently educated yourself quite a bit on theory, your actual time with horses has been quite limited, and you've never had a lesson before. You are therefore a beginner.
10) Since you're riding Western, you won't need breeches or jods. A comfortable pair of jeans and shirt of your choice will do fine. After you've been riding a while, you might want to invest in some chaps and nice boots.
Lastly, I don't know why anyone ought to discourage you from getting into riding just because you've never done it before. It's good to try new things -- especially horseback riding, and EVERYONE was a beginner at something at least once in his or her life. Also, the fact that you've taken the time to read up on horseback riding ahead of time and have asked intelligent questions about what you're getting yourself into shows considerable maturity. And even if you choose not to pursue it further after you've had a few lessons, so what?! That's no reason not to give it a try. I hope you have a GREAT time out there! Good luck.
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Title Post: Questions about horseback riding lessons?
Rating: 100% based on 9998 ratings. 5 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
Rating: 100% based on 9998 ratings. 5 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar