choosing a riding instructor / teacher

so what should you look for when choosing a riding instructor / teacher?  

at the bottom of this post are several more orthodox criteria
to take into consideration 

but for me, 
one of the most important, 
yet often overlooked,
criterion is:- 

DO THEY RIDE ?

most people looking for lessons

fairly reasonably assume anyone offering to teach them 
actually rides regularly themselves...

yet you would be amazed how many people 'teach' who haven't ridden in YEARS

let me ask, 
would you have driving lessons from someone who has not driven a car in 15 years?????

I would want to see any prospective teacher ride 
before I 'signed up'

they don't have to have a perfect, classical position...

but they DO have to be able to 
get a result, out of a relaxed, happy, willing, horse
(assuming that's what we're all aiming for...)

after all, 
if they can't do it themselves
how can they help you to do it?

Be aware that a good rider is not necessarily a good teacher....
 
but, in my opinion,
someone who doesn't ride, can't teach....

- though they may be able to 'instruct', by rote... 


Now some suggestions for other important criteria
when choosing a riding instructor / teacher
(I strongly recommend you look for someone meeting several/all of these):
 

word of mouth

• ask around locally to find out who has a good reputation
• and don't forget to ask your chiro, farrier, dentist etc too
• then ask to watch a lesson being taught

a teaching style that suits your learning style

• do you prefer to have things explained to you
• do you prefer to be just told what to do
• are you looking to be entertained and have a good laugh
• do you want lessons tailored specifically to you and your horse
• do you want lessons working to a specific goal
• do you like to be 'allowed' to ask questions
• do you need encouragement and empathy
• do you need 'pushing'
• are you looking for group or private lessons

a relevant riding background

• if you are looking to compete, then choose someone who has a track record in your chosen discipline
• if you want to hack / trail ride, then choose someone who doesn't spend their WHOLE riding life in an arena
• if you want to gain professional qualifications, then choose someone who has gained those qualifications (preferably reasonably recently, as syllabi change fairly frequently)
• if you want to learn how to look after a horse (stable management), then choose someone who has actually owned several horses
• if you want to address an issue with your horse, choose someone who is actually prepared to do what they are advising you to! (many people are very brave on behalf of others!....) 

of course, if you happen to live in, or near, the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, UK....

you could always contact me for lessons, 
by emailing labruyere@ee-to-er.com !!!

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