Why Does My Riding Instructor...?
Common Questions from Beginner Riders
This article briefly considers some common situations that learner riders can find themselves in, and tries to help them understand why their instructor would want them to do something, when the reasons behind the request may not be immediately obvious. Remember to ask your instructor for more information as to ‘why?’ if you are confused by instructions. Understanding why something actually matters can really help you remember to make use of it in the future.
... Keep Putting me on Different Ponies?
It’s a common complaint of riding school patrons that as soon as they feel they are achieving a rapport with a certain horse or pony and that they are doing well together, they are moved on to another mount that they don’t find such a willing partner.
It’s true that certain ponies at riding schools are very popular with riders- an instructor has to share out the amount of times that every pupil gets to ride them. Even if the pony you want to ride is not in your lesson, he may be being used in a private lesson that same day, and he needs to be rested. However, there are often more specific reasons for the change.
Moving from pony to pony is good for your riding. It stops you getting into habits that fit one but may not suit another. If you get used to a lazy pony which you must be quite firm with and then move on to a more sensitive animal, you could find yourself careering off out of control. If you always ride a horse that is stiffer when turning to the left than the right, you will become used to riding more strongly when you are turning that more difficult way. This will produce some interesting results when you ride a new horse which is more even on each rein!
It may also be that your instructor feels you are ready for the greater challenge that the new pony or horse offers. Beginners often find the easiest horses those that are actually less highly schooled and happy to interpret very general aids the way the rider wants them to. The more advanced animals need more specific commands, so learning to ride them well helps you refine your riding style overall.
... Go on About me Riding into the Corners?
Riding instructors hate it when their pupils keep cutting their corners. There are two very good reasons why they want to see them ride the ponies right into the corner of the arena.
Firstly, it shows that their students are actually controlling their ponies or horses. Riding school animals soon learn how to make their jobs easier- if they cut in from the corners they are travelling much less of a distance around the arena and saving themselves some energy! Once a rider is becoming more of a rider than a passenger, he can control this tendency, and have the horse taking a path that he wants to take.
Secondly, using the corners properly helps to balance the horse, because it is bringing its inside hind leg underneath it and using it to bear more weight, helping it push itself forward and upwards. This is why instructors tend to ask for canter out of a corner, the inside hind leg is then ideally placed to help lift the horse into this faster pace. In nature horses tend to pull their weight along with their forelegs- the extra weight of a rider is better carried by the horse making more use of the ‘engine’ in his hindquarters, and a simple way of making more use of the hindquarters is by getting the hind leg more underneath it, something that working right into a corner requires a horse to do anyway. It’s an easy way to start improving how your horse is carrying himself.
.... Want me to Carry a Whip?
Lots of instructors prefer their pupils to carry a whip. This can seem more of a nuisance than anything else to beginner riders, who drop the stick regularly, are reluctant to use it, or if they do use it, are more likely to hit themselves painfully on the leg than make contact with the pony!
A whip is a useful tool used correctly, and many instructors like pupils to get used to riding with one. Dropping it less and less often is a sign that you are becoming more skilled with handling the reins and your whip together. Horses are quick to learn- many are more forward going just because their rider is carrying a whip, without them ever having to use it- the implicit threat against being lazy is enough! Giving a horse a tap with a whip is actually kinder and gets more attention than nagging him in the ribs with your leg. Be firm; when you use it give him one sharp touch, not a lot of light tickles. You are not being cruel- he needs to listen to you.
Finally most instructors like to have their pupils used to carrying a whip for the future, when they ride (or ‘hack’) out. You could find yourself in an emergency situation when your horse must move over NOW; e.g. off a road and out of danger. Your whip can help you get him to do this. It is often said that it is far better to carry a whip and never need it, than not have one when you need it most. It is sensible to become accustomed to riding with a whip from the earliest days.
Learner Riders May Find a Whip an Inconvenience
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