Do you want to get more out of your riding lessons? Riding lessons can be expensive, but they’re integral to improving as a rider. Put these six ways to get the most out of your riding lessons to the test and see how they work for you.
Be Prepared
One of the best ways to get the most out of your lesson is to show up prepared. This means having both yourself and your horse fit, and being ready on time. Think ahead of any questions that you need to ask your instructor.
Ask Questions
If you don’t understand something fully, then it’s important to ask questions while you’re in your riding lesson. Speak up if something doesn’t make sense to you – don’t just add leg or tighten your outside rein because your instructor tells you. By making sure that you understand the reasoning behind the corrections, you can improve your education as a rider.
Be Honest
It’s so important to be honest with your instructor about what you want to get out of lessons and what you’re struggling with when you ride. Identifying your goals ensures that you and your instructor are on the same page. By telling your instructor about what you find challenging, your instructor can better tailor the lesson to help you improve.
Work Hard
During your lesson, don’t back down from a challenge. Instead, make yourself face challenges head-on. The harder that you work during a lesson, the more benefit you will get out of it.
Videotape Your Lessons
Whenever possible, get your lessons on video. Ask a friend to videotape your lessons, and offer to do the same for them. Reviewing the video after your lesson can allow you to actually see what you and your horse were doing, and can also help to refresh your instructor’s advice in your mind.
Practice
Put your trainer’s advice to use outside of your riding lessons. If you own a horse, then make sure to ride a number of times in between lessons so that you can practice and perfect the skills you were working on previously. If you don’t own a horse, then look into leasing one. The extra time in the saddle will help you to keep your body in shape and will let you practice so that you can continue learning in your next lesson.
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What are some of your favorite ways to get the most out of your riding lessons?
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