Finding the Right Barn
Having a Trainer You TrustIt I cannot stress enough how important it is to find a riding instructor that you trust and feel will help you learn what you want to learn and accomplish in riding. I have been riding for almost 9 years at one place, I never went out to see what else was out there, because I was in love with the horse I was riding and I didn't think I needed to broaden my horizons and find something new, just for a new perspective. I was stubborn and wouldn't listen to friends that said this wasn't the best place for me, that this instructor wasn't helping me accomplish my goals, and who didn't respect me. I however, ignored all of this, because of my love for this horse. He was my best friend, my partner and I didn't want any other horse. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to buy him, so one day, I came to the barn and he wasn't there. My trainer simply said that she had leased him out. Translation: he was sold, and she lied about it for nearly seven months. I finally realized, that I needed a change of scenery, so I switched barns and now I am happier than I have been in years. It just goes to show that you think you may know someone, but in reality, they never truly cared for you and or had any respect for you either. It was one of the hardest decisions I had to make. Besides the horse, I had friends there and people I cared for very much. I am very happy with this decision and again, I cannot stress enough how important it is to find someone who can you truly trust to train you.
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Deciding What Your Goals AreOnce you settle on a facility and a riding instructor, it is important to set riding goals for yourself. What do you want to accomplish? Do you want to compete? Do you want to ride leisurely and just enjoy it? Do you want to just ride trails and not ride in the arena? it is so crucial to think about all of these questions before you start lessons, because once you and your instructor are on the same page, you can really begin work on these goals. You can go ahead and train for what you want to do and work towards it, every time you ride.
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