Читать книгу Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation - Geoff Teall - Страница 48

When you start riding—when you are actually learning how to ride—I believe it is critical that you begin with private lessons.

I always start beginning riders on the lead line, with the student on one horse and myself on another horse. The student’s horse is attached to a lead line that I hold throughout the lesson.

Ponying a beginner on another horse is becoming a lost art, but I feel it is the best way to start a rider. The student can ride on the trail right away. The instructor can be right next to the student and hold onto him if necessary. Ponying the beginner puts the instructor in a situation where he can control and manage the whole learning process.

Once you know the basics of riding, however, private lessons are often a disadvantage. One of the main reasons for this is because you lose the ability to learn from others.

Still, sometimes even advanced riders need private lessons. Occasionally, people can get so emotional that they don’t work as well in a group as they do by themselves. If you are scared, or if something is seriously troubling you or the horse, it may help to have some private time with your instructor to work through the problem.

Similarly, if you are getting ready for a special event and there is a particular piece of the ride that is bothering you, a private lesson or two might be necessary.