Finding the Right Riding Coach

lessons? For many people having other riders around with similar goals is a great asset. They like to stick around socialize and swap horse stories after the lessons and be a part of a group at shows. Others like to have their instructors undivided attention.
Does the coach give good value for your lesson dollar? Ask to observe a lesson taught by a coach you are considering. Is each lesson well planned with a variety of exercises and skills taught? Is there a logical reason provided for a skill that is introduced as well as an application in what situation would I use this skill?. Is there a summary at the end of the lesson and suggestions of what to work on in the week to come? The lessons should start on time and be mostly uninterrupted by telephone calls visitors etc.. Make sure you can understand the terms the coach uses.
Does the coach ride and compete? Although there are some successful instructors who do not ride regularly I know from personal experience that its helpful to have ridden a students horse myself so that I can tailor my instructions to fit their specific needs. Sometimes I will get on a clients horse in the lesson to demonstrate a skill and give a step by step description of what Im doing. Its often quite an eye opener for me to experience from the saddle what couldnt be seen from the ground! The drawback of having an instructor who competes is that sometimes their energies are divided at horse shows between their students and the horses that they are riding themselves.