INSTRUCTORS WHAT DO WE WANT

• I have watched many people telling others what to do on a horse, they come under the category of instructors. Or do they?

• I don't consider it is my job to teach people to ride because if they really want to ride they will. I do consider it my job to guide people to follow a way of riding that can help the student evolve.
• The first thing a guide/instructor will need is a good understanding of horsemanship this can only be achieved if they have carried out all the things it takes to be a rider.
• It is a requirement that you also have the skills to understand and read people.
• You must help people evolve to their own idea of what they want from horsemanship. Do not expect or try to make a clone of yourself, because if you do your job well, there is always a possibility that the student may become better than the teacher. If this occurs then you can be proud of a job well done.

• The nice thing about helping other people is that you also will grow and expand your knowledge making yourself a better rider.

• When a rider is asked to carry out a task, the instructor must be able to explain the reasoning behind the task. The student must be confident enough to be able to ask questions about anything that is not understood. It is also important to notice when a lack of understanding is taking place even though the student has not yet realized it for them selves. A point can be put across many ways, it must not be repeated time after time hoping it will sink in, it will not.

• If all this is carried out for the right reasons, it is as pleasurable as riding, because you sit on the horse with the rider if only in thought.

• Don't forget you are their mentor if you give bad instruction they may pass it on to others.