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HANG IN THERE
by Nancy Later (From an article in Practical Horseman, February 2001, pages 42-44)
Are you a trainer-hopper? Do you change trainers at the drop of a hat? I'm not
talking about leaving a trainer who's abusive or dishonest. I mean repeatedly
bailing at precisely the wrong moment and for the wrong reason - because you feel
neglected, frustrated, bored, or a little stuck. Bouncing
from trainer to trainer and system to system never really improves things. You
end up no better off today than you were, say, two or three years (and four or
five trainers) ago. Yes, you've put in the time, but because it wasn't in one
system with one trainer, you have little or no more skill, knowledge of the sport,
or relationship with your horse. If
you switch repeatedly because you're chasing better show results, you may always
be frustrated. In dressage, as in the rest of life, happiness comes from learning
to enjoy the road as well as what's at the end of it. There's no way around the
fact that riding is difficult, and the lower levels can seem unrewarding. But
putting in the time on step-by-step progression is the only way to produce a horse
who's through, rhythmic, relaxed, and straight. It's the only way to really learn
to sit, to get over fears, and to really understand what leads to - and what's
required at - Second Level, Fourth Level and Grand Prix. Staying
with one trainer's correct system, you establish a foundation from which you advance
through the levels, building your horse's strength and your understanding. Even
when you reach the more difficult movements, they "make sense." But if you move
from trainer to trainer, your foundation may never get to "set" - and going from
system to system, trying to move up the levels without a foundation, you repeatedly
build, tear down, and build again. This is a setup for disappointment. In
choosing a trainer, you're embarking upon a relationship. For that relationship
to be successful, you need a trainer you're comfortable enough with that you'll
be willing to hang in there through the not-so-fun moments. So make your choice
an educated one. How? 1.
Define your short- and long-term goals. Make sure any trainer you're considering
has experience through the levels you aspire to. 2.
Consider the kind of atmosphere you learn best in. Do you need the total attention
of private lessons? Or do you do better in the lower pressure of a group situation?
Look for a trainer who offers lessons on that basis - and, whether you plan to
stay at home or spend time on the road showing, whose schedule can mesh with yours.
3.
When you've picked a promising candidate, spend time getting to know her (or him).
Watch her ride at competitions and at home (there can be a big difference between
the two). Watch her give lessons. Watch how she deals with her students and how
she deals with her horses. Ask if you can take a lesson or two. (Most trainers
are happy - I know I am- to teach a potential new client.) Discuss your goals;
make sure she finds them realistic. Ask her to evaluate your horses as a partner
for those goals. Make
sure you're comfortable with her teaching style, whether she teaches from the
saddle or from a lawn chair. Does she want you completely warmed up when your
lesson starts, or does she prefer to warm up your horse for you? Does she go right
into difficult exercises? (and if she does, how does your horse react? Sudden
demands can make even the best-minded horse defensive.) Or does she have you loosen
him up well first? Does she occassionally bring in clinicians who embrace the
same system she does? (Such experiences are reassuring and fun - and an expert
with the same basic ideas but a different set of eyes may watch you and make suggestions
that push you to new levels.) 4.
Once you've made an educated choice stick with it. If you hit a snag, try going
to the barn early and watching others' lessons; it may help you understand an
exercise better. Have someone video you; you may see what your trainer's been
trying to get across. And if you hit any problem that you can't solve alone, set
up a time to talk with her and then discuss your concerns. And
learn not to be too hard on yourself. As a professional, I ride six, seven, eight
horses a day. If you're like most amateurs, you ride one horse three times a week
- and in you rwhole life you've probably sat on only a handful of horses. Your
instincts and responses aren't going to be as sharp as mine. So when your horse
comes a little above the bit in transition, it's not the end of the world. Just
listen to your trainer, try it a few more times and you'll work it out. Remember,
difficult moments are part of the progress. As long as you're having more good
moments than difficult ones, you and your trainer are on the right track. | 
