Second Chance Horse Rescue Discussion Boards

lillian · Joined: 25 Jun 2009 Posts: 5

Hi!

I'm an adult (34 years old) beginner rider - riding for about a month and I loved every minute of it! I've been taking lessons at a riding school and the instructors there are very nice, friendly and really know their stuff well. However, I find that I'm in and out of there like a conveyor belt because it's a busy school and they have lots of students. Besides taking lessons on riding, I would like to learn more about horses as well...sort of like the 'theory' lessons as well as practical ones. Very Happy

I'm not sure if they have the time to do that Sad

Hence my wanting some advice - does anyone know of a good riding instructor who would be able to provide lessons on both the theory and practical bits? I don't have my own horse but will be working towards that and hopefully my first horse would be one adopted from Second Chance.

I have the time and lots of love to give, I just can't afford to maintain the horse as it should.

Lillian

SecondChance · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:57 pm Post subject:

Hi Lillian, welcome to the forums!

What suburb are you located in? How far are you willing to travel? That will give us a little more idea on who to recommend to you.

Of course SC is always after volunteers to help out with SC - training on the job. You're a little old for the kids club but perhaps you can help out with the kids club and therefore learn whilst you're there?

Yes most riding schools get bums in and out of saddles as fast as possible for max turn-over which doesn't leave time for theory and the care part.

Good on you for wanting to actively learn more!
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shadowkat · Joined: 21 Feb 2009 Posts: 112 Location: perth, wa

If you haven't already, join the Stockyard forums - really good way to soak up information on all sorts of things, and to ask questions.

lillian · Joined: 25 Jun 2009 Posts: 5

I live in Ridgewood, which is in the suburb right next to Clarkson, which is slightly further than Joondalup Very Happy

I'm currently taking lessons in Wanneroo and would be ideal if it was near the Wanneroo area. It's in between home and school. I usually go for my lessons after school as I'm a teacher at Inglewood P.S. so travelling would be a problem for me, unless the instructor/trainer does Saturdays? Smile

I would like to learn more about volunteering for the Kids Club at SC. Where could I get more information? I had a look at the website but can't find it...

Lillian

Tweedy · Joined: 30 Sep 2008 Posts: 93

While I wouldn't say I am a beginer now I am still very green compared to all my horsey friends so I can honestly say I know what it's like entering the world of horses as an adult.

My daughters passion for horses are what made me take up horses as a adult ( loved them when I was a kid but never had an opportunity to be around them ), so she first started taking lessons at a school but once she got better I found leasing a great way to really learn about horses, you can find some leases where the owners want the horse to remain on their property and you pay a fee to help with feed,shoes etc etc. If you find the right one that are happy to help you and usually are happy that someone is coming and riding and giving ther pet cuddles because most time they don't have the time to ride and truely spend with their old compaion. I have also seen older horses up for lease where it would be suitable for a beginner. Just make sure if leasing is something that you might be interested in you understand what's expected of you and have a lease agreement.

Also the Second Chance Forum has been great for me, I have many times posted stupid questions and everyone has always been really supportive and given me so much information and never made feel stupid. I would show a little caution with Stockyards becuase I find that you often will get mixed advice and can sometimes become hostel but I have never found this with Second Chance.

On a personnal note I have been wanting to start reading and watching the DVD's and books by Mounty Robert , while I have my own pony now I still sometimes stuggle to know when she is naughty or being scared cause I forever get in trouble because I let her get away with blue murder cause I just think she is scared and don't tell her off but then get told she is trying it on. So I really want to get to know and understand horses behaviour both with humans and in a heard.

Hope I didn't bore you, just thought I would let you know how I started to become more horses and have now had more own pony for over a year now.
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ozbatt · Second Chance Mod Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 697

Another really good source of information about horse psychology & learning how to read their behaviour is the Parelli DVD called Horsenalities - it's part of a 10 disc set called the Success series, but you can buy them individually. The Parelli Savvy Club is also a huge mine of info, the basic level costs approx $25 per month, you get either a DVD or a magazine every month & there's a whole heap of other stuff which you can access including literally thousands of questions & answers, & video clips & articles.

lillian · Joined: 25 Jun 2009 Posts: 5

Hi Tweedy and Ozbatt

Thank you so much for your advice! I'll definitely be looking into the resources you've provided for some much needed information. I've been looking in the internet and there are so much out there but I never know whether I'm getting the correct information.

I believe that because a horse is a living, breathing (and beautiful) creature, it has a personality and you need to truly understand them to become a proficient rider. Also, eventually I would like to own a horse, I think it's just responsible pet ownership to know as much as you can about your beloved pet.

It's really comforting to know about other people's experiences as well Tweedy! Currently I'm surrounded by people who seem to know all about horses from the day they were born, so it's good to know everyone started green as well! LOL Laughing

I also loved horses since I was a little girl but never quite got the chance to be around them. Now that I'm able, I would like to make up for lost time...hahaha...

Leasing horses - I would dearly love to lease horse but I don't think I've got the confidence or am ready to ride solo yet...I think I need a couple more lessons. Very Happy

Unless there's a trainer out there who leases horses as well as give lessons??? Wouldn't that be perfect! Laughing

SecondChance · Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2009 11:00 am Post subject:

Well I don't know the Wannaroo area very well at all so I can't recommend a good instructor up that way. BUT there are one or two Wannaroo people on the board so perhaps they'll see this and have somebody to recommend.

The other idea is to go into the local horse tack shops and ask them who they recommend. Go to all the shops in the area, perhaps feed stores too and then compare who comes up most recommended, then you can visit the instructor to see if you think their style of teaching suits you and to ask if they teach management as well.

There is a TAFE course on Equine Management you can look into, and SC often holds educational workshops (please keep an eye on the Upcoming Events board for the adverts). Also check in on cavalletti.com.au because in their events section people often advertise educational workshops.

If you're keen, the Horse Cause (SC Kids Club) meetings are once a month held in Kelmscott at the moment if that isn't too far to come... you can assist with the planning of these days and researching for their info sheets for their files etc. Another pair of hands is always helpful!

And don't forget, the only dumb question is the one you didn't ask ;)

Best of luck for the beginning of your equine lifestyle - I hope it is as rewarding and gratifying for you as it is for me Very Happy

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lillian · Joined: 25 Jun 2009 Posts: 5

Hi!

I'm really grateful for the advice that's been coming through! Very Happy

I've posted in the WANTED section looking for an instructor and/or recommendations. Fingers crossed between this post and the other, I'll get someone fantastic!

Also, I am keen on helping out in Horse Cause. I used to be an events manager for a professional organisation before so organising an event is right up my alley. Cool

My email is lillianmarytan@y7mail.com.

Hear from you soon!

Diva_gal · Joined: 09 Nov 2008 Posts: 77 Location: merredin

good on you for getting into horses...
Goodluck findin trainner/instructor...
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ClaireB · Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 32 Location: perth

Also try www.horsesinspirit.com

This group meets once a month and has a guest speaker and you don't need a horse.

The cover lots of topics from all aspects of riding and horse care.

Cx

DesperatelyHorsey · Joined: 05 Feb 2009 Posts: 31 Location: perth

If you are looking for more options, you could try volunteering at Riding for the Disabled. We are always searching for new volunteers. Capricorn RDA is up your way.. They will teach you everything you need to know about caring for horses, saddling horses and as a bonus you will be able to meet some pretty special people along the way! (not that you wouldn't at Second Chance!)