What do you think? Think this might be a good lesson...

My trainer is currently looking for ideas for lessons, mainly because she feels she isn't covering everything. So she asked all of us to let her know what we thought would be good to know, or what we wanted to learn. I've been thinking, and I think this is a good idea...I know for a fact that most of the girls that ride with me wouldn't like this idea...but since all/most are wanting to own a horse I thought it is a necessary for them to know.

First I was thinking of having her go through the different health issues, and problems horses can have and how to notice the symptoms...when to call a vet....what you can treat yourself and how to treat it.
Then to have me and the trainer (me also due to I've already gone through this process) and take one of the lesson horses or another horse, and pretend to be the seller and the other girls be the propective buyers. We'd show the girls the horse as a buyer would (or should) and answer questions. Also we'd choose some problem...either health problem or attitude problem that the horse will have (won't particularly be a vice/health issue that the horse already has) and we'll try to hide it from the girls...and they have to figure out that we are hiding. Also teach them how to look at a horse move, both under saddle and without a saddle, and be able to tell if they are lame, built downhill, or any movement problems.
And then the basics of how to take care of a horse (more than what we'd do already). Go over worming, shots, and all the other goody fun stuff that horse owners have to do...or at least gelding/stallion owners (health cleaning).
Also, how to tell if a mare is in heat.

What do you all think? Think that idea would be worth suggesting? I don't know about the girls, but I would have loved to have that type of lesson before I started searching for a horse to buy. It would have become handy for me....instead of searching the internet for information like that.

most of that is considered animal husbandry, and is not generally taught as a lesson. lessons are about learning how to ride, how to tack up, how to present a horse in hand at a show, and how to dress for a show, But she might be willing to do a little animal husbandry at the end of each lesson. Also, a good beginners book to horses will teach you all of that, like the Complete Idiots Guide to horses( my friend is the co-auther, PJ Dempsey)

I think that may be useful. ;) Those things are great to learn, & will pay off in the future.

What level of riding are you at?

I think your suggestions are a great idea. I'm really surprised more trainers don't get into that end of horsemanship. Maintainance is just as important as riding, to me anyway. More people need to learn that horse ownership isnt all fun.
I also saw an article about trail safety. What to do if someone approaches you on the trail and tries to assult you. Like turning your horses butt to them. Not kicking them because they can grab your leg and pull you off. I'll see if I can find the article and post more. Something all women should know for sure.

I think everyone who owns a horse should know this stuff. Trust me, its good to know when you need it, definatly much better than panicing and running in circles. :P

I agree.
This stuff is probably easier to learn than riding itself, because once you know it, you're good to go!

I think it is a great idea. As a beginner I take as much information as I can get. And as I learn more I find a lot of those general horsemanship topics help me ride better only because I am more aware and informed about what I am doing. I have been looking into getting a horse myself and the most intimidating part for me is not recognizing health issues. Not to mention the myriad of other issues I need to be aware of as a responsible owner. I had a teacher once that would cover some of these topics following the lesson and while I was cooling the horse down or putting up the tack. Later while riding I could put into context what she was talking about and how it could be affecting my ride. I have several books that I read up on and research but usually a good talk is what resonates with me.

we are all intermediate riders and I know that there is at least two girls that are horse hunting.


The lessons, in my opinion, should not just be about riding, but also the general care for horses. Most people take riding lessons because they want to buy a horse sometime.

I'm going to suggest that to my trainer since everyone seemed to like the idea.

Any thing I should add to that?

Well said SW!
I agree, lessons should be for more than riding. There are so many more things to learn, especially first-aid training & the actual care! :) I think it'll definitely be useful.