[ForeverHawk]

Hi, this Sunday I'll be having an assessment lesson at a new Equestrian centre. I just wanted to ask if you have any assessment lesson experiences, and what the instructor will be looking for? Also, I have spent my life riding naughty ponies that buck, turn around and bolt. This centre is renowned for having very well behaved and trained ponies, and I would like to ask for some advice in riding well trained ponies? I know its a funny question to ask, but I am afraid that my aids are too sharp (after riding all those naughty ponies ), and that the horses will react in a bad way. Any tips?
Thank-you

 

[kitten_Val]

Is it "assessment" to be hired to help out? Or just to see your level for the lesson program? If latter I wouldn't worry much: just ride your best.

 

[Skyseternalangel]

Do you mean like at a new barn and they want to see where you are at in your riding?

Well if so, then just ride the horse how you would ride. W/t/C, figures, halt, go, leg yields, any kind of lateral work you know. Sometimes they tell you what they want to see, other times they let you do it. Keep in mind if YOU know how to do certain things, the horse may not so be sure to keep that in mind.

Relax, be yourself, and enjoy it! Always start with a soft cue then increase it if need be.

 

[ForeverHawk]

Thankyou, so nervous :sad: I hope the horses don't react to my nervousness

 

[Skyseternalangel]

Thankyou, so nervous :sad: I hope the horses don't react to my nervousness

No reason to be nervous!

 

[mudpie]

Ride your very best. Wether or not that's what they're "looking for" isn't really your problem, right? I'm assuming you're there to learn. So as long as you're honest about your experience and ride the way that you think is correct and effective you'll be totally fine! They'll teach you what they're looking for – that's the whole point!!

Just ride your best, relax, and have fun!

Let us know how it goes!!

 

[MHFoundation Quarters]

Agree with skys.

I do an assessment lesson with new students. Don't worry about doing well or impressing the instructor. Just ride and do what you know. An assessment is to be able to see where you are in your riding, what you do & don't know, how you've been taught in the past, etc. Relax and do what you'd normally do that way your new coach has a true picture and can get a good idea of where to go moving forward.

Good luck and most importantly, have fun!

 

[kitten_Val]

Thankyou, so nervous :sad: I hope the horses don't react to my nervousness

From my experience most lesson horses are used to nervous riders, so don't worry about it much. :wink: You'll do just fine!

 

[upnover]

Remember you're doing an assessment lesson, not a show! the point is the show your instructor your strengths AND weaknesses so she can place you in the correct lesson on a suitable pony. Just show her what you can do and go from there! You'll be fine!