08/20/2026
I’m not the best riding instructor in the world, but I try to be the best I can. Here are a few things I think help make a better instructor.
1️⃣ Prioritize safety.
It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. Horseback riding is inherently dangerous, but there are practical things we can do to reduce the risk as much as possible. Wearing helmets, thoughtfully selecting and training reliable lesson horses, and following safety protocols are a few of the things we can do to reduce the risk of injury.
2️⃣ Keep learning and growing myself.
Nobody can know EVERYTHING about horses, despite what you see Amy do on Heartland. 😂 There’s always more to learn, and I enjoy the process.
3️⃣ Teach empathy for the horse.
It’s important to consider the horse when we ride. How does he feel? Is he enjoying the work? Is he sound? I want my students to be in the habit of checking in on the horse to make sure it’s a happy partnership.
Not to say there aren’t times a horse still needs to work even if he doesn’t feel like it, but that’s a topic for another post. 😅
4️⃣ Help students reach their goals, not mine.
Some students want to compete in shows, and some are just happy to be around the horses every week. I’m not going to force anything on my students and ruin their experience.
5️⃣ Remove my sunglasses when greeting people.
This one might seem odd, but it’s such a tiny thing we can do to build trust. I was taught to do this when I worked at Pine Cove. This and a firm, confident handshake can go a long way.
What do you think makes a good riding instructor?
