Be Particular About Whom You Learn From
Pick your riding teachers carefully. As with almost anything else, not all teachers are equally qualified or gifted. In the United States today, anybody can hang a shingle out on the barn and claim to be a riding instructor, whether or not they know a lot. This is not the case in parts of Europe, where certification standards help ensure that instructors have at least a uniform base of knowledge.
Finding a Qualified Instructor
The lack of a credentialing process poses a real problem for people who don't know enough about horses to know what good riding is and what sound instruction should include. That's why it's important to do some homework and shop around. Otherwise, you can end up spending a lot of money on lessons that won't get you anywhere.
Some equestrian organizations have attempted to address the credentialing issue. One is the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), which has established education and certification programs for dressage instructors. The website includes a list of instructors certified through these programs for each region of the country.
Another organization is the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA), which has certification programs in several equestrian endeavors. Its website has ARIA-certified instructors listed by state, along with the discipline they specialize in and their contact information.
Of course, do not overlook the many excellent instructors out there who have no formal qualifications, other than years of experience and, typically, a stellar show career. These folks may not advertise for (or even accept) new students because they don't have to. The local horse people know who they are, recognize and respect their abilities, and usually keep their schedules booked up. You'll find out about these instructors through word of mouth.
To learn a specific discipline, look for an instructor in that discipline. He will be able to teach you what kind of tack you will need, how to ride in the proper position, what to wear if you plan to compete, and the etiquette of competition for that discipline.
Teaching Styles
People teach and learn in different ways. If you lose confidence with an instructor who has a drill sergeant approach, barking out orders and screaming at you every time you do something wrong, this isn't the right teaching style for you. Someone else, however, may flourish the more they are yelled at and the more they feel they are challenged to perfect what they are doing.
You can learn something about how an instructor teaches by watching her give someone else a lesson. If that isn't an option, take one or two lessons to see if you feel comfortable with the instructor's style. Don't sign up for a series of lessons at the outset. Pay for them as you go until you decide whether you want to stay with it. If the first couple of lessons do not go well, try other instructors until you find your match.
