Comments on: Stable Advice: Moving on to a Different Instructor

By: Emma

Emma — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 11:54:15 +0000

The best thing is to sit down with your instructor. Have a talk and explain that although you must move on, or feel so, you want to remain in a good relationship. If she knows you well she will likely want to see you succeed and the majority of instructors will help you find a new instructor! Not only will you and her feel better, but you will know that the help you’re recieving is a good, solid opinion, one that you’ve depended on for a long, long time. It’s smart to continue on as friends; one day you may help her, and she taught you a good foundation. That’s important, and a good relationship is something to value.

By: Suze

Suze — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 14:15:28 +0000

It’s great that you are progressing with your riding – well done! ‘Out growing’ an instructor can be a difficult transition time but I would suggest you discuss this with your current instructor in a really constructive way.
I would approach the task by first sitting down and writing out your goals and what support your feel you need to achieve these. You can then share these with your current instructor as the starting point for a really open chat about whether your instructor feels they have the skills to support you achieving these goals or whether you are best to look for a new member of your riding team. If you have your goals written out and expanded on this can also provide a great starting point for you to ‘interview’ new instructors.
If you like the idea of a goal sheet you may like to add a few thoughts on under the following headings:
>high points over the last year
>low points over the last year
>the challenges you currently face in your training and what you have tried
>your strong points
>your weak points
>what you feel you need to change to achieve your goals
>what you feel needs to change in your horse to achieve your goals
>what may get in the way of your achieving your goals and the possible solutions
>what you enjoy/don’t enjoy about the instruction you have received in the past
>your preferred learning style
In an instructor/student relationship it is very important you find the right ‘fit’ for you to keep up your progress and achieve your goals. Good luck!

By: Calla Martin

Calla Martin — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 18:56:20 +0000

I had to change instructors because the barn I was riding at because the barn was going bankrupt and she was leaving it, too. I had high respect for her and she remains to be one if the people I’ve respected most in my life because she pushed me to do things even when I personally felt that I didn’t have the confidence to do it. I’m lucky that my current, new instructor also rode at that same barn, so I knew her a bit, but even if you don’t personally know your new instructor, I would advise that honesty helps. I was honest with my instructor and she was honest with me and my family as well. I’ve always believed a good instructor has good relations with any student they have, so I’m sure your instructor will understand your reasons and even support you.

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 13:32:38 +0000

I suggest that you still keep taking lessons with your old instructor every once in a while and tke more lessons with your new instructor.

By: Meredith

Meredith — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 10:59:49 +0000

Any good instructor that is actually invested in seeing you progress should understand that you might want to try out other options. That doesn’t mean they won’t miss you, or that they might not like what they’re hearing, but in the horse world, where politics is a game so many play, being up front and honest about your motivations should be taken well. In fact, your instructor might even be able to provide you with names of other instructor options so that you remain within their ‘network’. I just moved barns to obtain dressage training my prior instructor/barn could not provide. I still keep in touch with my prior instructor because I really respect her opinion and I want to remain her friend. She was sad to see me go (and I am sad to have left her!), but she understood.

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 07:14:47 +0000

Most instructors that teach beginners on up are not expected to take someone to the advanced levels like, let’s say, the Olympics. I think if you have exhausted all techniques with your current instructor, she would be more understanding than you think for your continued advancement with another instructor. Just talk it out. communication is the key to success in many areas of one’s life. Your current instructor may even know someone perfect for you to go to.

By: Pat

Pat — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 18:56:55 +0000

Let’s be honest. Many instructors take it as a personal insult if you choose to seek new instruction. This is never good for anyone, nor is it professional. Remember that when you tell your instructor the truth, that you would like to try someone new in order to gain new perspective and grow as a rider. Be honest, polite and thankful. And remember, what how they choose to act in return is the true measure of who they are and not a measure of your decision.

By: Lynna

Lynna — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 17:36:08 +0000

I believe the best approach it the honest approach. Let you instructor know that that she has gotten you this far and now it is time for another to keep you moving forward. It is never easy to leave the safety and security of someone that has coached you along but it is neccessary for improvement. Give her a gift of appreciation and keep her informed of your progress. Good Luck….

By: Eryn

Eryn — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 09:51:51 +0000

If your instructor truly understands the horse world and the direction that you are trying to go by taking lessons you can just say it point blank. Explain to them that, although you have really enjoyed your time learning from them and would like to be able to ride with them on a more personal level, you feel it would benefit you more to move on to an advanced trainer. To make them feel better about you moving on to a new trainer you could ask their opinion on some potential trainers and even ask if they have anyone they would recommend. This way they feel that you truly do trust their opinion and you will still feel that you can ask them for advice even when they aren’t your trainer. Hopefully your trainer will understand your feelings and can still stay in your life as a friend and possibly a riding buddy.

By: Adria

Adria — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 08:40:02 +0000

As an instructor myself, I understand when someone feels they will grow under a new person. I teach beginners and up but I don’t expect to take one person all the way. Having different teachers is good for most riders at different points in their riding career. What I don’t like is having a student say they are taking a break and then a month later see pictures on social media of them riding somewhere else. Just tell me, I will understand.