[haunani]

I may have finally found a possible dressage instructor locally.

What are some good, edumacated-sounding questions I can ask her to see if her style would mesh well with mine? I've taken a few dressage lessons before, but we did NOT mesh well. She was more the type of crank the cavesson and flash as tight as possible and crank their head into place even if it gives you blisters type of rider/trainer. I don't want that again.

I want someone who works more on balance between the horse and rider and allows the horse to work themselves into the proper frame through encouragement and conditioning.

I just can't think of a way to ask it without coming across as accusatory, so I was hoping some of you on here could help me find the right way to ask about it.

(note: the lessons would be on my horse, Mars, who has NO dressage training)

[Shotgun93]

Ask if you can observe a lesson, that's probably the best way to see if she will work for you.

Ask her what her training phylosophy is. Ask her what her thoughts are on draw reins, cavassons, surcingles, ect. Ask her how much emphasis she puts on lateral work. Ask her what her steps are to achieve collection in an imbalanced horse.

[Nuu]

Originally Posted by Shotgun93

Ask if you can observe a lesson, that's probably the best way to see if she will work for you.

Ask her what her training phylosophy is. Ask her what her thoughts are on draw reins, cavassons, surcingles, ect. Ask her how much emphasis she puts on lateral work. Ask her what her steps are to achieve collection in an imbalanced horse.

+

Originally Posted by haunani

I want someone who works more on balance between the horse and rider and allows the horse to work themselves into the proper frame through encouragement and conditioning.

(note: the lessons would be on my horse, Mars, who has NO dressage training)

Watch a lesson as Shotgun pointed out -- infact, if she offers/or likes the idea for you to come and watch one first, she's serious about you and not just making some cha-ching-a-ling.

Make it obvious to her that your horse has no dressage training and you'd like to take a nice, balanced route to make sure he comes out fancy AND proper.. not just fancy.

Watch a lesson, discuss with her your goals and make it clear you don't want to take shortcuts.

[rageandglory]

first, be clear with yourself on what you expect from dressage and why you are interested. then ask to watch a few classes to see if the method and approach suit your ability, your goals, your temperament.

also, can you be riding your own horse, and would schoolmasters be available?

good luck in your search and enjoy the ride!

[haunani]

Great ideas everyone! Thanks.

For me, taking the dressage lessons is more about working on the balance of both rider and horse as well as communication and helping him understand how to use his body better and helping me understand how to get him to use his body better/properly. I don't plan on showing.

No schoolmasters as she doesn't have a school/stable. For lessons you can either trailer in or have her come to your place.

[dressage_divaa]

My mom is a Dressage instructor and she gets all kinds of questions!

Ask to see them teach a lesson & ride a horse that they have. This way you can see how they teach and how they ride and train their horses.

Ask what they're show season is like so you can gauge how busy they are. My mom is a judge and clinician as well as being a trainer so she is gone quite a bit.

Ask about any policies that the barn may have where your new trainer will be. Helmet's? Vaccinations?

If you think of anything else let me know!

[haunani]

Originally Posted by dressage_divaa

My mom is a Dressage instructor and she gets all kinds of questions!

Ask to see them teach a lesson & ride a horse that they have. This way you can see how they teach and how they ride and train their horses.

Ask what they're show season is like so you can gauge how busy they are. My mom is a judge and clinician as well as being a trainer so she is gone quite a bit.

Ask about any policies that the barn may have where your new trainer will be. Helmet's? Vaccinations?

If you think of anything else let me know!

Great insight!

Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable riding her horses! They're BIG.

I can say that she is also a judge and does give clinics. She winters in Wellington (Jan-Mar is on her calendar). From what I see of her show record, most of her summer shows are around the midwest.

The lessons, if it goes that far, would be at my barn, where there really aren't any rules of the sort. (I don't have a trailer, so I can't trailer anywhere, which has made the search for an instructor that much harder)

[dressage_divaa]

No No not riding her horses but watching her ride some of hers to see how she rides and trains.

Everything else sounds good though!

Talk to some of her students and see how they like her!

[haunani]

The first step will be taken on Saturday when I ask my barn owners about bringing in an outside instructor. The general rule at the barn is no outside trainers, but this may be allowed since the barn's trainer has NO dressage experience or expertise, so it wouldn't be in direct competition with her.

[dressage_divaa]

thats a good start!!!!
let me know if I can be of any help!

=)