My name is Matina and I am the owner of "Ride and Shine". I am a PATH Certified Riding Instructor and I have over 7yrs of coaching experience.
01/27/2025
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I wish more people knew.....
It’s Not Just About Riding 🏇
When you sign up for riding lessons, you’re not just learning how to sit in a saddle.
Horseback riding is a fully immersive experience that involves groundwork, horse care, and communication with your horse. Learning communication, grooming, tacking, and care all help keep your horse happy and both horse and rider safe. You’re building a relationship, not just learning to ride.
Riding is Physical 💪
Riding is a full-body workout! You need balance, core strength, flexibility, and coordination. Strength and mobility are key to riding. Riding a horse is not as simple as it looks. It takes strength and stamina to maintain good posture to stay safe and execute aids properly.
It’s Inherently Dangerous ⚠️
Let’s be real—horses are big animals, and no matter how well-trained, they are still animals with their own thoughts, instincts, and reactions. Riding can be risky, and every rider should be prepared for that reality. Horses can spook, trip, or act unexpectedly, and that’s something every rider needs to understand when stepping into the saddle. Safety is a priority, but it’s an inherently risky activity.
Horses Have Their Own Personalities 🐴
Just like people, horses have their own personalities, quirks, and moods. Some are calm and patient, perfect for beginners. Others might be more spirited or shy. A horse’s temperament can change depending on the weather, their health, or even their relationship with the rider. It’s important to understand that riding isn’t just about controlling the horse—it’s about developing a bond with an animal that has its own feelings and needs.
The Cost of a Lesson Is Not Just Paying for the Instructor’s Time 💰
When you pay for a riding lesson, you're not just covering the instructor’s time. There are hidden costs behind the scenes: the horse’s care, feeding, grooming, equipment, insurance and the labor and supplies to upkeep the riding facility. Horses need a lot of attention, and riding schools have to cover a lot of expenses just to offer a safe, comfortable environment for riders and horses alike.
It Takes More Than 30-60 Minutes a Week to Be a Great Rider ⏱
Becoming a great rider takes dedication, practice, and time. It’s not just about the hour-long lesson once a week. To really improve, you need consistent practice, extra time spent with the horse, and a commitment to learning. It’s a journey that involves patience, persistence, and sometimes even setbacks. But the rewards are worth it: the feeling of riding with confidence, control, and trust in your horse is incredibly fulfilling.
What about you? What do you wish people knew?
