MAXIMIZING STUDENT LEARNING AND GUARANTEEING SUCCESS!

Here are some valuable insights from the expert riding instructors at Cornerstone Ranch, designed to help you make the most of your horseback riding lessons. As equestrians, you dedicate a significant amount of time, money, and effort to your passion for riding. Whether you take multiple classes a week or once a month, the opportunity to learn from a good riding instructor is a rare privilege. We deeply respect and value the effort you put into your riding, and we want to ensure that every moment you spend with us is worthwhile.

• Arriving on time for your lesson is not just a matter of courtesy; it’s a crucial element of your learning process. It ensures you don’t miss out on valuable information that may not be repeated, depending on the circumstances. Being punctual not only prevents stress but also allows you to prepare your mind and body for the lesson, entering the ring relaxed and ready to learn. Rushing to get prepared can add unnecessary stress, which is not conducive to effective riding.
• Be meticulously organized. Have everything you need in a bag or backpack, ready to go. This could include your riding helmet, gloves, water bottle, and any necessary grooming tools. Again, this helps maintain your mental state during the lesson. It never hurts to be over-prepared!
• Get focused and stay focused. Be a ‘thinking rider.’ This means actively listening, understanding, and applying the instructions given by your instructor. It doesn’t matter if you had a complex test at school or a stressful day at work before your lesson. Try to clear your mind of all distractions and focus solely on your horse. A good instructor will never get upset at someone making mistakes while trying to learn, but failing to listen to directions will leave everyone flustered.
• A positive attitude is not only beneficial but also essential for your personal growth and progress. Maintaining a positive attitude, especially when things don’t go as planned, is necessary for your progress. Remember, challenging yourself is a difficult task, and mistakes are valuable learning opportunities. A poor attitude can hinder your progress and affect the overall atmosphere of the lesson. On the other hand, a positive attitude can inspire you to overcome challenges and foster a better relationship with your horse and instructor. So, keep your spirits high and your mind open, and you’ll see the difference it makes in your riding journey.
• Don’t decide you already know a better or different way. There are countless ways to teach something. Just because you’ve been doing it a certain way for a long time doesn’t mean that’s the best way. All horses respond differently. Be open to new ideas. After all, you showed up to hear the riding instructor’s expertise! Being receptive to new methods will make your learning experience more enriching and adaptable, and it will make you a more versatile rider. So, keep an open mind and be ready to embrace new techniques; you’ll be amazed at how they can transform your riding skills.
• Observe and learn from others when riding in group lessons. Other rider’s experiences can be a source of inspiration and learning. Watch the other riders in your group as they take their turn. See who was able to follow directions. Observe how they maintain their posture, how they communicate with their horse, and how they handle different riding situations. Learning isn’t limited to what you are doing. You absorb a great deal by observing.
• Study the horses, too. Watching horses ridden by other students is also a good way to learn about variations in each horse’s gait and way of going. Quick ones, slow ones, and different ways each horse may be challenged in remaining balanced while carrying a rider. Observe and analyze how riders effectively and ineffectively manage different challenges presented to them while riding.  
• Be open to a lifetime of learning with horses. Horseback riding is not a sport that can be learned overnight. Students committed to being good riders are lifelong learners who are open-minded and thoughtful in their approach to helping the horse they are riding achieve maximum efficiency and balance. This means ensuring the horse is comfortable, not overworked, and moving in a way that is natural and healthy. Ultimately, this results in the horse’s contentment and optimal performance. They listen to everything and try their hardest. You don’t ever stop learning, so never stop trying to improve! A continuous learning process will motivate you to stay dedicated to your riding journey and inspire you to keep pushing your limits.

We look forward to working with you for some enjoyable and awesome riding lessons!

Warmest regards,