When you first seek a place to learn to ride, consider whether you or your child prefer to learn in a group or alone. Some riding schools offer students the opportunity to take part in group lessons (which should include no more than five riders per lesson), semi-private lessons (two riders per lesson) and private lessons (just one rider). Below we’ll explore some of the pros and cons of riding in a group.
Economical Aspects
Typically, private lessons are the most expensive option, then semi-private, then group. Since group lessons are the least expensive, it does not mean they are not good. In fact, there are many benefits to group lessons. For example, group lesson students can carpool. Travel time and cost are important to everyone these days. It’s a bonus anytime moms take turns transporting children, and riding lessons are no exception.
Riding More Frequently
Since group lessons are less expensive than private lessons, they may provide you with the opportunity to ride more often. If you opt for group lessons, you may be able to afford to ride twice per week instead of once. Perhaps it will allow you to save money to lease a horse in the future.
Visual Learning
Taking a group lesson gives you an opportunity to see other riders and learn from them. Having a number of riders in a group, generally means that you have an opportunity to watch them perform certain skills a number of times. By observing what they do well and what doesn’t go so well, you visualize your own ride before it is your turn to practice. In group lessons, riders are able to take breaks as they watch others do the exercises.
Bonus Advice from Your Instructor
Hearing your instructor correct and help other riders improve, helps you apply the same advice to your riding if you have a similar issue. Listen carefully to all the comments your instructor makes during a group lesson even if they aren’t directed at you. Absorb as much information and advice as you can. It’s always helpful to have as much riding knowledge as possible.
Riding in a Crowd
It’s important to experience riding in a group, especially if you hope to enter the show ring or go on a trail ride. When riding in a group lesson, concentrate on riding safely amongst other riders and horses. This is excellent practice for a crowded show or warm-up ring. The more group lessons you take, the better you become at anticipating where other horses and riders are headed.
Making Barn Buddies
Riding in group lessons is also a great way to make friends at the barn. If you ride weekly, you soon begin to make friends with the other riders in the group. Whether you are an adult rider, a beginner, or watching your child ride, lifelong friendships begin at the barn; many of which began in group lessons.
Motivate Yourself
Another benefit of taking a group lesson is that sometimes you will find yourself in a group with someone who is more skilled than you in a particular area. Often there is a mix of ages and abilities, so a less experienced riders can watch a more advanced rider. The less experienced riders not only watch and learn but they also become accustomed to performing before people and are less intimidated at shows. Whether it’s an independent seat or excellent position over a fence, seeing other riders in action can motivate you to improve until you achieve the same level.
Individual Attention
On the other hand, if you feel you would benefit from the instructor’s undivided attention, then a private lesson may be more appealing. You may also feel that it’s worth paying a little extra, so the lesson is directed solely to you or your child. Also, private lessons do not have as many distractions. Group lessons are great if the horses are all behaving. However, if your horse is fresh or if a rider is struggling, you should always look for a private or semi-private lesson. When it comes to fine-tuning techniques and supporting horse-specific goals, private lessons are the way to go. Many people opt for private lessons as they are learning the basics.
Private Lessons are Always an Option
If you try group lessons and it seems intimidating, private lessons can always be an option. Perhaps once a month take a private lesson to work on some skill you wish to improve. You may also wish to take a private lesson for a tune-up before a show. A combination of group lessons and private lessons works well for many riders. Nothing has to be set in stone. For example, dressage lessons are best in private form since it is very technical. Jumping lessons are easily taught in groups and provide many opportunities to watch others jump their courses and learn by watching.
What Works Best for You
The best way to determine what lesson format works best for you is to decide what you think would be best and just give it a try! Group lessons facilitate more independent riding, add a social component, and prepare students for show environments. Riders may choose to return to private lessons as they become more advanced and want to learn more difficult movements on horseback. Horsemanship is a journey, and we learn as we go. Perhaps it seems like a silly decision whether to take group lessons or private lessons; however, it is more important to never stop learning.
