Teaching beginner blues

[LaraNSpeedy]

How many you instructors out there DREAD the total beginner riders? I think I just have to look at it as weeding the kids out who are not really into it or parents who are too much trouble.

I have two students right now who - firstly both are kids of newly divorced parents. One is a boy and he rides and then I will not see him for 3 weeks and then he rides and then it is 3 weeks until I see him again. So inconsistent he cannot learn anything. And the other has been taking private lessons and she is talented but in 4 months, she called me herself (she is 11) to cancel last minute and stood me up completely once 0 went out of town once and the father called to tell me just in case her mom forgot (she did) and that was an hour before the lesson - and twice her mom texted me last minute to say she forgot her boots at her dads. No telling me she is cancelling.... her mother never confronts me directly. So I told her - I cant do private for her. I have to make that hour a group lesson and if she shows up - she gets whatever horse is available. I was only even being that leniant because of the whole divorce weirdness. Her mom was so mad (via email not direct) and said she has to have privates for safety. I said BYE BYE and told her any other instructor is not going to put up with this and if she cares about her daughter's safety - make sure her daughter rides CONSISTENTLY.

The boy is still on the roster because he is friends with my other students but he really cant be counted.

I do have one student who took a year to post naturally. She is SO not naturally gifted and she is really tiny and weak physically. But she keeps on keeping on! And she goes to shows and wins some ribbons. SHe must love it! =)

I LOVE my intermediates and advanced intermediates. I love working on changes and tempo and fun courses and even shoulder fore and leg yields and dressage tests. I am fine with new students but GAWD its like only 1 out of 5 turn out to be a good investment for me. As an instructor, I invest in my riders more effort than I really get paid for because I am in it to see them excel. I guess I cant take it too seriously! But GRRRRR.

[Meliora]

Could you hire another beginner instructor that could take the kids from first lesson to learning to canter? That would fix the problem. I do understand that you have to weed out many newbees to find that special student that will show and buy a horse. That can be frustrating....

[kmsf]

Do most trainers feel that it is a waste of time teaching a student to ride if they are not going to buy a horse and show it? My daughter has been riding for 6 years, seldom misses a lesson (2-3 times weekly), but does not own her own horse. I would feel badly if we have been a "waste of time." Our trainers have never made us feel that way.:confused:

(sorry-this was in response to Meliora's post)

[Renn/aissance]

There's a difference between being a devoted student who shows up regularly, prepared for her one lesson per week, and progressing slowly but surely, and being a student who for whatever reason regularly misses lessons or is unprepared and is unable to make progress as a result. Both categories can be filled with beginners, intermediates, and advanced riders, on school horses or on expensive AA-show quality mounts of their own. I suspect that the OP's commentary reflected less on beginner riders or those who don't have their own horses than it did on students of the latter category who seem to lack commitment.

That said, if these two kids really want to ride and are caught in a web of inter-parental hostility and miscommunication, I really feel for them.

[klmck63]

I don't think that it's students who don't own horses who are a waste of time, it's students who aren't dedicated. It is a waste of time for the instructor to coach and put effort into a kid who is only going to show up sporadically and not give much effort into learning how to ride.

A student who rides consistently and comes to every lesson unless sick or out of town and really tries to improve is worth the effort because you get the reward of seeing the kid improve, can assume that they will continue to ride and continue to take lessons.

I think for most coaches, the amount of effort the kid puts in is the same amount of effort the coach is willing to put in. If the kid doesn't take it seriously then the coach doesn't have to really, either.

It's important to take into consideration though that these kids might not be to blame. They might just be caught in the middle of some nasty parent relationships that reflect poorly on them, even though there is nothing they can do to change the situation. If the 11 year old had to call you herself to cancel her lesson I would almost suspect that the parents are not making getting the kid to their lessons is a priority. Generally 11 years old is still a stage where the parents arrange all the riding scheduling for you!

[Mukluk]

I understand the frustration with inconsistent lesson appearances. But wanted to comment on the other aspect. I have never taught riding but have taught skiing for years. Teaching beginners is much harder work than teaching more advanced skiers.... HOWEVER, they will never learn so much and progress so quickly as when they are beginners. Beginners are a blank slate... No bad habits, and you can nip any bad habits in the bud. And it is so exciting to introduce a someone with no experience to a sport that they can enjoy for a lifetime. That's how I feel about teaching beginners. Everyone was a beginner once.

[Long Spot]

While I don't really have any right now, I enjoyed teaching the beginners. Of course some were flakey, some found it wasn't for them, and some really lacked any lick of natural ability. Those did get weeded out and some could be a downright headache. But teaching the beginners really forced me to be able to come up with different ways of getting to the same end, which really rounded out my teaching style, no matter what level.

And now I very much enjoy that most of my clients I have at this point (both horse owning and serious lesson horse folks) were at one time my very own beginners. It's been great to see them grow and change in their riding so much over the years.

And Kmsf? Your daughter sounds like a trainers dream. I'd welcome someone like that with open arms. Dedication is always welcome, horseless or not.

[copper1]

I love the dedicated and excited beginners=time goes by and they become your top riders! I will not tolerate consistanly late or absent without excuse and tell the parent and then charge them for the lesson time. If they don't cancel ahead of time, I still need to catch and groom the lesson horse and perhaps turn away someone else since that time slot/horse had been booked.
I put as much effort into my dedicated beginner-non horse owning riders as I do my others but I can't get excited about those that turn up once in a while and I do my best to encourage them to ride more regularly at least or suggest they just go to a rent a horse place and get their horse fix there.

[BravAddict]

No, I do not ever feel frustrated by children who are not naturally gifted, or who take riding lessons just for fun. It sounds to me you're more frustrated by inconsiderate clients. That *can* be frustrating. In that circumstance, I would tell myself that in these kinds of interactions and relationships (professional providing a service to a client), it is more important for *me* to be considerate and responsible because *I* am the professional. Lack of organization in clients, while annoying, is not really my (that is to say, your) responsibility. You could always elegantly (read: no exclamation points) include a reminder in your quarterly literature about giving you as much notice as possible when making cancellations.
I try not to forget that these riders and these families are, at least in part, my bread and butter.

As an instructor, I invest in my riders more effort than I really get paid for because I am in it to see them excel.

That makes me sad. Isn't seeing them excel bonus enough? The boy, especially, won't be able to get any better, so keep him in beginners. When he asks why he can't canter like the other kids, you could then explain to him that he simply doesn't come to enough of his lessons to be strong. As an instructor, it's not really your job to shuttle them along through the "levels." It's your job to teach what you've got. Isn't it?

[Meliora]

KMSF- I never said that anyone is a "waste of time". I will explain further. Every stable has a different plan for their clients. Some stables only do "A" rated showing and training, and some only do once a week lessons. Most stables will fall in the middle (as my farm does). The problem lies when the expectations of the stable (or trainer) do not meet with the expectations of the student (or client). If this particular trainer is looking to develop her clientel to include people that show, board and train with her, then that would be a "different expectation" from a once a week rider that shows up occasionally for "fun lessons". That is why I suggested hiring another instructor that can teach this type of client (and enjoy it). The other option is to be upfront at the first phone call. Let the client know that after __________(amount of time) they are required to take more lessons or lease/own a horse with you. I think that either one of these options will help with the frustration that the OP feels. I hope that clears things up:)

[kmsf]

Thanks Meliora:)

[MIKES MCS]

I too would try and hire an up / down trainer, it's not expensive ( a small cut of each lesson) and it will keep you from losing your mind.. If that 2nd trainer is doing their job right the can be worth their weight in gold, They not only teach the new kid the basics, they educate the parent on SOP and what is and is not tolerated, by the time a student is ready for more advanced instruction everyone is trained and knows what to expect. and as much of a PITA as it can be I strongly suggest a barn manual.. these days everything is in writing and if they have it in such , there is no excuse other then an absolute emergency to not cancel a lesson 24 hours in advance or pay for it. It can also point out the goals of the barn and of it's students so parents are aware of the general atmosphere.

[Trakehner]

I love teaching beginners and advanced...it's everyone in the middle who thinks they know it all.

I've had students pay me to listen to them blather on what clinic they attended, what videos they watched and how my teaching was different. Well, OK then, if you want to pay good money to lecture me...have fun!

What's tough with beginners is when they don't get a chance to get their butts in the saddle and build up a little muscle memory. They'll never develop their "autopilot" seat. It'll take em' a lot more time to get good, but many kids fought their way to being great riders one day a week.

I don't enjoy beginners who are riding as an expensive box to check off on their "what I did today that was expensive for my parents and can impress my friends".

Adult beginners are the bravest of people...they know what they look like in britches, know they don't bounce and see all these tweens be-bopping around like champs, spouting jargon they almost understand...and the adults still come out and ride. Good for them...sure glad I got my 1st pony when I was 4.

[findeight]

Well, first off, the kids here are not really your clients and it is not their fault they don't show up because, you know, they cannot drive yet. If the ride to the barn is off, so is the lesson. Kind of thought this would be about the boredom of teaching up down lessons or once a weekers with no desire to do more, not little kids who don't show up.

And, for all you know, that 11 year old girl is in tears when she cannot ride and too embarrassed to call you. The boy is probably in the same situation.

So please direct your frustration away from these kids to the source of the problem...it's not because they are beginners, it's because they don't show up, Right?

Not saying these kids are angels or don't have issues at all...but they cannot get themselves to the barn and they are a little young to hear your frustration over the phone if they call to cancel...and, really, 11 is a little young yet to expect to take over cancelling appointments without a reminder from a parent.

What is going on here can be solved by establishing a lesson cancellation policy. No call to cancel within XX hours of the lesson, charged anyway (except in cases of emergencies or, maybe, weather). That will put the responsibility on the parent whose job it is to get them there, not on some little kid who probably wants to come.

[fancyfooted]

Teaching beginners really is the most difficult part of being an instructor, and it's made 10 times more difficult when you end up with kids who can't be there consistently. What's the worst is when you have a kid who wants to learn and has the talent, but the parents can't seem to get their poop in a pile enough to keep the kid there each and every week. You end up with kids like the OP's boy rider who only show up once every 3-4 weeks. Or like me who has a kid whose parents I won't hear from for 3-4 months and then they call and want a lesson - and now I am unavailable to teach them. So, the kid is the one suffering here!

I am not a huge fan of teaching beginners really, but I will do it because it's awesome to watch them learn and grow, and to be able to mold them into excellent horsemen. Nothing is so delightful as the huge smile on their faces when they do something totally new, and they do it well - like their first canter!

[Quin]

Thank you, findeight.

I also thought the thread was going to be about teaching, not attendance. And I agree that in the majority of the cases I have seen, the kid who does not attend regularly would LOVE to be there; they simply do not rate very high on the totem pole in their own family, so their lesson gets lost when it's not convenient for the adult who brings them.

And they know it.

Which is why they need their horse time even MORE than most. Honestly, is there another barn in the area that would be happy to have them? Can you refer them over to that other trainer? Don't take it out on the kid, or make the kid feel more worthless than he/she already does.

[jumpsnake]

My barn (where I take weekly lessons- alas all that work and $$ will allow) has a cancellation policy-- if you don't call and cancel at least 2 hours before the lesson, you are charged anyway.
Make them sign a contract and stick to it.

[Pony Soprano]

Have you considered changing your lesson policies?
Our barn sells the lessons on a monthly basis in a package. If you cancel 24 hours in advance you can have a makeup within the month. Exceptions are made if a child comes home sick from school, but we make sure that the parents know that if they don't call there is a horse standing there waiting for them. We will occasionally sell a single lesson, but they are priced higher than the normal lesson rate so most people take the package.

[KateKat]

[QUOTE=Trakehner;4299054]
Adult beginners are the bravest of people...they know what they look like in britches, know they don't bounce and see all these tweens be-bopping around like champs, spouting jargon they almost understand...and the adults still come out and ride. [QUOTE]


LOL, thanks for that Trak. I started riding at 24, I'm 27 now. I just have to smile when I'm getting shown up by an 8 year old.


As for the OP...I think that implementing and enforcing a lesson policy will go a long way. As will making beginning clients pay in advance. However, I think you do have to come to terms that some people are just plain flakey and you either want to deal with them or you don't and tell them to move somewhere else.

[fancyfooted]

As others have mentioned, it is VERY important to implement a cancellation policy. Mine is as follows, and it's pretty standard:

"24 hour cancellation is REQUIRED or the lesson is forfeit. Cancelling ahead of time ensures that you are given a make-up lesson, to be scheduled before the end of the month. There are no make-up lessons nor refunds for no-call, no-shows."

[LShipley]

Another lesson policy suggestion:
In addition to the cancellation policy of 24 hrs notice (unless sudden illness), and permission to reschedule a cancellation of more than 24 hrs notice within that month, have students pay for lessons at the beginning of the month whenever they sign up. If they don't pay at that time, don't hold a spot for them. You can also distribute a student roster, with contact info - if someone finds themselves in the position that they need to cancel last minute, or towards the end of the month with no time for make-up, perhaps they can switch lesson times with another student, or "sell" their lesson time to someone else.

I think it is good to publicize all these policies, but then be a little flexible when the situation warrants it.

[zahena]

Our lessons are sold in an 8 week increment. You have 24 hours to cancel, or you lose it. I'm sometimes lienent on people if they are my good and steady customers. Otherwise, no thanks! You can just lose it. It's amazing how people show up when they have already paid.

It is frustrating when they dont' show like they arrange to. Especially when the parents ask why they aren't progressing and you have to tell them it's a consistency issue.

[skyy]

We have a 24 hour cancellation policy and boy, do the parents push it. They will call 24 hours and 1 minute before the next lesson to tell you the kid won't be there because he's at camp (which they obviously didn't spontaneously decide to drop him off at) or they are on vacation (which has been planned for months). What we find very frustrating is the parents who want the kids to ride even when the kids act like they are being tortured. Is this the new in thing? Is it so parents can boast that their kid rides? I really don't get it. It is painful for the kid and the instructor. The kid doesn't want to be there so they never really improve and the poor instructor is left trying to fill up an hour (after all, these parents want to make sure that their kid gets the 60 minutes they paid for!)

[Thomas_1]

I absolutely really love teaching beginners and sharing my passion for the sport and seeing them develop their ability and enthusiasm.

[Noctis]

I love teaching beginners, its my favorite thing to do....many beginner parents on the other hand..UGH. Don't like them so much, but they're worth dealing with because of the sheer joy my kids get learning something new. Its just a treat getting to share that with them.

[fair judy]

i taught beginner to medal finals levels, and i miss the beginner lessons the most.

[goeslikestink]

i love beginners i love encourageing people to the sport with a passion

[copper1]

I agree about going after the parents for the no shows. I had a kid who was habitually very late or would come on the wrong day! If she came 1/2 late, which she often did, i would just send her back to her car telling her mom it was too late. The child was difficult in anycase and I finally had to tell her mom that she couldn't ride with us anymore until she learned to listen and obey things she was told. She was actually a danger to herself and the others. I have also told parents that their child really didn't want to ride and they were wasting their money and my time.

[Czar]

Beginner lessons *shudder*

You have to have a certain type of personality to teach up/downers and I for one, was too competitive. I knew that some kids were just in it to sit on a pony once a week but I wanted everyone to be Olympic champions :lol:

Actually, I am with Trakehner, the true beginners were fine - it was the in-betweeners...they get to a certain point in the learning curve where it really slows down b/c of the lack of saddle time. Which is fine...except when you have a parent whose expectations outweigh their committment.

[Coppers mom]

Why not just start telling the mother that she has to pay for the lesson if she cancels less than 24 hours out? There is a lot of weirdness that goes on when it comes to divorce, so I wouldn't be so quick to get frustrated. For all you know, the parents are playing games (Oh, you want to pick her up from her lesson? Well guess what? She's not going!) and you and the poor kid are stuck in the middle. If the girl enjoys riding, it's good to stand up and charge for cancellations to make the parents a little more consistant. If anything, you still get paid for your time.

That being said, I love beginners! Talk about being able to let loose and have fun! How many 16 year olds have fun walking around cones, or holding a piece of tape between two horses to see who can keep together longest? I used to love doing the little little kids in summer camp because you don't really do anything, you just teach them how to groom, stop, go, turn left and right.

[KBEquine]

I absolutely really love teaching beginners and sharing my passion for the sport and seeing them develop their ability and enthusiasm.

It's great to see some folks enjoy beginners. My husband enjoys starting beginners - both equine & human.

He figures you keep them safe, give them guidance, develop their confidence & skills . . . those sorts of things are needed, whatever discipline the horse or rider is destined to pursue.

Then when they're ready to move on . . . he helps them find trainers who will match their goals & aspirations . . . and cheers them on from afar.

Sounds like a solid lesson policy & finding an assistant trainer in your area who enjoys developing newbies into confident advanced newbies would help a lot.