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| What's the best way to go about it? I really want to better myself as a rider and shadow someone in order to learn new technqiues, etc. How do you find someone who's been there/done that a bit and how do you ask them? I've been told countless times the best way to get better is to ride with a veteran, so all advice is appreciated. I'm new to my area and I don't have a network of people to turn to. Thanks in advance. |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9991
   
Location: Kansas | best thing to do is go to a clinic. |
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | hoofs_in_motion - 2013-12-07 10:24 PM best thing to do is go to a clinic.
Ditto  |
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 IMA No Hair Style Gal
Posts: 2594
| Find a person with credentials and call them up and ask for a lesson.
Or call them and ask if they will take your horse for 30 days...
Then go out there and ride with them whenever you get a chance.
I got with someone because I sent my horse to them for 30 days to get started on the pattern because I had no idea, and I wanted to learn the correct way from the start.
From there he had a horse for sale that I took a picture of and sent to my friend. My friend ended up buying the horse. I was offered commision or free lessons. I said DUH-FREE LESSONS!
Hauled there a few times to get lessons, decided to sell my horse-went though the trainer to do so...and then it turned into I would help at shows in return for him to ride my horse, watch my runs, critique me whatever is needed. However-I ALWAYS make it a point to offer money for time, or to do something in some way to show I am appreciative of having someone watch my runs and help me.
Most people are more then happy to help. There are a few people I talk to through PM on here too and get their input and insight...and there are a few other friends I go to for help also.
As far as clinics go...I want one on one....I don't want to be a number in the crowd. I would rather spend my money in private lessons that I can go to long term, vs. a clinic over one weekend. BUT that is my personel preference. You will find your person! Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1440
Location: Texas | My advice would be to go to some jackpots and see who is winning in your area. Watch their riding style and ask if they do lessons. If they do take some or as someone else said send your horse to them to ride /tune for 30 days and get lessons on how to ride how they trained your horse. That's what I did. In my area there are many well named pros from both the rodeo and futurity world so I am very fortunate. |
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Expert
Posts: 1561
| Find the person that you want to be like and see if they will help you out. We have some people around here that buy $70K horses and need to get them tuned up 3-4 times a year or people that train and have super hot horses that wont go into the arena, we dont necessarily want our daughter like them.
So we found a real quiet lady that breeds,trains and runs her own kick a$$ horses and they make it into the 1-D money more often than not and luckily we got her to help us out. Its been the best decision for our daughter and her horse and now the trainer has a herd of young girls she works with at her house and at the 4-Ds. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 929
| We have an open arena every Thursday night and there are SEVERAL really accomplished veterans that bring their horses there. Some of them will give you lessons, but some of them are willing to watch and critique your run if you ask them while at the arena, too.
If you have something like this close by, I would just start going, watch, ride, and ask those that seem like they ride well or who have the knowledge. Most people at the venue will tell you who gives lessons and who's good. |
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  Sock eating dog owner
Posts: 4553
Location: Where the pavement ends and the West begins Utah | It helps to know what state you live in ,,, as some sees your post may offer that help your wanting. And a big welcome to BHW..may you enjoy it. |
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 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| I usually just find one I can't live without, ask them for their help, ALWAYS pay at least $50 a ride, even if I have to leave it in cash jammed in an envelope in their trailer door. A lot of girls won't just hand you all of their trade secrets, even for money, but if you stick with them and keep asking questions, you can learn SO much. I always figure if I only learn one thing from every person I ask, then that was way more than I knew before. Some will just adopt you into their family and go way out of their way to help you, and some act like you want to pull out their toenails. Every one is worth it! I have not been turned down help, not once. Just go ask!!
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| Thank you guys for all the suggestions. We recently moved to west Texas. Looks like I just need to get my butt out and talk to people! |
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