Where Do Riding Instructors Stand?

I don’t ask this question in a metaphorical context—like, where do you stand with your clients—but in a literal one. Where, specifically, do riding instructors stand?

You’ve got an arena full of students who want to learn from your infinite wisdom, and your goal is to provide them with the best riding lesson experience possible. Where you stand in (or outside of) the arena makes a big difference.

Or does it?

Some riding instructors prefer to stand along the outside rail of the arena, such as near the gate. This allows them to see all their students at one time, and has the safety benefit of not having to turn your back on your riding lesson students.

Other riding instructors like to stand in the very center of the arena. This is the point at which you can be most clearly heard by all students, and gives the impression that you are deeply involved with the riding lesson.

Both positions have merit, though I have always chosen the latter because I do not always have a strong voice and I like to be heard. However, I know plenty of amazing riding instructors who park themselves on the outside rail.

Here’s the thing: It isn’t about where riding instructors stand, but how they conduct themselves during a riding lesson.

The conventional wisdom is that many riding instructors who stand on the outside rail are talking with other students, clients and parents while they teach riding lessons. This is true, and if you are known to do this, STOP. It is very unprofessional and a serious safety hazard.

But riding instructors can chat with friends or talk on their cell phones from the center of the arena, too, albeit not as easily. The thing you should be focusing on is not where riding instructors should stand, but how riding instructors should behave during their lessons.

A Few Rules for the Road

1. Don’t talk on your cell phone.
2. Make your voice heard.
3. Talk to your students constantly during riding lessons.
4. Call students in if you need to give detailed explanations.
5. Maintain distance from parents and visitors.
6. Create a “no talking” policy during riding lessons.
7. Move around if you need to get closer to one student.
8. Stop the riding lesson for an emergency.
9. Try not to yell.

Oh, and did I mention don’t talk on your cell phone? I did? Well, I said it again because it’s just that important.