www.horseandrideruk.com

I'm lucky because my partner, although not overly bothered, will ride my horse sometimes. However, he tends to just sit on and hack out, or pootles around the school on his own. The problem we have is that although he can walk and canter okay, he is really struggling to get to grips with trotting. I end up yelling' up,down,up, down' to get him to rise and sit at the right times. He'll get it for a minute, but what else can I do to help and encourage him. Would he be better off on the lunge?

Book the poor guy a lesson! It was a nightmare feeling responsible for teaching my partner to ride, and spoiled our hacking because I was nagging him all the time. Now, his riding is something he worries about, I worry about mine and we enjoy riding out together much more!

I agree with grey horse. Will be less hassle to book him a lesson and let someone else worry about teaching him! Will also be better for your horse. In between his weekly lesson you could lunge him and then he wouldnt have to worry about holding onto the reins. Also, you could make him do some work without stirrups as well to improve his seat.

It takes practice to learn how to trot, i think its the one thing that is mist difficult when learning to ride!

:)

I'm lucky my partner got it first time - but he was made to do same work without stirrups which I think encouraged him. When I commented on how quickly he'd caught on, he said 'you don't have to think about it, the horse just throws you out of the saddle when it's time for you to rise.'

As he's progressed to hacking out with me, I've noticed that his rising is always spot on when the horse he's riding is following behind, but when I make him go in front, he struggles a little as he has to get the horse going as well as rise to the trot - and steer. Is the horse your partner rides lazy? If so, I'd recommend letting him follow you for a bit or lunging him so that you control the speed.

Good luck!

My partner got the rhythym very well, and managed the steering and maintained a steady trot the problem he had was landing heavy and too far forward... therefore landing on the crown jewels. We havent progressed on to canter or hacks yet, still working on the seat position.

Any tips fellas? He's convinced his manly-hood is at risk!

Pukka pony - you've got it spot on! Mine also leans too far forward and worries about his manhood too! Think thats why he walks and canters rather than trotting!

Funny thats maybe why a lot of men ride leaned back and with their feet shoved forward! I always wondered why but now i know lol!!

Hessy - I think that's very true!

We seem to be lacking in masculine manhood advisable men here.... whats going on!!!?

I agree with greyhorse!

Don't teach your partner to drive or ride! Get a professional to help. Lots of avoided arguments!