Every horse that we have the chance to learn from will teach us something different; these lessons will help you gain the skills to be a stronger, more well-rounded handler and rider. By having an open mind, you’ll find your lesson mounts have tons of valuable knowledge to share with you on your riding journey.
Take a deeper look into the typical personalities and quirks that many lesson horses and ponies have with A-Rated hunter/jumper trainer Wendy Hechler, who owns and operates Greystone Equestrian Center in North Fort Myers, Fla.
Good Horsemanship
Horsemanship is the art of handling, riding, and training respectfully.
“Horsemanship is so important when working with lesson horses,” Wendy says. “Riders need to learn how to read body language and know the differences between safe and unsafe situations. These are things most riders aren’t aware of until they’re taught by someone with experience.”
She gives a few examples:
◆ Learning to talk to and cue horses using words and actions horses understand.
◆ Understanding how to move around horses in pastures, stalls, and cross-ties.
◆ Knowing when it’s appropriate to stay close and when to move out of a horse’s way.
◆ Realize the differences between a cocked leg and a resting leg; pinned/angry ears versus “paying attention” ears.
Wendy says to be sure to ask your trainer for more horse body language tips.
“Pay attention to your horse’s behaviors on the ground; it will give you more insight on the horse you’ll be riding,” she says. “Once on the horse, you’ll need to be aware of how he is reacting to you and other horses and riders nearby.”
It helps to be prepared for the different types of lesson horses you may commonly encounter—we’ll take a closer look at four of them here.
The Slow Snail
The effort it takes to keep this type of slow-moving mount going can not only tire you out, but also frustrate you with the endless squeezing, kicking, clucking and kissing. The physical and mental exhaustion that comes with riding the laziest lesson horses can make learning difficult when there are so many starts and stops during lessons.
There are benefits to the Slow Snail, however. Wendy says that this type of lesson horse is usually the best and safest to learn on.
“You’ll develop strong legs and a strong seat when riding a horse who needs encouragement to keep moving,” she explains.
Wendy also says when you ask for an upward transition—halt-to-walk, walk-to-trot or trot-to-canter—you’ll need to increase leg pressure with clucking and then a light tap of the crop if needed.
You should listen to your instructor on when and how to use your aids. Timing and intensity are key!
The Go-Getter
The challenges of riding a more energetic horse that shows enthusiasm to go, go, go can be overwhelming for riders. Knowing how to half-halt, using quieting and light commands, and remaining calm are the best ways to successfully ride the Go-Getter.
“Be as soft as you can but still be an effective rider,” Wendy says. “You might have to soften your hands on the reins more than you think. Also, try talking more to this type of lesson horse. Take some deep breaths and slow down your own body before asking the horse with your reins. It’s amazing how horses will slow their trot down simply by you sitting in the saddle a half-second longer each time you post.”
Additionally, you can ask your trainer about learning how to longe, use the round pen, or warm up a horse to burn off some excess energy. This will give you a more focused mount to learn on.
The Grouch
Horses, like humans, can find themselves in a bad mood from whatever is going on in their daily lives. Wendy explains that not everyone is suited for a cranky horse, but you can adapt and make the best of it.
Though you can’t control a horse’s mood, you can control how you handle the situation.
“Try to let the horse think everything you’re asking is really his idea,” she says. “Go overboard with praise, pats, scratches and rewards when you notice a positive attitude change.”
A lot of grouchy lesson horses can form habits, such as nipping or crow-hopping, when reacting to the more annoying parts of the job. You need to stay safe when dealing with this type of personality and not let your guard down with a horse who is having an irritable time.
The Sensitive One
Having a horse who is hyper-sensitive to your riding can make lesson time stressful. However, having a horse waiting to be directed and ready to carry out a cue can also be rewarding.
“It’s important to apply your hand and leg aids in the kindest way first with this type,” says Wendy. “You’ll learn to add the perfect amount of pressure that’s needed. It’s about being calm and soft or stricter and firmer when you need to. If you have a driving seat or an extra-grippy leg when you ride, you may need more rein strength. The same goes with a horse who is sensitive in the mouth—you’ll learn to have steady yet soft hands and use your legs to help steer.”
Life Lessons
Wendy understands the importance of having her riders get along with her lesson, lease, and show partners.
“My riders have their own doubts and anxieties when it comes to learning on different personalities, so I place them with the best possible match to learn on,” she says. “I put safety in the forefront and use my experience to decide if it’s OK for them to ride certain horses based on skill levels as well. It’s important to have an instructor who knows how much compassion and how much push is needed to help riders and horses mesh well together.
“I hope to coach the kids to a place of accomplishment,” she continues. “I also hope later on in life, this might help them work things out with a friend, co-worker or someone in their life they struggle to get along with.”
Time and Patience
Some of Wendy’s favorite moments include when her riders learn to appreciate all horses; when both horse and rider can push through any issue; and when riders handle their mount with empathy, no matter what type of horse they’re working with.
This article about lesson horses appeared in the May/June 2024 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!
