Ponies 101: Part 2 - Lesson Etiquette

We have all been there - to that kids' sporting practice where a parent just can't keep their mouth shut and let the coach do their job.  They are driving much unnecessary attention to themselves, probably embarrassing their kid and definitely irritating the coach and other spectators.  

Newsflash - don't be that person.  

Today I want to offer up some riding lesson etiquette for parents.  I've had the privilege of being the instructor of many students over the years.  In this last year, I have also had the privilege to hand my own kid over to her instructors.  

1.   Know your barn rules and procedures.  Most barns have a posted list of rules and procedures.  They exist for your safety and ease of function of the whole operation.  Not only are many instructors handling teaching and training, they also have to manage all their four legged employees and their gear, feeding, etc.  Pretend you had 20 kids to keep up with that weight 1,000 lbs each, didn't speak the language and all had their own schedules.  Know procedures and follow them.    
2. Communicate with the instructor.  Life happens.  And that's ok, but do keep your instructor in the loop as far in advance (at least 24 hours) as possible if it impacts their schedule.  Frequently other people are ready to fill your lesson spot even temporarily, so give your instructor the opportunity to keep up their income if you can't be there.  
3. Be on time.  Would you be late for your own job?  The answer, hopefully, is no.  As an instructor, it is expected that students to be on time.  As the parent shuttling the little one to and fro, that is your job.  Ask the trainer how much time is required in advance of the scheduled time to prepare for the lesson.  For example, if the scheduled lesson is at 10 am and your child has to retrieve the pony and gear, then groom and tack up, plan to arrive at 9:30 so your kiddo has plenty of time to prepare for the lesson and arrive to the ring on time and ready to go.  
4.  Trust your instructor.  You selected your trainer because you decided their qualifications were suitable for your child.  Let them do their job.  ​Yes, it is easy to run a Google search and find out how to help your kiddo get the right lead canter, BUT your YouTube video does not have the one-on-one time that the trainer does with your kiddo.  Of course if you are seeing multiple safety issues recurring regularly that is another story and needs to be addressed.  Otherwise, trust your instructor to do their job.  
5.   No Drama.  This one should be pretty simple.  You are at the barn for your kid to ride.  NOT to stir the pot.  Of course personality conflicts may arise with another parent, boarder, whomever, but be the adult.  Figure it out or avoid it.  Barn drama will get you know where, but kicked out.  This can also hark back to basic social etiquette of avoiding topics of discussion like religion, politics, money, sex life etc. 
6. Keep siblings and visitor activity in check.  It's easy to think that the barn is a great place for kids to run around and burn off some steam.  However, it can be a hazardous place for kids that don't know how to behave around horses.  In the interest of safety for non riding kids and those riding, make a plan to keep the non riding kiddos busy and away from the barn and rings.  Some barns have designated areas for playing and goofing off.  Find out where those are and take busy bodies there for some supervised time if that is acceptable.  The reality to horses is, they are creatures of flight.  What might seem like innocent play for an assuming child can turn lethal for the rider, horse and onlooker.  This goes for adult family members who are unaware too.  This goes back to #2 of communicating with the instructor.  Ask ahead of time if you think something might be a disruption around the horses.  

Let these tidbits serve as little reminders of where we need to focus when we are at the barn for our young riders.  Your kiddo and trainer will thank you for it!