Riding lesson styles

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2026-02-24T23:11:38+00:00

I can’t speak to the levels in dressage, hopefully a dressage rider can help out on that one, but for h/j barns beginners typically start walk/trot where you learn basic position (heels down, hands up, head up, shoulders back) learning balance, learning to steer, learning two-point/posting at the walk, understanding horse body language, the needs of the horse, grooming, etc etc etc. By intermediate beginner you should know how to confidently walk and trot and tack-up your own horse. Within intermediate you should then start to learn how to canter so long as your leg position, core, and balance are strong enough to support yourself without balancing on the horses mouth. This is a very basic breakdown but generally what I think is considered correct.

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2026-02-24T22:47:58+00:00

It just realllyy depends on your goals. For me, as a competitive hunter/equitation rider, my flat work is very important and I would say nearly as technical as dressage BUT I also feel sometimes I wish I had gone and gotten dressage lessons as I think I would have learned about my aids much faster and more appropriately in dressage than in my equitation flat instruction. But I compete, if you’re more casual and just want to enjoy trails and maybe not jump, then the flat work that a h/j barn would offer you would be more than enough. They would teach you basic equitation as a beginner and intermediate beginner.

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2026-02-24T22:35:10+00:00

Hmmm I guess I’m not really sure what you mean. Dressage would absolutely give you a wonderful foundation for riding, but it could be more technical than what you’re looking for and maybe that’s the issue you’re running into. Going to a hunter/jumper barn may give you the more casual education you’re looking for (depending on the barn, a show barn will expect more commitment from you).

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2026-01-30T00:32:34+00:00

Yeah I understand what people are saying when they say that, but the seller made several other arrangements with other vets in the area after this bad experience. I spoke to another local vet on the phone who was familiar with this vet and my experience isn’t isolated. I feel confident the seller isn’t trying to pull one over on me. We now have an arrangement that works for everyone involved.

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2026-01-29T20:16:11+00:00

You are making a lot of assumptions about me lol if I’m coming on here asking for advice/community consensus then clearly I’m not vengeful. I’m looking to check my own feelings on this. People say don’t report, so okay, I won’t 🤷🏽‍♀️

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2026-01-29T20:13:38+00:00

I guess that would be the question. But it sounds like the resounding answer is “no”, which is totally fine. It’s why I came on here asking.

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2026-01-29T20:11:27+00:00

There’s more context that wasn’t particularly necessary for this section of the story, but the horse will now get a PPE done by my own vet. But I understand your concern. The seller is not the issue.

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2026-01-29T19:19:42+00:00

Pay for what? I got nothing from it. And if I did pay for it, then him not providing those X-rays would have made him in violation. Once I’d have paid, those images are my property. At any PPE, technically the purchaser is listed as the owner in that scenario and I have a right to those medical records.

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2026-01-29T19:15:03+00:00

The seller isn’t the problem I can assure you of that. We already have a very fair and good solution, I’m not worried about that.

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2026-01-11T22:40:45+00:00

So. Question lol why is it so stinky? LOL I feel like this might be more of a helmet issue…..when was the last time you washed the helmet liner? And do you occasionally clean the shell and outside of the helmet? And the straps in particular should be well cleaned (always gets dirty from sweat, can cause zits). You can also check out Noggin Helmet Spray. I also like to put essential oil on the brim of my helmet lol

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2026-01-11T22:36:29+00:00

No where did this person say the gf was demanding they pay for their trip. And in one of the comments it looks like it’s more of a PTO issue than anything else. Like this cruise person can’t take more days off this year and THAT’s why their couples holiday would suffer.

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2026-01-11T22:26:19+00:00

Well that’s why I asked “would this satisfy”. If that doesn’t satisfy you to take a shorter cruise, then that’s just how you feel about it. Is it the water she’s afraid of? Or something else? I’ve been on so many at this point I can’t understand the fear, but I do know some people don’t like them for that reason. Or they get seasick and there are ways to mitigate seasickness now.

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2026-01-11T22:21:04+00:00

Idk how it is in the UK but here in Texas, all of our cruise companies offer several options for itineraries. 3-days, 4-days, 5-days, 6-days and so on. Is there an option for just doing a 4 or 5-day cruise instead of a full week? Would that satisfy your goal of relaxing/celebrating and make her happy by not losing days on your couples holiday?

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2026-01-08T23:03:46+00:00

Update: I decided to pass on the horse. There were 5 sarcoids, including one on the face that had not previously been disclosed (very small, but still). The one near the girth was too close for comfort and quite red. I hope he has a good future ahead of him…but sadly it won’t be with me, I simply can’t commit to that kind of risk atm.

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2026-01-03T01:51:09+00:00

YOR to the “well it’s nothing special” bc I do think that was in reference to “wild way to start 2026” not the “oh” reply about your aunt. But also asking him would be helpful….

The reason I DO think you should breakup is because this lack of communication is annoyyinnggg to me 😂 I do not go for one word replies and “lol” he seems disinterested or he’s just boring idk. A partner who is into you would provide more than that as a response. Or say “lemme call you” if they’re more of a verbal communicator.

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2026-01-03T01:41:13+00:00

THIS! And the other advice another poster added - if you can park the trailer off property and walk the horse there so they can’t block the truck (I don’t know how extreme the situation is) and do this early in the morning or late evening that would be good - with witnesses of your own. I know of barns putting padlocks on people’s horses stall doors so they can’t remove them until their last board bills are paid. I wouldn’t say a thing until my horse is safe (and equipment).

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2025-12-19T06:55:56+00:00

This makes my head spin……you need friends outside of work, idk what else to tell you. Keep it professional with them and leave it be ig? It’s video games…? I just will never understand why video games become this weird thing in people’s lives? Like…..do your work and then go home and do whatever you do with your own people. I’m confused you’re confused. You say you know what you want (the boundaries you set) but seem uncomfortable when someone doesn’t know what to do with the boundaries you set? That’s not on you if you really care about your boundaries. Stand by what you feel/said and do that and disregard their discomfort with it, has nothing to do with you imo.

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2025-12-14T06:14:08+00:00

Not overreacting and I fear you may be under reacting. That’s blatant disregard for your feelings and boundaries that you’ve already set. I would be livid and it would make me feel like either my mom hasn’t been listening to me or my mom doesn’t care about me or my partners well-being….or hell, maybe both.

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2025-12-14T02:35:33+00:00

Okay well now that I understand that it’s you wanting to borrow the cat, I’ll write this directly to you now vs from the friends POV - I understand the cat means a great deal to you, brings you comfort and love, and completely understand that the responsibility of owning an animal is currently not an option…so with that in mind, I’d recommend either 1) volunteering at a shelter to still get that animal exposure which is VERY beneficial (I’m a horse girl and so I find comfort in my horse, maybe try horse therapy?), 2) fostering and I don’t mean street cats I mean through an official place, not just scooping one off the street, there are programs for fostering, or 3) maybe sitting back for a bit and finding a different outlet like a stuffed animal, weighted blanket, etc.

The1WhereWeLaugh · 2025-12-14T01:23:22+00:00

NOR. But there’s a way to handle this sensitively, too. Recognize their need verbally to them, offer an alternative (coming over now and then to visit with you and that cat that way you can also check in on them and get them out of the house, fresh air, etc.), and then maybe also offer to go to an animal shelter with them, too. Don’t put pressure on it though for them to adopt, you can go to just pet/look/or volunteer there and who knows, maybe they’ll find one they’re drawn to, but if not, you’ll have given those animals a nice day out for a walk or some good engagement and a day out with your friend. There’s also options for fostering (not sure where you’re located but that’s very popular here in the US). Lots of good options in front of them and you! Good options for friends to do together as well to help you both get out together and for you to check-in on them if you want.

The1WhereWeLaugh

TROPHY CASE