Teaching with Heart: Why True Instruction Goes Beyond Riding Skills by Alisha Van Harn

In the world of horseback riding instruction, technical knowledge and skill are incredibly important—but they’re not everything. While it’s essential to understand the mechanics of riding, horse care, and safety, there’s another crucial element that sets exceptional instructors apart: the heart of a teacher.

Over the weekend, I had the unfortunate opportunity to witness a riding lesson that left me both disheartened and frustrated on behalf of the student. The lesson was being taught by someone who believes she is capable of being a riding instructor, but what unfolded revealed a glaring truth—she had no idea how to effectively teach or even properly ride the exercises she assigned.

The session began well enough. The student and horse were warmed up with a decent routine that seemed to prepare them for what was to come. The instructor led them through a few basic exercises: turn on the forehand, turn on the haunches, leg yields, and haunches in. While the rider and horse executed these movements competently, it became obvious that the rider was doing most of the work on her own. The instructor provided minimal guidance or feedback, as if she didn’t fully grasp the details of the movements herself.

Things took a nosedive when the instructor decided to introduce the shoulder-in to the lesson. Without giving any meaningful explanation or step-by-step instruction on how to actually ride a shoulder-in, she sent the rider off to attempt the movement—offering little more than vague commands.

The rider, clearly unfamiliar with the movement, tried her best to piece together what the instructor was asking for. But with each attempt, it became obvious that she wasn’t receiving the necessary guidance. No correction, no breakdown of aids, no understanding of how to properly align the horse or maintain the right rhythm. Just the same unclear, unhelpful instructions shouted over and over again.

As the lesson dragged on for almost an hour, the rider’s frustration became painfully visible. She was trying everything she could think of—asking questions, attempting to clarify what she should be doing—but every effort was met with judgment and blame from the instructor. Rather than offering support or adjusting her teaching approach, the instructor shifted the fault entirely onto the student, as if the rider should magically understand the movement without ever having been taught it properly.

The breaking point came when the instructor, clearly out of patience, started yelling at the rider to dismount. She insisted that she would get on the horse and show her how the movement should be done. But when she mounted, the true depth of the problem became clear: the instructor herself couldn’t ride a shoulder-in. Despite her loud criticism and insistence that the rider was at fault, she couldn’t get the horse to correctly perform the movement either.

It was a disaster, not just because the student left the arena more confused and demoralized than when she entered, but because the instructor’s lack of knowledge and teaching ability caused unnecessary frustration. The rider wasn’t failing to grasp the shoulder-in because she couldn’t ride—it was because she wasn’t being taught how to ride it in the first place.

The story above is full of fodder I could write about but we are going to focus on the number one issue here:

Riding Skills Alone Don’t Make an Instructor.

This experience was a harsh reminder that just because someone can ride (or says they can ride) doesn’t mean they can teach. And just because someone wears the title of “instructor” doesn’t mean they truly know how to guide a student through the learning process. Teaching isn’t simply about demonstrating a skill; it’s about being able to communicate effectively, break down movements in a way that makes sense, and most importantly, adjust to each student’s unique needs and learning style.

Being able to ride a shoulder-in yourself is not enough to make you capable of teaching it. A great instructor is someone who not only understands how to perform the exercise but knows how to explain it, demonstrate it, and support the student as they work through their own challenges. Unfortunately, in this lesson, none of those elements were present.

The Heart of Good Instruction: Teaching with Empathy

The heart of good instruction is empathy, understanding, and the ability to break down complex movements in a way that makes sense. A rider might struggle with a movement for any number of reasons—fear, confusion, lack of confidence, or simply inexperience. As an instructor, our job is not to place blame but to meet our student where they are, offering encouragement and patience along the way. Teaching with heart means being deeply invested in our student’s growth, not just as a rider but as an individual.

The role of a riding instructor is much more than giving commands. It’s about forming a partnership with the student, just as the student forms a partnership with the horse. In a field where trust is the foundation of any successful horse-rider relationship, fostering that same trust between teacher and student is essential. When students feel supported, heard, and understood, they are more likely to be receptive to learning. They’ll take risks, make mistakes, and push through challenges because they know their instructor is there to guide and uplift them.

Why Teaching with Heart Matters

The lesson I observed could have gone very differently had the instructor approached the situation with more heart, patience, and a genuine desire to teach. Here’s why teaching with heart—and truly embodying the role of a teacher—is essential to success in riding instruction:

1. Empathy Fosters Trust

When we teach with empathy, we recognize that every student learns at their own pace and in their own way. We understand their frustrations, their fears, and their challenges. Empathy fosters trust, and trust is the key to creating a safe learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and progressing at their own pace.

2. Communication Is Key

Effective communication is the backbone of good teaching. It's not enough to tell a student to "just do it." We need to break down the movement, explain the "why" behind each step, and ensure the student fully understands before they attempt it. When an instructor fails to communicate clearly, it sets the student up for frustration and failure—just as I saw in the lesson.

3. Patience Encourages Progress

Progress takes time. Not every student will grasp a movement on their first attempt—or their tenth. Teaching with heart means being patient, adjusting your teaching methods to suit the student, and celebrating small victories along the way. Progress comes in increments, and it’s the instructor’s job to guide the student through each step with understanding.

4. It’s About Building Confidence, Not Criticism

Criticism without guidance is discouraging. In the lesson I observed, the instructor’s shouting and blame only served to shake the student’s confidence and create tension between rider and horse. Teaching with heart means lifting students up, helping them believe in their own abilities, and providing constructive feedback that empowers them to improve.

5. You’re Shaping Riders, Not Just Riders’ Skills

As a riding instructor, we’re shaping not only the rider’s technical abilities but also their mindset, work ethic, and passion for the sport. When we teach with heart, we help our students become confident, resilient riders who can handle challenges with grace. We’re teaching them how to communicate with their horse, but we’re also teaching them life skills like perseverance, patience, and self-compassion.

Conclusion: The Heart of a Teacher Is the Heart of the Lesson

Teaching riding isn’t just about being able to ride—it’s about being able to teach with heart. It’s about listening, guiding, encouraging, and truly investing in your students’ growth. In a field that relies on trust, partnership, and communication, these qualities are essential for any instructor who wants to make a lasting, positive impact on their students.

When we teach with heart, we aren’t just teaching riders how to perform movements—we’re helping them discover their potential, overcome their fears, and develop a lifelong passion for riding. And that, more than any technical skill, is what truly makes an exceptional riding instructor.

1. Build Trust, Not Just Skills

At the foundation of every great teacher-student relationship is trust. Riding, especially for beginners, can be intimidating. The weight of fear or doubt can cloud a student's ability to progress. When we teach with heart, we recognize that trust isn’t built overnight—it’s earned through patience, consistency, and genuine care.

By taking the time to get to know our students personally, listening to their concerns, and respecting their boundaries, we create an environment where they feel safe. This sense of security makes it easier for students to take risks, make mistakes, and learn. The more trust we build, the more they’ll be willing to push themselves beyond their comfort zones, leading to real growth.

Example:
When a young rider grips the reins too tightly out of fear, an instructor with the heart of a teacher will pause to ask how they’re feeling. Instead of pushing the student to immediately master a new skill, the instructor might share their own stories of nervousness when learning to ride and guide the student through the process with reassurance.

2. Nurture Confidence, Not Perfection

The heart of a teacher knows that riding is a journey, and every student’s path will look different. It’s easy to focus on perfecting skills, but teaching with heart means understanding that confidence often comes before competence. Our students may not nail every trot or canter right away, but with encouragement, they’ll believe in themselves enough to keep trying.

When we show empathy for our students’ challenges and praise their small victories, we help them develop the self-confidence they need to tackle bigger goals. By focusing on progress rather than perfection, we build resilient riders who aren’t afraid to keep learning—even when it’s tough.

Example:
A student struggling with their seat might feel defeated after repeated attempts. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, the compassionate instructor highlights what the student is doing right: “Your posture is improving, and I can see how much effort you're putting in. Let’s build from here.”

3. Cultivate a Lifelong Love for Riding

Students who learn from an instructor who teaches with heart are far more likely to develop a lifelong passion for riding. This is because they’re learning in an environment where they feel supported, appreciated, and empowered. Riding becomes more than just a sport—it becomes a source of joy, connection, and growth.

When we teach with heart, we pass on more than just skills. We pass on a mindset of curiosity, patience, and a love for the process of learning. This emotional connection to riding often carries students through the ups and downs of their riding journey, turning them into lifelong learners and, eventually, ambassadors of the sport.

Example:
Think about the student who walks into their first lesson feeling a mix of excitement and fear. Over time, because of the trust and support you’ve cultivated, they not only become a more skilled rider but also develop a deep bond with the horses and a genuine love for the process. Years later, they’ll remember how you made them feel, and it will keep them connected to the equestrian world.

4. Create a Positive Ripple Effect

When we teach with heart, the lessons we impart extend far beyond the riding arena. Students take with them life skills like patience, empathy, discipline, and resilience—qualities that benefit them in all areas of life. They learn how to work through frustration, celebrate progress, and approach challenges with a positive mindset.

Our influence as a compassionate, empathetic teacher doesn’t stop at the student. They, in turn, will share what they’ve learned with others—whether it’s teaching a younger sibling how to approach a horse for the first time, or simply exhibiting a strong sense of sportsmanship in competition. Our impact will create a ripple effect, fostering kindness and empathy throughout the equestrian community.

Example:
A student who has learned patience and respect from you might one day volunteer at a barn, helping beginner riders with the same compassion you showed them. This ripple effect amplifies the positive culture of the sport and strengthens the overall community.

5. Become a Mentor, Not Just an Instructor

Riding instructors who teach with heart often find that their role extends beyond simply teaching riding techniques. They become mentors, guiding students not just in their equestrian journey, but in life. Many students form lasting relationships with instructors who’ve supported them through challenges and celebrated their achievements—on and off the horse.

As a mentor, we provide guidance, support, and inspiration. We’re the person they look up to when they’re in need of advice, and we’re a consistent presence in their personal growth. This goes far beyond the technical elements of riding—it’s about being a positive force in their life journey.

Example:
A student dealing with a personal setback may come to their lesson feeling down. As their mentor, you take the time to talk with them, offering support and understanding beyond the riding lesson. The heart of a teacher knows when it’s time to focus on more than just riding.

Conclusion: Teaching With Heart is Teaching for Life

Teaching with heart isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a way of life for the best riding instructors. It’s about putting our students’ emotional and physical well-being first and using our influence to shape not only skilled riders but confident, compassionate individuals. The heart of a teacher is what turns a simple lesson into a life-changing experience, leaving a lasting impression that your students will carry with them forever.

As a riding instructor, technical expertise is important, but the ability to teach with empathy, compassion, and genuine care is what will set us apart and truly makes a difference in our students' lives. So, approach each lesson not just with a goal of improving skills, but with a commitment to teaching with heart. Your students—and the equestrian world—will be better for it.

Until next time, 

Alisha Van Harn