Changing the mindset of instructors who have only ever known the competitive, show-driven side of the horse world is a challenge, but it’s not impossible. It requires a shift in values, education, and experience. Here are some ways instructors can have a more well-rounded, horsemanship-focused approach:
Learn a Different Perspective
Many instructors today grew up in a system where horse shows were the goal, and they may not even realize there’s another way to teach riding. Investigating a broader equestrian lifestyle—one that values relationship-building with horses, practical horsemanship skills, and a deeper understanding of horse care—can plant a seed of change and help develop horsemen for the future.
- Offer clinics, workshops, or mentorship programs that focus on horse-centered teaching rather than competition-focused instruction.
- Share books, documentaries, and stories about legendary horsemen and women who valued partnership over always striving for the blue ribbon. Teach your students the history of their sport.
Encourage a Shift in Teaching Philosophy
Instructors often teach the way they were taught. If they’ve never experienced a lesson program that isn’t centered on competition, they won’t think to create one. Reframe your goals as an educator rather than just a coach.
- Promote curriculum-based riding programs that teach well-rounded horsemanship, not just riding skills.
- Show how developing a strong foundation in horse care, groundwork, and stable management makes for better riders—not just better competitors. And how it helps develop better citizens.
Make It Financially Appealing
One of the biggest reasons instructors push competition is because it’s where the money is. Parents are willing to pay for the prestige of winning ribbons, and barns make a business out of showing. Focus on developing a demand for non-show-focused riding programs and that can build a successful business without relying on horse shows.
- Highlight successful alternative lesson programs, such as recreational riding schools, horse camps, therapy riding, and immersive horsemanship experiences.
- Encourage lesson programs that emphasize long-term client retention over short-term competitive success.
- Make teaching group riding lessons the norm and not unusual.Riding is a social experience. Save the privates for riders who have fear issues or a problem that requires very close attention.
- Teach ground school classes to all your same level students at once. Make attendance a requirement. Ground school is as important as riding. Make sure your prices reflect their value.
Reintroduce the Joy of Horses
Many instructors who grew up in the show world have never experienced the simple joys of just being with horses. Their relationship with horses has always been transactional—train, compete, win. If they experience something different, they might start to crave it for their students.
- Take time away from the show scene to experience trail riding, liberty work, or simply watching horses interact in a herd.
- Organize alternative horse events like obstacle courses, mounted games, or horsemanship challenges that allow riders to bond with their horses without the pressure of winning.
- Camp with your horse and a picket line
We Need to Educate New Instructors Differently
Change is slow, but it happens one generation at a time. If we start educating new instructors differently, we can shift the focus over time.
- You don't have to be a "Big Name" to do well.
- Create instructor training programs that emphasize horsemanship over competition coaching.
- Develop a structured curriculum for new riding instructors that doesn’t rely on horse shows as the ultimate goal.
- Make learning to ride a valued experience
Is It an Impossible Change?
No, but it will take time and desire. The competition-driven industry is deeply ingrained, but not every rider or parent wants to chase ribbons. If more programs emphasize horsemanship, character development, and true riding skill over just competing, demand will grow. Instructors who see that they can have happy, loyal students without the pressure of showing will start to shift their approach.
"Teaching riding is a calling not a competition." BEF
Thanks for reading The Riding Instructor. Add your ideas to the comments. Let me know your opinion!
Barbara Ellin Fox
https://TheRidingInstructor.net
