Have you ever imagined yourself walking boldly into a paddock to catch "your horse"? You slip the halter on smoothly, close the snap, and then your well-trained animal walks calmly beside you, through the gate, and waits patiently as you close it. From there, you groom your horse effortlessly, saddle and bridle it without fuss and then, you are ready to ride. Your Riding Instructor is in the ring, ready to teach. You either head for a block, or ramp, and your horse waits patiently for you to climb aboard.

As you feel the morning sun on your face, you breathe a contented sigh. LIFE is GOOD!!! Here is your chance to make that imagined scene really happen for YOU, no matter how inexperienced or worried you are; no matter what your age. I have seen this happen many times in my 30 years as a Horseback Riding Instructor and it CAN happen for you. My question to you is: .Are You Ready To? The only way to put horses into your life with safety and fun is to find a riding instructor that you can connect with. Here are a few questions to ask a riding instructor or yourself as you begin the process: 1.

What does the farm look like? Is the barn neat and are fences in good repair? 2. Is there an enclosed riding area? 3. What is the farm's safety record? As you watch a few lessons, are the horses well-behaved? 4. Are the Horses healthy? 5.

Are you able to spend pre-lesson time with a horse or does someone else do all the grooming and saddling for you? 6. Is the riding instructor available to work with you during the lessons or is it an assistant? 7. Do all the riders wear helmets? If not, really think about that- you only have one head and it won't last long if you fall on it! 8. Is the instructor patient and compassionate with the riders? What tone does the coach use during the lessons? 9. Is there an awareness of each rider's learning style and fear level? 10.

How does the riding instructor handle challenges or problems in the ring? 11. Are there opportunities to become involved with horses other than riding? 12. Are you able to watch and work with more advanced riders? 13. Are you financially and physically able to commit to one lesson per week? The more we repeat a process, the faster we learn it.

14. Are you able to do any type of physical fitness work between lessons to gain endurance? 15. Do students look like they are having fun? Wouldn't YOU like to learn how to be happy with horses? START RIGHT Now by printing these questions and then looking for your Horseback Riding Instructor!.

Deb Mazza is a 1976 honor Graduate of Meredith Manor School. Discover how you can use her skills to become the confident horseback rider you have always dreamed of being. She lives in Bridport, VT. Learn more at http://www.myhorsetreasures.com