“Wait...I Thought I Knew How to Ride?”

So, you’ve ridden before. Maybe even for years. You know your diagonals, you can trot a circle, maybe you've even got a few show ribbons in your past. You sign up for lessons, expecting to shake off the rust, learn a few new tricks, and get back in the saddle like no time has passed.

And then it happens.

You're in an evaluation or your first ride back, and the instructor says, “Let’s go back to the basics.” Suddenly, you're working on posting rhythm or halting with intention. You get a reminder about your heels, your hands, your seat. The corrections come one after another.

And inside, you’re thinking: Wait a second. I already learned this!

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. At Bear Creek, this happens all the time—to adults and kids, former competitors and returning trail riders alike. And here’s the truth:

To many this feels like a failure, but, really, it’s a fresh start.

A Common Experience—Not a Judgement

First, let’s clear something up: Needing correction doesn’t mean you’re bad at riding. It means you’re human.

Riding is a complex, ever-evolving skill that uses your body, brain, and emotions all at once. Even Olympic-level riders have coaches who tell them to fix their hands or sit up straighter. The best riders in the world still take lessons. Why? Because good riders never stop refining their craft.

Different Barns, Different Standards

Every barn has a slightly different philosophy. Maybe you were taught to grip with your knees, or to hold the reins a certain way, or that speed equals success. At Bear Creek, we put a huge focus on ethical horsemanship, clear communication, and true partnership between horse and rider.

That means we’ll spend time helping you build a solid, kind foundation—even if you’ve been riding for years. We want your horse to understand you and trust you. That starts with the basics.

For the Kids (and the Parents Watching)

For returning young riders, this moment can sting. They remember being good at riding, and now it feels like they're back in kindergarten. As a parent, it can be hard to watch your confident kid deflate a little. But hang in there.

It can feel like a blow to their identity. Being a good rider is part of who they are.

We’re not trying to humble them—we’re helping them grow. And trust us, the pride they’ll feel when they master something again with understanding will be even more rewarding than it was the first time.

We’re All Students

One of the best things about being around horses is that they’re constantly teaching us. At Bear Creek, we believe in lifelong learning—and not just for the students. Our instructors still take clinics, read, study, and look for ways to get better, too. We coach each other. Even riders that have been riding for more than 30 years are receiving correction and learning new techniques or refinements all the time.

So if you find yourself thinking, I thought I already knew this, take a deep breath, pat your horse, and remind yourself:

You do know things—and now you get to know more.

Ready to get back in the saddle? Book your evaluation today by clicking here.