First lesson in years.......feeling defated!

[sahara13]

My new yrs resolution is to get back in the saddle so I took the plunge and booked my first lesson at a local riding school. I haven't ridden properly, bar an odd hack, for quite some years although have owned my own horse in the past.
Having been sooo excited (and nervous!!) all week I now feel a bit deflated.
I just wanted your advise on what is normal really. I was put straight into a group lesson for an hour, we only did walk and some trot and at the end we were sent off to find a space and do our own thing. Is this okay? I also seemed to spend most of the time trying to get the pony to move forward, I realise they put me on a steady one for my first lesson but active paces they certainly weren't!
Please help, was I expecting too much?

Hi Sahara, I found that I needed 1/2hr private lessons. You won't really fit into a group lesson as you will have certain skills already but will be rusty with them. In a private lesson the instructor can assess the areas you need work on and plan which horse will suit you.
Hope you enjoy your next time in the saddle

You are expecting too much from the group you are in. I would second the private lesson, my local stables run a return to riding course, tis that sorta thing you need, because you won't be rusty for long!

If you can put up with a handful of lessons maybe do that then look for a horse to share. Lots of people on my yard are looking for sharers from one day per week upwards. Only once you feel ready though. Good luck.

Agreed, book fewer private lessons over group. That way your instructor can assess what you already know and bring you back up to speed. Be honest about your ability but don't be modest either or they will give you plods.

Half an hour of private is better than an hour of group (unless you are young child when it is good they can see their peers and it also gives them breaks).

To be honest the way your lesson went wasn't good enough. If you're still not satisfied after your next visit then look for a different BHS establishment.

where are you? people may know good schools to recommend and/or reassure you that it is a good one? a general area would do it if you wanted to.

I second the Return to Riding course. My instructor is really good and tailors the lessons to our individual levels - e.g. we may all have a trot together and then individually and then I'll have a canter. She's constantly critiquing (and praising) each of us and helping us to improve. Your lesson sounds like it was pitched at the wrong level for you and that you wouldn't get all that much out of it. I also have some lessons on my own, which are also great (much harder work, though!).

I returned to riding just before Christmas and I also feel that private lessons are definitely the way forward - you just get so much more out of the whole experience. I actually tried 3 riding schools before settling on my current instructor. I chose to stick with her as she instantly saw that I could ride (albeit that I'm a bit rusty) and had me jumping on my first lesson. The fact that she really pushes me on is doing wonders for my confidence.
Good luck with your next lesson. If you're anything like me, you'll be totally addicted in no time. I'm already planning ways to neglect my family...

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you all, thank you so much for all your replies.
Agree with everything you all said so I have contacted another riding school who run the Return to Riding course. I have got a private lesson booked for Wednesday!! The yard owner was lovely on the phone and took time to listen to my concerns/ambitions! The old excitement is beginning to return, roll on Wednesday! (am more than prepared to neglect my family ) I will keep you all posted.

Glad to read that you've got a lesson booked elsewhere.

Riding (& horse owning) are an expensive hobby and it has to be right otherwise you might as well just burn all your money! Have fun!